Established in 1979, North Atlanta Counseling Services (NACS) helps people grow and change through the application of biblical principles and counseling theory.

We all have a need and desire for deep, meaningful relationships. When our relationships aren't "working" there is no greater pain. No one is immune to hurt. Our goal is to help people deal effectively with the hurt and overcome the barriers that keep them from experiencing true intimacy.

Gene Schrader, founder and director of North Atlanta Counseling Services (NACS), is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (A.A.M.F.T.). He has been in private practice since 1977 with extensive experience in individual therapy, marriage and family therapy, teenage problems and sexuality. He brings God's truth to those in conflict within their marriages, adjusting and grieving to losses in life, and depression.

A frequent speaker for church groups, he has conducted seminars on sexuality, bonding and true intimacy, parenting and fathering, overcoming affairs, and loyalty. Gene earned his masters degree in counseling from Georgia State University concurrently while attending Psychological Studies Institute (a Christian psychological institute). He has been in Christian related ministries since 1972.

Married since 1963, Gene and his wife, Eldeen, have two daughters, a son, and four grandchildren.

Elizabeth Allison, M. S., is a Nationally Certified Counselor. She earned her master's degree in community counseling from Georgia State University, concurrently while attending Psychological Services Institute and receiving a diploma in Christian counseling.

Ms. Allison is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Her experience includes working in the adolescent unit of private psychiatric hospitals, dealing with adults with addictions and depression, helping women with self-esteem issues and counseling pre-marital and married couples.

Helen Douthat, M.S., ED.S., N.C.C, L.P.C., received her undergraduate degree in Human Development and Family Life (Child Development Specialist) from the University of Kansas. Her Masters and Specialist in the field of Community Counseling were received from Georgia State University. Helen has a second Masters in Christian Psychological Studies and a Certificate in Clinical Theology from the Psychological Studies Institute.

Helen taught disabled pre-school children in a hospital setting and she has had a great deal of experience with her own five children. She has experienced the trauma of divorce and the stress of being a single parent and has done extensive work in both divorce recovery and with children of divorce. Helen has provided workshops and groups related to divorce recovery as well as parenting family issues and personal growth. She has had experience working as both an impatient and outpatient therapist. She enjoys speaking to groups and working with others to develop meaningful and healing programs, which incorporate sound psychological principles, based on Scriptural truths. She enjoys working with people of all ages who are struggling with depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders as well as those who are dealing with marriage, parenting, family, and divorce issues. Helen is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and is a speaker for Fresh Start, a divorce recovery seminar.

Lori Windham, M.S., N.C.C, L.P.C., received her undergraduate degree in Biblical Education from Florida Bible College. Her Masters is in Community Counseling, which she received from Georgia State University. She also received a diploma from the Psychological Studies Institute in Christian Counseling.

Lori works with many clients that struggle with eating disorders and she knows the complexity of this issue personally as well as professionally. She also works with clients who are experiencing depression, anxiety, obsessive thinking and other women's issues.

Lori is married and her interests outside the office include biking, gardening and reading. Lori is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Alan Nava, M.ED, LPC, received his undergraduate degree with a major in Criminal Justice and Psychology and his Masters degree majoring in Community Counseling Services at West Georgia University. With over 30 years of counseling experience, he has been involved in Crisis Centers, Family Mediation Centers, Mental Health Units, Transitional and Maximum Security Prison Facilities.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, he continues to enjoy helping others find “a life worth living.” He uses sound psychological and solution oriented strategies, interfaced with faith based principles, to redirect and empower individuals to find their way and move forward.

He specializes in Conflict/Resolution, Family Mediation, Anger Management, Depression, Stress/Anxiety Management, Addictions and most outpatient Mental Disorders. Personal Life Coaching is also available for individuals looking for mentor support in helping them de-clutter, restart and raise the bar on fulfilling their highest potential.

Most of these treatments can be done in individual or group settings. If you are struggling on the road of Life’s journey and have become lost, confused, wounded or weary and need a professional compass to find a more meaningful destination…He would love to help you.

Alan is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He is married (27) yrs with two grown children and in his leisure time enjoys mountain biking, hunting, photography, travel and reading.