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Life is all about relationships. We are not meant to live our lives in isolation.

Friends having a good time at a party
multigenerational family
All Hands In

Welcome

The foundation of my practice is built on the belief that all individuals possess innate worth, purpose, and talent. I am passionate about helping people create a life worth living through discovering their strengths and living in accordance with their values. It is possible to experience contentment and joy in life, and find meaning in everyday living.

 

However, we will all inevitably face difficult times in our lives and occasionally need support and assistance to manage stressful, often unexpected, circumstances like unemployment, divorce, a move to a new city, or the death of a friend or family member.  Some need help managing issues like low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, and spiritual conflicts.  I provide my clients with encouragement and clarity and teach skills needed to manage feelings of

being emotionally overwhelmed.

 

I don't believe in a "one size fits all" approach when it comes to therapy and counseling. We will work collaboratively to create a plan with interventions that work for you.  I find that a holistic approach serves clients well and frequently incorporate elements of Systems, Existential, Psychodynamic, and Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral therapies into treatment, as well as Biblical counseling, Positive Psychology and a Trauma-Informed perspective.

 

 

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How I Can Help
 

Relationship Therapy
Enhance your ability to connect with others.

Strengthen relationships at Agape Familyworks. You will be led through the process of building stronger, healthier connections with others. Whether you’re navigating communication challenges or simply hoping to deepen your relationships, you’ll receive thoughtful guidance and practical tools tailored to your needs.  Our sessions are designed to support meaningful, lasting change so you can experience more harmony and confidence

in your interactions.


Family & Couples Therapy
Foster harmony and understanding.
 
 

At Agape Familyworks, we provide a supportive space for families and couples to work through challenges, improve communication, and build healthier patterns of connection. Together, we explore effective ways to navigate difficult moments, resolve conflicts, and strengthen the bonds that matter most. Whether you’re facing parenting concerns, marital strain, relationship conflict, or communication breakdowns, Agape Familyworks offers steady guidance and compassionate support every step of the way.

Community Partner Lunch and Learn
Provide a Psychoeducational Seminar.

Utilize the lunch hour to book a 60-minute informative mental health psychoeducation workshop. These seminars are designed to educate staff and leadership of companies, schools, churches, or other organizations, that desire to promote understanding and reduce stigma that surrounds mental health issues.  Gain insight into common mental health diagnoses, symptoms,  coping strategies, and self-care practices. Learn in a
supportive group environment and enhance your understanding of psychological well-being, resulting in a supportive, inclusive culture.


 

Existential Therapy & Life Coaching

​​Discover a deeper sense of meaning and direction.​​

 

 

​​​Step into a supportive space and explore who you are, what you value, and the life you want to create. Through a blend of counseling and life‑coaching strategies, you’ll gain practical tools to move through challenges with clarity and confidence, while shaping goals that align with your passions and purpose.

Whether you’re seeking personal growth, navigating a major life transition, or longing for deeper fulfillment, Agape Familyworks offers compassionate guidance that

empowers you to live with intention, hope, and a renewed sense of meaning—both in your inner world and in the everyday choices that shape your life.

​

Groups

Monitor this page for more information on start dates.

 

~Parents of Teens~

Psychoeducation and Support Group for parents of adolescents ages 12-17.  

 

~Parents of Adult Children with SMI~

Psychoeducation and Support Group for parents of adult children ages 18+

with a diagnosed mental illness that causes severe functional impairment

defined as: A "substantial interference" with a person's ability to function

in major life activities like work, school, social relationships, or self-care.

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~Support for Non-Professional Caregivers~

Psychoeducation and Support Group for those providing care

to mentally disabled individuals.

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About

Me

 

Georgena Dopyera, LCSW

 

“You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”

​

This quote from C.S. Lewis captures the heart of my work and my belief that healing, growth, and meaningful change are always possible—no matter where you’re starting from. My own journey into mental health advocacy began when my oldest son was diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder. As I learned to navigate his diagnosis, I immersed myself in education, support, and advocacy, eventually becoming certified through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to teach their Family‑to‑Family signature education program. That experience opened my eyes to how many individuals and families are quietly struggling, and it shaped the compassionate, non‑judgmental approach I bring to therapy today.

