James Milner, LCSW, CSW
Whole-person therapy grounded in culture, history, and meaning
- Evidence based and holistic
- Adults and couples support
- Trauma stress and anger
About James Milner
James Milner, LCSW, CSW, is a Georgia-based therapist who brings a long-standing background in counseling and community mental health. He earned a Bachelor of Social Work from Savannah State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia. He obtained his LMSW in 2006 and clinical licensure in 2012, and he has spent his career serving the Atlanta area in both nonprofit leadership and psychotherapy settings.
Early in his professional work, James served as a Mental Health Specialist with Community Concerns, Inc., where he supervised a transitional housing program for severely mentally ill homeless men for 10 years. He later became the agency’s Executive Director and designed and implemented multiple supportive housing programs, including emergency shelter, transitional housing for women, a dual diagnosis substance abuse residential program, and an apartment complex with onsite supportive services for homeless families.
Alongside his nonprofit work, he founded a private practice, S.H.A.N.T.I Psychotherapy, LLC (Spiritual Holistic and Natural Therapeutic Interventions). Through this practice he provided contracted services at Georgia State University’s Counseling and Testing Department for approximately three years and later operated from an office in downtown Decatur before stepping away when his nonprofit responsibilities expanded.
James is also a licensed and ordained Baptist minister and serves as Assistant Pastor and Lead Pastoral Counselor for the Chapel of Christian Love Baptist Church. His training includes hypnotherapy, and he is a yogi and Reiki Master, with certification as a Meditation Instructor and as an Anger Management trainer. He emphasizes the importance of understanding each client’s culture, worldview, and belief system, and he draws from an eclectic framework that integrates philosophy, psychology, and spirituality alongside evidence-based practices. He often helps adults explore personal history and how it connects to present-day challenges, working with men, women, and couples while viewing diagnosis as a tool to guide solutions rather than define the person.
Early in his professional work, James served as a Mental Health Specialist with Community Concerns, Inc., where he supervised a transitional housing program for severely mentally ill homeless men for 10 years. He later became the agency’s Executive Director and designed and implemented multiple supportive housing programs, including emergency shelter, transitional housing for women, a dual diagnosis substance abuse residential program, and an apartment complex with onsite supportive services for homeless families.
Alongside his nonprofit work, he founded a private practice, S.H.A.N.T.I Psychotherapy, LLC (Spiritual Holistic and Natural Therapeutic Interventions). Through this practice he provided contracted services at Georgia State University’s Counseling and Testing Department for approximately three years and later operated from an office in downtown Decatur before stepping away when his nonprofit responsibilities expanded.
James is also a licensed and ordained Baptist minister and serves as Assistant Pastor and Lead Pastoral Counselor for the Chapel of Christian Love Baptist Church. His training includes hypnotherapy, and he is a yogi and Reiki Master, with certification as a Meditation Instructor and as an Anger Management trainer. He emphasizes the importance of understanding each client’s culture, worldview, and belief system, and he draws from an eclectic framework that integrates philosophy, psychology, and spirituality alongside evidence-based practices. He often helps adults explore personal history and how it connects to present-day challenges, working with men, women, and couples while viewing diagnosis as a tool to guide solutions rather than define the person.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentBlended family issuesCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Hypnotherapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does James Milner have?
James Milner has 11 years of experience.
Is James Milner a licensed therapist?
Yes. James Milner holds the credentials LCSW and CSW. His license is listed as GA LCSW CSW004725.
In which languages does James Milner provide therapy?
He provides therapy in English.
Where is James Milner located?
James Milner is located in Georgia.
How can I work with James Milner as my therapist?
You can work with James Milner through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. This range of options can make it easier to get support in a format that fits your schedule and comfort level.
Does James Milner work with international clients?
No. James Milner does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with James Milner cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Tools That Translate Well to Online Sessions
James Milner draws from several evidence-based approaches that can be effective in an online format. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and practicing new ways of responding, which can be especially useful when stress, anxiety, depression, or anger feel like they are taking over daily life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes noticing thoughts and emotions without getting stuck in them, while clarifying personal values and taking practical steps toward what matters most. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) builds skills for coping with intense emotions, improving communication, and navigating relationship conflict through tools such as mindfulness and distress tolerance.Finding the right approach is part of the work. James collaborates with each client to understand goals, preferences, and the context of their life, then adjusts the focus over time as needs become clearer and progress unfolds.
Online therapy can make it easier to stay consistent with support. Clients can meet by video calls or phone sessions when they want real-time conversation, or use live chat and text-based messaging for added flexibility. These options can help therapy fit around demanding schedules, family responsibilities, and life transitions while keeping momentum between sessions.