Jessica Brusgul, LMHC

Lakeya Mitchell, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor in GA, TX, FL, and SC, with a strong foundation in community care and crisis intervention. Originally from Tampa and rooted in Savannah, she holds degrees from Savannah State University and South University. She has been twice recognized as one of Savannah’s Best Counselors and brings extensive experience in HIV care, suicide prevention, and a wide range of behavioral health settings. Clinically, she specializes in trauma, OCD, anxiety, depression, and CBT for pain management, and is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Mitchell fosters a warm, supportive space where individuals feel heard and empowered. She values honest communication, meeting patients exactly where they are while using a compassionate, direct style that supports both safety and progress. Her work centers on helping patients understand patterns, strengthen resilience, and restore a sense of wholeness. She is deeply committed to reducing stigma and promoting healing in underserved communities.

My Typical Process for Working With Patients

Mitchell begins treatment by gaining a thorough understanding of each patient’s history, concerns, and goals. Initial sessions focus on rapport and assessing needs to guide personalized treatment planning. She uses evidence-based approaches—including CBT, trauma-informed care, ERP, and mindfulness—tailored to each individual. Her process emphasizes collaboration, skill-building, continuous feedback, and ongoing adjustment to support long-term growth and stability.

Sonja Glasco, LCSW, has dedicated over 20 years to supporting children, families, and individuals navigating mood disorders, trauma, PTSD, and grief. She brings extensive training in techniques designed to create new neural pathways in the brain and has significant experience supporting couples through attachment-based approaches. In her practice, Sonja helps clients explore how life experiences have shaped them and partners with them to create a meaningful plan for healing.

Sonja’s therapeutic style is eclectic, allowing her to tailor care to each client’s unique needs. She frequently integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness training, while weaving in psychoeducational teachings to enhance growth and understanding. Her warm, collaborative approach empowers clients to feel supported, heard, and guided throughout their journey.

In the first sessions, clients can expect to feel safe, welcomed, and free to share their stories. Sonja encourages clients to guide the therapeutic process, ensuring they feel empowered to make choices that best meet their needs. Together, she and her clients focus on building practical skills, identifying effective strategies, and creating lasting change to support their goals and foster an optimal life experience.

Richard "Rick" States is a Licensed Professional Counselor, with broad and varied professional work experience in behavioral health (inpatient and outpatient, individuals and families, children and adults, direct service and program administration). Rick earned his B.A. in Psychology at Gannon University and his M.A. in Clinical Psychology at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

He's earned a Post-Master's Certificate in General Psychology from Northcentral University and has completed many doctorate credits in Psychology. Since 1999, Rick has taught university courses in Psychology, Sociology, and Human Services, most recently at Gannon University and Penn State University.

Rick's greatest area of clinical interest and skill centers around self-regulation or "how we manage" our thoughts, feelings, emotions, behaviors, etc. Rick appreciates the challenges related to anxiety, stress, depression, substance use, and trauma, and he employs various tools to help folks manage (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, humanism, mindfulness/somatic psychology, etc.).

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Paula Bennett, LPC, has been in practice for over 20 years. She specializes in CBT and individual therapy. Paula strives to provide a client-centered approach based on the individual’s needs.

Paula has a specific passion for victims of trauma. As a teen and young adult, she struggled with depression. There weren’t many treatment options at that time but she found a counselor who inspired her to help other with mental health issues.

Outside of work, Paula is known to enjoy reading, swimming, animals, spending time with family and watching movies. She also loves being able to help people and watch them grow.

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Jodie Gardner is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Texas and California. She works with individuals, couples, and families ages 12 and older and has clinical experience addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, addiction, and life transitions. Jodie is certified in Dialectical Behavior Therapy and has extensive experience supporting clients from diverse backgrounds and identities, including providing affirming care for LGBTQ+ individuals, those in non-traditional or complex relationships, and individuals navigating mood disorders, caregiver stress, and intimacy concerns.

Jodie believes every person has a unique story and deserves an individualized approach to care. She views therapy as a collaborative partnership grounded in open communication and mutual respect. Jodie creates a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore thoughts and emotions at their own pace, using thoughtful questions to help clients uncover insight, strengths, and meaningful solutions.

In the first session, Jodie invites clients to share their story and what brings them to therapy. Together, they identify goals and begin developing a personalized roadmap for treatment. Her approach integrates evidence-based practices such as CBT and DBT with trauma-informed care and mindfulness to support lasting growth and change.

Tara Merchant is a person-centered, nonjudgmental, relationship-based LMHC (licensed mental health counselor) who recognizes the intrinsic value of all people and holds positive regard for all her clients. Tara views counseling as a collaborative effort that provides psychoeducation and coping skills for the obstacles with which clients may be struggling, and clients provide insights as experts on themselves. She believes that all thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected and have valid underlying factors. Tara seeks to help clients connect the dots, from both past and present, to have a greater understanding of themselves and their environments. She also fosters a safe space for clients to identify and embrace their feelings toward emotional catharsis. Tara received her Bachelor's Degree from Purchase College, State University of NY, and her Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University. She has an eclectic style that utilizes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and psychodynamic modality. Tara aims to uphold cultural humility for ongoing learning and awareness that supports racial and social equity. She is experienced in working with relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and child development. Tara is a big proponent of self-care and encourages you to find whatever it is that fills your cup. She, for example, loves to watch TV and sing in her spare time.