​

During my seven years with NAMI, I served my community by teaching mental health education classes, leading support groups, collaborating with local organizations, and offering seminars aimed at reducing stigma and increasing understanding. That work inspired me to return to school and deepen my ability to help others. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University and began clinical practice in crisis intervention and trauma‑informed care at the Children’s Advocacy Center and Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital.

​

Today, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice, partnering with Mirror Counseling in Panama City Beach and Clarity Mental Health in Panama City. My approach is holistic—I look at the “big picture,” including the social, emotional, and environmental factors that shape your well‑being. I provide personalized therapy for children, teens, adults, couples, and families, as well as psychoeducational and therapeutic groups throughout the year. I also continue to educate local businesses and community members through professional seminars focused on compassion, early intervention, and mental health awareness. In addition, I serve as an adjunct professor at Florida State University Panama City.

​

​Beyond my professional life, I’ve been married to my high‑school sweetheart for 37 years, and we have two adult sons who continue to inspire my work. I find joy in simple pleasures—time with family, reading, studying human behavior, walking on the beach, watching sunrises and sunsets, exploring Pinterest, playing the piano, and creating a warm, welcoming home.

 

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m here to walk alongside you as you discover new possibilities, reclaim your sense of self, and begin shaping the ending you deserve.

coastal lighthouse shining at night harvest moon

 

Through relationship-building skills based on love, trust, respect and understanding, we can find common ground and develop an appreciation for our own and other's values and perspectives.​

couple walking on white sand beach crystal clear water

Experiencing personal growth both enlarges our vision and narrows our focus, helping us prioritize what really matters.

sunset on white sand beach with blue water

With psychoeducation,

we gain insight into common mental health issues and diagnoses, coping strategies, and self-care practices.

 

Areas of treatment include:

​​​

  • Life Transitions 

  • Interpersonal Relationships

  • Couples/Families/Parents

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Work and Career Concerns 

  • Stress and Anger Management 

  • Conflict Resolution 

  • Premarital Counseling 

  • Trauma 

  • Self Discovery & Personal Growth

 

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Benefits available from therapy include:

​

  •  Personal growth and better understanding of self, goals, and  values 

  • Improved interactions with difficult people

  • Improved relationships

  • Increased self-esteem and self-confidence

  • Learning healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety

  • Managing emotional pressures

  • Becoming unstuck

  • Sense of joy and contentment within family and marriage relationships 

  • Better communication and listening skills

 

 

Agape Familyworks provides support in a relaxed, safe and judgement-free environment

so you can experience growth and healing.

Can Therapy Help Me?  Yes!  
Most clients report reduced anxiety and a feeling of hopefulness
after their first session!

Child Psychology

Counseling

Counseling sessions focus on helping you understand and manage mental health conditions, develop coping mechanisms, improve relationships, gain self awareness, change negative patterns and enhance resilience.  

Couples Therapy

Holistic Care

We take a person-in-environment approach to understand the complex interactions within your world, like home, work, school, and culture. Traditional therapy is combined with such practices as art therapy and mindfulness. Focus is on the interconnected parts of your life to provide a sense of empowerment and control so you can live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. 

Group Therapy Session

Support Groups

Support groups at Agape Familyworks help you connect with others facing similar struggles. These groups provide a sense of community and understanding as you work towards healing and growth. They are offered on an as needed basis.


​​​Book It!

To set an appointment in town or on the beach, or to find out more

Call or Text Georgena directly

 888-77-AGAPE (24273) 

​​

You can also request a FREE 10-minute consultation here:

​https://georgena-dopyera.clientsecure.me/contact-widget​

​

Self-pay Individual: 

$120/60-minute session.

​

Self-pay Individual "Pay Ahead" Packages: 

6-session package includes six 60-minute therapy sessions redeemable

for up to six consecutive months after payment is received.

$600 package price for one person. 

12-session package includes twelve 60-minute therapy sessions redeemable

for up to twelve consecutive months after payment is received.

$1200 package price for one person. 

 

Self-pay Couples and Families:  

$170/60-minute session. ​

 

Payments accepted: Cash, Check, Venmo, Credit Card​​​

​

Businesses and Community Organizations:

60-minute LUNCH AND LEARN interactive psychoeducation seminar. This forum is held in a supportive group setting at a location of your choosing (Bay and surrounding counties). The presentation is designed for staff and leadership of companies, churches, schools, clinics, and other organizations that desire to promote understanding of mental health issues and eliminate stigma. Attendees gain insight into common mental health issues and diagnoses, coping strategies, and self-care practices. Time for Q&A is included.

