Welcome
Dr. Gloria DeSantis Meaux has been serving Atlanta’s children, families, and schools as both an educator and a licensed psychologist for over 45 years. Her progressive education and experience in and out of the classroom have made her one of the most insightful and sought after psychologists in Atlanta. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychology as well as three additional psychology and educational degrees.
Dr. Meaux began her career in 1973 as a State of Georgia Certified Elementary Teacher. As an educator, her activities became focused on psychological testing and assessments outside of the classroom. Gloria quickly transitioned to School Psychologist where she was exposed to the full demands of child psychology, also assuming leadership roles in training and support of fellow educators. This extensive experience in leadership roles led to requests for her services as a consultant from schools and school systems across Atlanta, as well as the State of Georgia.
Dr. Gloria DeSantis Meaux
By 1992, Gloria had earned her Ph.D. with her dissertation: “Prevention of Child Abuse in an At-Risk Population: Critical Factors in Program Success.” Dr. Meaux became licensed to practice psychology in the State of Georgia and launched into private practice, continuing to focus on children and their families.
Since then, she has been an active member of the both the American Psychological Association (APA) and Georgia Psychological Association (GPA) where she has served as a member of the Ethics Committee and the Chair of Division G: Family, Child, and Assessments.
Consulting
Dr. Meaux’s consulting services have been sought out and retained throughout her years in practice. Her strength and experience lies in working with schools, the children they educate, and their families. She is engaged by schools and school systems to assist in the full range of behavioral and mental health issues. Likewise, Dr. Meaux has been asked to advise on a variety of testing and assessment programs. She also offers customized training to school teachers and counselors to help address the same issues and is highly qualified to assist in crisis events.
State of Georgia
Disability Adjudication Services
Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta
Schools
Consult with schools and school counselors, discipline, parenting and child abuse
Oversee academic screening of new students
Office of Family Concerns
Premarital and Remarriage Workshops
Christ the King School
Teacher services on cooperative discipline, STEP groups, and case consultation
Therapy
General
General
Toddlers
Pre-School
Children
Adolescents
Adults
Couples
Families
Children
Children
Anxiety & Depression
ADHD
Behavioral Disorders
Child Development
Divorce
Academic Challenges
Assessment
Adolescents
Adolescents
Anxiety & Depression
ADHD & OCD
Academics
Socialization
Self-Esteem
Behavioral Disorders
Trauma & Abuse
Adults
Adults
Anxiety & Depression
ADHD
Trauma & PTSD
Codependency
Relationships
Women’s Issues
Divorce
Couples
Couples
Communication
Negotiation
Codependency
Adoption
Infidelity
Divorce
Retirement
Families
Families
Parenting
Re-Marriage
Blended Families
Communication
Boundaries
Conflict Resolution
Grief
Assessments
“Why is my child having attention issues, behavioral problems, withdrawn, or unexplained emotionality?”
“Why is math or reading challenging for my child?”
“Why does my child have difficulty in test taking?”
“Is my child gifted?”
Testing or assessments are excellent tools in helping to diagnose and/or identify specific issues, as well as opportunities. Often times what seems to make us weak in one area also makes us strong in another. Testing and assessments offer a baseline for measurement and awareness of underlying causes gaining insights to challenges and leading to effective individualized approaches.
Dr. Meaux offers psychological evaluations with a range of specialized assessments for both children and adults, including intellectual potential, learning style, executive functioning, academic achievement, and social and emotional assessment.
If you or your child are experiencing extraordinary challenges or showing signs of untapped potential, a specialized psychological test or assessment can help give you answers.
JATP
Joint Admissions Testing Program
Grades K-5
Dr. Meaux is an authorized JATP psychologist. JATP is the Joint Admissions Testing Program organized by a group of leading Atlanta private schools. As a part of their admissions process, each student applicant is required to undergo a standardized testing process. A link to complete JATP information and instructions is provided below, as well as a link to download the JATP Registration Form.
If you have any questions regarding the Joint Admissions Testing Program process, please feel free to contact Dr. Meaux directly at 404-841-9293 or gmeaux@drgloriameaux.com. Thank you.
FAQ
When do I have to make payment for JATP testing?admin2017-09-07T15:30:41-05:00
JATP payments are collected at the time of registration for the testing, in order for your JATP testing time to be confirmed. You are free to provide cash or check directly to Dr. Meaux prior to testing. Alternatively, we can provide you a link to pay by credit card for your convenience.
When do I have to make payment for therapy sessions?admin2017-09-06T15:14:54-05:00
Payments are due at the end of each session.
