J. Frank Batkins, Ph.D., ABPP

J. Frank Batkins, Ph.D., ABPP is a Licensed and Board Certified Psychologist who specializes in the assessment and treatment of children, youth and families. Dr. Batkins is registered with the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, Board Certified as a Family Psychologist with the American Board of Professional Psychology, and licensed to practice in Georgia. He is a past president and a national evaluator for the American Board of Family Psychology, past treasurer and board member of the Georgia Psychological Association's Division of Licensed Psychologists, and expert disability reviewer for the Social Security Administration. In addition, he is on the Psychology Panel for the Joint Admissions Testing Program for the Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools.

Dr. Batkins was graduated Magna Cum Laude from Old Dominion University, received his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee, and completed a clinical child internship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. More specifically, Dr. Batkins studied cognitive behavioral therapy with Aaron T. Beck, MD at Dr. Beck's Center for Cognitive Therapy when it was associated with the University of Pennsylvania. Thus, his practice focuses on using research-based systemic and cognitive-behavioral interventions as the primary means to bring about healthy balance for his clients, most of whom present with issues associated with depression, suicide, anxiety, learning disabilities, attention and marital/family problems.

Prior to becoming a partner with the Behavioral Institute and serving as a state wide consultant to the Department of Juvenile Justice, Dr. Batkins was a chief of child/adolescent and emergency services at a mental health center, a university professor and clinic coordinator with a regional interdisciplinary evaluation and treatment center, and a director of psychological services within the public schools. His media work includes CNN, local radio and TV appearances, and expert comments for the Atlanta Magazine, Connecting with Kids cable network, and various regional newspapers. He is committed to pro-bono efforts within the community, and to that end, he has provided services for residents of a family shelter and individuals within his practice. He considers it a privilege to practice his profession with those who entrust themselves and their loved ones to him.    

Dr. Batkins can be contacted directly at (404) 256-9325, extension 726.