Today we’d like to introduce you to Martin Altman.
Hi Martin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I frequently remind my clients that we aren’t fully developed until about age 26, meaning that it is usually wise to wait a while before determining what we want to do in our careers. This was certainly true for me, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I was 27, I had been working in a youth mental health hospital as a day staff member for a few years when I realized that I wanted to be a therapist. In my eyes, a therapist got to do the “fun stuff” like explore deeper issues that were especially troubling for the patients. I wanted to do THAT!
I started school at Georgia State University in 2009. I graduated and worked in various roles as an intern and young therapist. It soon became evident that I was meant for private practice, so I launched out on my on in 2014. I’ve not looked back, and I still love this job! My focus has since shifted to adults with ADHD and various forms of anxiety and neurodivergence.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
A rookie therapist goes through a gauntlet of challenges to become fully licensed and self sufficient. It takes about 7 years from the time you begin grad school until the work becomes financially sustainable. First there are 2 years of school, then 3 years of associate licensure, and then 2 more years are usually required before insurance benefits can be billed individually by the provider. Getting paneled with my first insurance provider was a huge milestone for me.
I also had to slowly come to the realization that I have ADHD. I knew that I was creative and fairly intelligent, but why was I so bad at organizing? I was funny and charismatic, but why was I so easily offended? After a few suggestions from trusted colleagues, I started researching ADHD. Pretty soon it was more than apparent that the label applied to me. This proved to be a good thing in the long run, though, because I also realized that the folks I was best at helping were my fellow ADHDers. It defined my practice in the long run!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I help Atlanta’s creative professionals find ways to overcome the challenges brought on by ADHD and Autism Level 1. I offer a seasoned perspective informed by first-hand experience. If someone is struggling to manage distraction, rejection, or difficulties in social settings, I know I can help them. I’m also pretty good at helping folks manage anxiety.
I believe that your creative outlet is probably your best weapon against the struggles your facing. While I can teach you things like time management skills and thought-stopping strategies, your creativity is what will lead you to confidence and self-love. We’ll lean in hard on how you can use those skills to help motivate yourself.
I understand the importance that dopamine plays in motivation. I can help you find ways to get yourself out of bed, to create a routine that actually works, to overcome exhaustion and burn-out, and to regain control over your productivity. It’s actually not super difficult once you understand what drives you.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Much of my practice is about using the book ADHD 2.0 by Dr. Ed Hallowell.
I also follow the Shrink Think Podcast and have appeared on it in the past.
Larger organizations have been helpful for connecting me to helpful trainings, such as the Licensed Professional Counselors Association of Georgia and CHADD.
Finally, the Chattanooga Autism Center has been an extraordinary resource. They are very helpful and are a huge asset for the TN and GA communities.
Pricing:
- Sessions are $140 per session.
- Aetna and United Healthcare also accepted.
- Superbills are provided for clients to file for out-of-network benefits.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stillwatercounselingatl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altman.marty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playtherapydouglasville