What forms of payment do you accept?admin2017-09-07T15:32:31-05:00
Cash or check. For JATP only, we will send you a link to pay by credit/debit card for your convenience.
Will you consider a lower fee?admin2017-09-18T11:16:24-05:00
Dr. Meaux’s practice offers a limited number of appointments on a reduced-fee basis. However, these spots are often full. Please know that your ability to afford behavioral/mental health services should never be a barrier to getting help. There are several organizations in Georgia where low cost services are available, typically provided by therapists who are still in training. Keep in mind that you may need to show proof of income to be eligible for these services. Dr. Meaux is happy to offer referrals if she is not able to offer a reduced fee.
What payment method is preferred?admin2017-09-06T15:03:44-05:00
Payment by check or cash is preferred.
What are your fees for JATP testing?admin2017-09-25T15:59:52-05:00
The fee for JATP testing is fixed by the JATP as noted on their website www.jatp.org
May I review the results with you one-on-one?admin2017-09-06T14:59:39-05:00
Yes. You may schedule a one-on-one feedback session which includes a detailed report beyond the test summary for an additional fee. This is optional, but recommended.
What happens with the JATP testing results?admin2017-09-18T11:53:13-05:00
Once completed, the JATP test results are uploaded to Ravenna, so each of the schools to which you are applying may access those results.
How do I schedule a JATP test?admin2017-09-25T16:04:48-05:00
The first step is to download and complete the registration form from the JATP website at www.jatp.org. Next, email the complete JATP registration form to Dr. Meaux as an email attachment. She will send you an email acknowledging receipt of your JATP Registration Form which will also include a payment link. After payment has been received, Dr. Meaux will call you to schedule a testing date. Payment for JATP testing must be made prior to testing to confirm a testing date.
Where can I find more information about JATP?admin2017-09-06T14:54:02-05:00
The JATP maintains their own website at www.jatp.org. There you can find a full description of the JATP and the testing process.
What is the JATP?admin2017-09-06T14:53:00-05:00
The JATP is the Joint Admissions Testing Program organized by a group of leading Atlanta private schools. As a part of the admissions process, each student applicant is required to undergo a standardized testing process conducted by a psychologist authorized by the JATP.
When do I have to make payment for specialized assessments or testing?admin2017-09-06T14:51:16-05:00
Payments for specialized assessments or testing are collected at the time the services are rendered.
What are the fees for specialized Testing and/or Assessments?admin2017-09-07T15:25:55-05:00
Fees for specialized testing and assessments vary based upon complexity and depth. The total assessment fee is based on the number of hours of testing, report writing and scoring, and a feedback session with the parents. Dr. Meaux can discuss the necessary tests involved and the fees.
What questions can Testing and Assessment help answer?admin2017-09-06T14:48:21-05:00
Why is my child having attention issues, not reading well, behavioral problems, withdrawn, or unexplained emotionality? Why is math or reading challenging for my child? Why do I or my child have difficulty in test taking? Am I or is my child gifted?
What is the value of Testing or Assessment?admin2017-09-06T14:47:14-05:00
Testing or assessments are excellent tools in helping to diagnose and/or identify specific issues, as well as opportunities. Often times what seems to make us weak in one area also makes us strong in another. Testing and assessments offer a baseline for measurement and awareness of underlying causes and insights to challenges suggesting effective individualized approaches.
What type of specialized Tests and Assessments do you offer?admin2017-09-18T11:05:04-05:00
Dr. Meaux offers psychological evaluations with a range of specialized assessments for both children and adults, including intellectual potential, learning style, executive functioning, academic achievement, and social and emotional assessment.
Do you accept insurance?admin2017-09-06T15:09:07-05:00
Dr. Meaux’s practice is an “out-of-network” provider. Some insurance plans include out-of-network benefits. The best thing to do is to call the number on your insurance card and ask about your out of network behavior/mental health benefits. If they do take out of network providers, we can provide you with a receipt that you can use to file for reimbursement with your insurance company.
What are your fees?admin2017-09-18T11:19:55-05:00
Generally, the fees vary depending on the type of services provided. Please contact Dr. Meaux to discuss the fees and the services you need.
What are your fees for consulting?admin2017-09-18T11:51:53-05:00
Generally, the fees vary depending on the type of services provided. Please contact Dr. Meaux to discuss the fees and the services you need.
Do you offer crisis services for schools?admin2017-09-18T11:36:08-05:00
Yes. Dr. Meaux can be engaged on a case-by-case basis or in the event of a school wide crisis event.
