The Samaritan Counseling Center of Southwest Georgia, a not-for-profit organization, officially opened its doors in May, 2007.  We adopted our name through an affiliation with the Samaritan Institute of Denver.  This affiliation has been invaluable, providing the center with leadership development and regular accreditation visits.

Under the leadership of its founding board members, the Samaritan Counseling Center hopes to grow and develop its faith-based services to accommodate anyone in need of help in Southwest Georgia.  As an extension of the counseling ministry of the Church, The Samaritan Counseling Center seeks to serve the needs of the Southwest Georgia Community.

This ministry is made possible by the generous donations of supporters. You are invited to financially partner with us in this growing ministry through your tax deductible donation.

chris beam,
executive director

Chris Beam is the Executive Director of the Samaritan Counseling Center of Southwest Georgia and a Licensed Professional Counselor with 18 years of experience in counseling as well as experience in administrative roles.  Chris earned a BA in Communication from Georgia Southern, an MA in Counseling and an MA in Christian Education from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY.

Chris counsels a variety of issues including marital conflict, depression, grief, parenting issues, behavioral concerns, self-esteem, relational struggles, family conflict, and spiritual direction

Chris is the author of "interference - a 365-day devotional" and "more... a 40-day devotional journey through depression and anxiety".   Both are available at the counseling center and at amazon.com.

RONNIE BURKE,
LMSW / THERAPIST

A native of southwest Georgia, Ronnie graduated from Seminole County High School and received a B.S. degree in Psychology from Georgia Southwestern State University. He then completed his Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Georgia and is currently licensed as an LMSW in the state of Georgia. 

Ronnie has worked in the community mental health system and also coordinated school-based services for severely emotionally disturbed students in southwest Georgia. He currently serves as director of the Decatur County Family Connection and provides counseling for students at Bainbridge State College. Ronnie and his wife Susan have two children and two grandchildren and currently reside in Donalsonville.

rebekah mills,
lcsw / therapist

Rebekah is a licensed clinical social worker with almost ten years of experience in the field of social work. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Troy State University in 2008 and a master’s degree in social work at Valdosta State University in 2013.

Rebekah has several years of experience in counseling individuals with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. She has also counseled adult survivors of childhood trauma, adults with mood and anxiety disorders, provided crisis counseling to adults and children who are in a behavioral health crisis, as well as community work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rebekah’s passion lies in working with those who are moving toward a life of recovery and healing.

Mary Turner,
Office Manager

Mary has an associate of applied science degree in accounting and administrative office technology from Bainbridge State College. Her past experience includes serving as an administrative assistant and managing an accounts payable department. Mary joined the staff at the Samaritan Counseling Center in June of 2010.

Mary is the widow of Johnny Turner, whom she was married to for 38 years. She has two sons and daughters-in-law, three grandsons and one granddaughter. She is a Sunday school teacher, AWANA Leader and member of the choir at her church.