$300 for up to 10 attendees.  Price increases based on travel costs and number of people in attendance. Take home information is included. Bookings must be at least 30 days in advance. Call me directly for more information.

​

What About Insurance?

Agape Familyworks is currently a “self-pay office” and does not accept insurance.

***To utilize insurance or EAP benefits you may book an appointment with me through Mirror Counseling in Panama City Beach, located at

415 N. Richard Jackson Blvd., Suite 424, by calling 850-279-9936.

​​

  • Aetna

  • BlueCross BlueShield

  • Sunshine

  • Tricare

  • United UMR

  • and more​

What's New?

Local Resources​

Salvation Army- 1824 15th Street, Panama City, FL 32401, 850-769-5259

Main Services:  Disaster response, Emergency payments, Food Pantry, Spiritual support, Youth Development, Clothing, Home goods, Help paying for Housing and Utilities, Navigating the System, one on one Support.

              *Domestic Violence support:   850-763-0706

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Catholic Charities​- 3128 E 11th St, Panama City, FL 32401, 850-763-0475

Main Services:  Help paying for Housing, Utilities, ​Food, Prescription Assistance.

​

Bayway- 920 Wilson Ave, Panama City, FL 32401, 850-769-0557
Main services: Bay County public transportation system

​

Healthy Start (Bay, Franklin, Gulf Counties)- 

2101 Northside Drive, Panama City, FL 32405, 850-215-1320

Main services:  Nutrition Education, Baby suppplies, Health Education, Case Management, Support Network, Nutrition Education

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Social Security Disability Benefits Assistance- Call 866-993-8533.  

Web:  https://mindset.care/prequalify?eid=292

Main services:  SSI/SSDI Evaluation, Application Support, Appeals/Denial Representation, Advocacy

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Honest Jobs (Background-Friendly Jobs/Resource Center for Justice- Involved People)-  

Email: Contactus@honestjobs.com, Web: https://www.honestjobs.com/about-honest-jobs Main services: Job Placement, Supported Employment, Education, Interview Training, Resume writing

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SOAR (SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access, Recovery)- Call 850-296-6923

Web:  https://soarworks.samhsa.gov/states/florida

Main services:   Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers the SOAR program to increase access to Social Security disability benefits for eligible adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or co-occurring substance use disorder.

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More Local Resources at Findhelp.org

​

Nationwide:​

  •  988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:

    • Call or Text: 988 

    • Chat: 988lifeline.org 

    • Availability: 24/7 

    • What it offers: Support for people in mental health, substance use, or suicide crises. 

​

    • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness:                                                                   

    •      HelpLine:

      • Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) 

      • Text: Text "HELPLINE" to 62640 

      • Chat: Go to NAMI.org/help 

      • Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m., ET 

      • What it offers: Information, resource referrals, and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public.

      •                                                    

      • Teen & Young Adult HelpLine: 

      • Text: Text Friend to 62640 

      • Chat: Click the chat bubble on the NAMI website 

      • Call: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Send me a message
 and I’ll get back to you shortly.

Agape Familyworks would like your consent to send text message communications from +18887724273 to your mobile number listed above.


Consent is not a condition of treatment. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply 'STOP' to unsubscribe at any time. Reply 'HELP' for assistance or more information.


We do not share your mobile opt-in information with anyone. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we handle your data.

 

 

 

Privacy Policy

​​

This Privacy Policy applies exclusively to Agape Familyworks

​

Agape Familyworks- Relationship Therapy

1220 Jenks Ave., Panama City, FL, 32401

888-77-AGAPE (24273)

​

EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS NOTICE This notice went into effect on January 1, 2025

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

​

**Agape Familyworks respects your privacy. By opting into our SMS messaging service, you agree to the following terms regarding how we handle your data:

Data Collection: We will collect your name, email address, mailing address, and mobile phone number when you sign up for SMS updates. The information will be collected via a web form in our website.

Data Usage: We use your data solely for sending appointment reminders and appointment related information.