What type of consulting do you offer?admin2017-09-18T11:39:57-05:00
Dr. Meaux’s strength and experience lies in working with schools, the children they educate, and their families. She is engaged by schools and school systems to assist in the full range of behavioral and mental health issues, as well as testing and assessment programs. In addition, she offers training to school teachers and counselors.
What is the cancellation policy?admin2017-09-06T14:52:00-05:00
The regular fee will be charged for your appointment when cancellations are received less than 24 hours in advance.
How long is a session?admin2017-09-06T14:38:04-05:00
Sessions generally last 50 minutes; however, this is flexible. A client’s circumstance, schedule, or special work may on occasion suggest something different.
How long will I need help?admin2017-09-06T14:37:49-05:00
The length of time someone is in therapy can vary greatly. It depends on the nature and severity of the problem, as well a person’s willingness, ability, and motivation to overcome it. The time can range from a few weeks to a year or more. Keep in mind that most problems that bring people into some sort of therapy may have evolved over a long period of time, and it is better to be realistic and patient when working to overcome them.
How often do we meet?admin2017-09-06T14:37:34-05:00
It is generally recommended that we initially meet weekly. We may choose to decrease frequency with time depending on your needs and goals.
What happens in my first session?admin2017-09-06T14:35:43-05:00
The first session is to hear about what has brought you to therapy and what you hope to accomplish. After the initial assessment is complete, together we can decide how to move forward.
How do I get started?admin2017-09-18T11:18:35-05:00
The first step is to call or email Dr. Meaux at gmeaux@drgloriameaux.com. If you have more questions or would like to move forward and schedule an appointment, feel free to call her at (404) 841-9293.
Do you prescribe medication?admin2017-09-18T11:29:16-05:00
No. Typically a psychiatrist, internist, or primary care physician prescribes medication. Most problems can be solved without medication. However, some problems include a medical component, and medication is a valuable resource. During the therapy process, we can help you determine whether or not medication is indicated. If it is, we can refer you to a psychiatrist and collaborate with him or her in order to coordinate your care.
How can I get the most out of professional counseling?admin2017-09-18T11:29:48-05:00
Research studies consistently show that the most important thing in a relationship with your psychologist is not the theoretical orientation or intervention used, but the quality of the relationship. If you do not like and trust your psychologist on a basic level, the help is going to be ineffective.
With that said, as a patient or client, most of what happens in therapy depends on you. You are hiring your therapist to help you change things in your life. It is important to be completely honest with your therapist. He or she can’t help you if you withhold important information. At times, the counselor may invite a family member or significant other into the session with you to get another perspective.
Take some time after the session to review what was said and to think about how to act on it. A therapy session usually lasts under an hour, but you have many more hours in the week to follow-up on what was said. Be sure to do any homework that you were asked to do. Not all therapists assign tasks to do between sessions, but when they are assigned they are important to the process.
Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions between sessions. Let your therapist know about any patterns that you feel or observe, especially anything out of the ordinary. Make notes and take them to the session. Journaling can be very helpful.
Your relationship with your psychologist is a partnership. It is always most effective when you are an active partner.
Am I personally weak for seeking professional help?admin2017-09-18T11:30:24-05:00
No. Most people would agree that realizing your need for professional help and taking the steps to secure it for yourself or your child is a sign of personal strength. Ultimately, you have to decide. We all need a support system. The question is whether or not your current support system is adequate in light of the issues you are currently facing.
When is a psychologist helpful?admin2017-09-18T11:31:52-05:00
There are times when family and friends can be extremely helpful assisting us with our issues. Often times they can help us determine our best options or encourage us to keep the faith. There are times, however, when those closest to us may not ask the right questions or provide the best guidance. Psychologists are trained to listen and to ask the right questions. We do not make decisions for you; rather we help you sort out your options based on the values that are important to you.
Do I or my child need professional help?admin2017-09-18T11:32:40-05:00
Trust your instincts. If you are considering the idea that it might be helpful to talk to someone about what’s going on, then you are probably right. Some of the most successful clients are those who are doing quite well but need some extra attention in a specific area of life.
Does professional counseling work?admin2017-09-18T11:33:41-05:00
Nine out of ten Americans say psychotherapy helped them. (APA, How to Find Help Through Psychotherapy, 1998)
Resilience involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned by anyone. (APA, The Road to Resilience, 2002)
Ninety-one percent of Americans are likely to consult or recommend that a family member consult with a mental health professional. (APA Survey 2004)
Two thirds of Americans say they are likely to seek help for stress. (APA Survey 2004)
Resources
