Betsy A. Gard, Ph.D.

770-393-1880 Ext. 108

Dr. Gard received her Bachelor’s from the University of Michigan and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Washington University. She completed her internship at the University of North Carolina Medical School, Department of Psychiatry.

In 1978, Dr. Gard came to Atlanta to accept a position as an Assistant Professor in the Emory Medical School Department of Psychiatry, where she continues to serve as a clinical faculty member. She has worked at Grady Hospital in their Child and Adolescent Clinic, supervising graduate students and interns.

Dr. Gard has been affiliated with the Atlanta Area Family Psychiatry Clinic since 1984. She specializes in post traumatic stress disorders, grief and loss, anxiety, and mood disorders. Dr. Gard has had specialized training in couples/marital therapy, sexual dysfunctions, and psychoactive/substance disorders. She also works with families who have adopted/blended families, families coping with divorce and infertility issues.

Dr. Gard organized and leads the Disaster Response Network for the State of Georgia. She is a Manager in Mental Health for the American Red Cross. She frequently lectures statewide and nationally on trauma, disasters, grief and loss. She has been involved as a responder to many disasters including Hurricane Andrew, the Oklahoma City bombing, the Olympic bombing, September 11, and Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Gard has also gone on international missions to Romania, Russia, Belarus and China to train staff to treat children, adolescents and families with special needs.

Dr. Gard is a fellow and member of the Georgia Psychological Association, the American Psychological Association, the National Registry of Health Providers, and certified as a Psychoactive Substance Provider.

For over 25 years, Dr. Gard was affiliated with Scottish Rite Children’s Health Care. She was voted Woman of the Year in 2002 by the Division of Women Psychologists. She was given the Nancy Steinberg Mental Health Education Award in 1993 and the Mental Health Association Award. She was given the Award for Outstanding Service to the community and the American Red Cross in 2005 by the Georgia Psychological Association.

Dr. Gard served as Vice President of Georgia Psychological Association in 1990-1993, and as the President from 2006-2007. She has numerous publications and has lectured extensively nationally and internationally.

Dr. Gard lives in a blended family, she loves to write creative stories and poems. Her other favorite activities include walks in nature, traveling and providing pro bono service to the community.