Data Security: We protect your data with secure storage measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Data Retention: We retain your information as long as you are subscribed to our SMS service. You may request deletion at any time.

MESSAGE AND DATA RATES MAY APPLY. Your mobile carrier may charge fees for sending or receiving text messages, especially if you do not have an unlimited texting or data plan.

Messages are recurring, and message frequency varies.**
Contact Agape Familyworks at 888-772-4273
or email us at agapefamilyworks@currently.com for HELP or to STOP receiving messages.

Opt-Out: You can opt out of the SMS list at anytime by texting, emailing, or replying STOP or UNSUBSCRIBE to agapefamilyworks@currently.com
or 888-772-4273. After unsubscribing, we will remove your number from our list within 24 hours. You will receive one final text message to confirm you have unsubscribed.

Non-Sharing Clause: We do not share your data with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes. Agape Familyworks will not sell, rent, or share the collected mobile numbers.**

Data Sharing
• Customer data is not shared with 3rd parties for promotional or marketing purposes.
• Mobile opt-in and consent are never shared with anyone for any purpose. Any information sharing that may be mentioned elsewhere in this policy excludes mobile opt-in data.

Messaging Terms and Conditions

• By providing your phone number and agreeing to receive texts, you consent to receive text messages from Agape Familyworks, from 8887724273 regarding customer care. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message frequency varies. Message & data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to unsubscribe at any time or HELP for assistance. You can also contact us at 8887724273 or agapefamilyworks@currently.com. Mobile opt-in information is never shared with third parties.

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

I. MY PLEDGE REGARDING HEALTH INFORMATION:
I understand that health information about you and your health care is personal. I am committed to protecting health information about you. I create a record of the care and services you receive from me. I need this record to provide you with quality care and to comply with certain legal requirements. This notice applies to all of the records of your care generated by this mental health care practice. This notice will tell you about the ways in which I may use and disclose health information about you. I also describe your rights to the health information I keep about you, and describe certain obligations I have regarding the use and disclosure of your health information. I am required by law to:

  • Make sure that protected health information (“PHI”) that identifies you is kept private.

  • Give you this notice of my legal duties and privacy practices with respect to health information.

  • Follow the terms of the notice that is currently in effect.

  • I can change the terms of this Notice, and such changes will apply to all information I have about you. The new Notice will be available upon request, in my office, and on my website.

II. HOW I MAY USE AND DISCLOSE HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU:
The following categories describe different ways that I use and disclose health information. For each category of uses or disclosures I will explain what I mean and try to give some examples. Not every use or disclosure in a category will be listed. However, all of the ways I am permitted to use and disclose information will fall within one of the categories.

For Treatment Payment, or Health Care Operations: Federal privacy rules (regulations) allow health care providers who have direct treatment relationship with the patient/client to use or disclose the patient/client’s personal health information without the patient’s written authorization, to carry out the health care provider’s own treatment, payment or health care operations. I may also disclose your protected health information for the treatment activities of any health care provider. This too can be done without your written authorization. For example, if a clinician were to consult with another licensed health care provider about your condition, we would be permitted to use and disclose your personal health information, which is otherwise confidential, in order to assist the clinician in diagnosis and treatment of your mental health condition.

Disclosures for treatment purposes are not limited to the minimum necessary standard. Because therapists and other health care providers need access to the full record and/or full and complete information in order to provide quality care. The word “treatment” includes, among other things, the coordination and management of health care providers with a third party, consultations between health care providers and referrals of a patient for health care from one health care provider to another.

Lawsuits and Disputes: If you are involved in a lawsuit, I may disclose health information in response to a court or administrative order. I may also disclose health information about your child in response to a subpoena, discovery request, or other lawful process by someone else involved in the dispute, but only if efforts have been made to tell you about the request or to obtain an order protecting the information requested.

III. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION:

  1. Psychotherapy Notes. I do keep “psychotherapy notes” as that term is defined in 45 CFR § 164.501, and any use or disclosure of such notes requires your Authorization unless the use or disclosure is:
    a. For my use in treating you.
    b. For my use in training or supervising mental health practitioners to help them improve their skills in group, joint, family, or individual counseling or therapy.
    c. For my use in defending myself in legal proceedings instituted by you.
    d. For use by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to investigate my compliance with HIPAA.
    e. Required by law and the use or disclosure is limited to the requirements of such law.
    f. Required by law for certain health oversight activities pertaining to the originator of the psychotherapy notes.
    g. Required by a coroner who is performing duties authorized by law.
    h. Required to help avert a serious threat to the health and safety of others.

  2. Marketing Purposes. As a psychotherapist, I will not use or disclose your PHI for marketing purposes.

  3. Sale of PHI. As a psychotherapist, I will not sell your PHI in the regular course of my business.

IV. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES DO NOT REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION.
Subject to certain limitations in the law, I can use and disclose your PHI without your Authorization for the following reasons:

  1. When disclosure is required by state or federal law, and the use or disclosure complies with and is limited to the relevant requirements of such law.

  2. For public health activities, including reporting suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse, or preventing or reducing a serious threat to anyone’s health or safety.

  3. For health oversight activities, including audits and investigations.

  4. For judicial and administrative proceedings, including responding to a court or administrative order, although my preference is to obtain an Authorization from you before doing so.

  5. For law enforcement purposes, including reporting crimes occurring on my premises.

  6. To coroners or medical examiners, when such individuals are performing duties authorized by law.

  7. For research purposes, including studying and comparing the mental health of patients who received one form of therapy versus those who received another form of therapy for the same condition.

  8. Specialized government functions, including, ensuring the proper execution of military missions; protecting the President of the United States; conducting intelligence or counter-intelligence operations; or, helping to ensure the safety of those working within or housed in correctional institutions.

  9. For workers’ compensation purposes. Although my preference is to obtain an Authorization from you, I may provide your PHI in order to comply with workers’ compensation laws.

  10.  Appointment reminders and health related benefits or services. I may use and disclose your PHI to contact you to remind you that you have an appointment with me. I may also use and disclose your PHI to tell you about treatment alternatives, or other health care services or benefits that I offer.

V. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOU TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBJECT.

  1. Disclosures to family, friends, or others. I may provide your PHI to a family member, friend, or other person that you indicate is involved in your care or the payment for your health care, unless you object in whole or in part. The opportunity to consent may be obtained retroactively in emergency situations.

VI. YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO YOUR PHI:

  1. The Right to Request Limits on Uses and Disclosures of Your PHI. You have the right to ask me not to use or disclose certain PHI for treatment, payment, or health care operations purposes. I am not required to agree to your request, and I may say “no” if I believe it would affect your health care.

  2. The Right to Request Restrictions for Out-of-Pocket Expenses Paid for In Full. You have the right to request restrictions on disclosures of your PHI to health plans for payment or health care operations purposes if the PHI pertains solely to a health care item or a health care service that you have paid for out-of-pocket in full.

  3. The Right to Choose How I Send PHI to You. You have the right to ask me to contact you in a specific way (for example, home or office phone) or to send mail to a different address, and I will agree to all reasonable requests.

  4. The Right to See and Get Copies of Your PHI. Other than “psychotherapy notes,” you have the right to get an electronic or paper copy of your medical record and other information that I have about you. I will provide you with a copy of your record, or a summary of it, if you agree to receive a summary, within 30 days of receiving your written request, and I may charge a reasonable, cost based fee for doing so.

  5. The Right to Get a List of the Disclosures I Have Made.You have the right to request a list of instances in which I have disclosed your PHI for purposes other than treatment, payment, or health care operations, or for which you provided me with an Authorization. I will respond to your request for an accounting of disclosures within 60 days of receiving your request. The list I will give you will include disclosures made in the last six years unless you request a shorter time. I will provide the list to you at no charge, but if you make more than one request in the same year, I will charge you a reasonable cost based fee for each additional request.

  6. The Right to Correct or Update Your PHI. If you believe that there is a mistake in your PHI, or that a piece of important information is missing from your PHI, you have the right to request that I correct the existing information or add the missing information. I may say “no” to your request, but I will tell you why in writing within 60 days of receiving your request.

  7. The Right to Get a Paper or Electronic Copy of this Notice. You have the right get a paper copy of this Notice, and you have the right to get a copy of this notice by e-mail. And, even if you have agreed to receive this Notice via e-mail, you also have the right to request a paper copy of it.

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