Barbara VanHouten, LCSW

Christine Cantilena Barnes, LPC, is a dedicated mental health counselor with two master’s degrees, including a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University. She developed extensive crisis and trauma expertise as a mobile trauma therapist serving all four Emory Hospital emergency rooms and completed advanced clinical training across inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. Christine is certified in EMDR and Trauma-Focused Therapy, with extensive training in DBT and CBT. Her clinical background spans child art therapy, high-conflict couples counseling, and collaborative work within psychiatric settings.

Christine believes that personal values are central to meaningful change and healing. She fosters a therapeutic environment built on honesty, transparency, and open communication, helping patients feel heard, respected, and supported without judgment. She works collaboratively with patients to establish clear, measurable goals and regularly evaluates progress to ensure treatment remains focused, effective, and aligned with each individual’s needs.

Christine begins with a comprehensive assessment of each patient’s history, current circumstances, personal values, spiritual well-being, and primary concerns. Using this foundation, she develops an individualized treatment plan that validates each person’s unique experiences while targeting realistic, achievable goals. Her approach combines evidence-based strategies with thoughtful clinical insight to support meaningful and lasting progress.

Lupe Garcia is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. As owner and Clinical Director of Vital Mind Counseling, LLC, he provides evidence-based treatment and supervision. He has worked in community mental health, juvenile justice, crisis intervention, and outpatient care and is certified in TF-CBT. He treats trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, grief, relationship concerns, and life transitions using CBT, DBT, ERP, EFT, CPT, and trauma-informed care. He is trained with first responders, veterans, and trauma survivors, focused on resilience and lasting change.

Lupe emphasizes a strong therapeutic relationship as the basis for growth. He provides a warm, supportive, nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard and respected. He values authenticity and collaboration, meets patients where they are, and tailors treatment to individual goals. He balances compassion with honest feedback and offers practical tools for use between sessions to support lasting change.

Lupe begins by understanding each patient’s history, concerns, strengths, and goals, then collaborates on an individualized treatment plan. He uses evidence-based approaches tailored to symptoms, focusing on insight, coping skills, and underlying contributors to distress. Progress is reviewed regularly and treatment is adjusted as needed. He encourages active participation and supports improved emotional regulation, relationships, and resilience.

Alyson Pond, LCSW, provides outpatient therapy for adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and relationship challenges. She has experience supporting military members, veterans, first responders, and individuals in high-stress service-oriented roles. Alyson’s background includes crisis intervention, suicide prevention, outpatient behavioral health, and trauma-informed care. She earned a Master of Social Work from Louisiana State University and a Master of Arts in Military Psychology from Adler University.

Alyson provides a grounded, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel heard, respected, and understood. She believes therapy should be practical, honest, and tailored to each person’s goals, strengths, and lived experience. Alyson works with clients to process trauma, navigate life transitions, reduce isolation, and build resilience in sustainable and realistic ways.

Alyson begins by learning each client’s history, current concerns, strengths, and goals. She collaborates with clients to create individualized treatment plans aligned with their values and priorities. Using a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach, Alyson helps clients improve coping skills, strengthen emotional regulation and relationships, and build healthier patterns that support lasting progress.

Joy Mitchell, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with nearly 10 years of experience providing behavioral health services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She earned a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mercer University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Georgia State University. Joy has worked in outpatient, telehealth, crisis intervention, employee assistance, utilization review, and community mental health settings. She specializes in comprehensive assessments, treatment planning, and evidence-based therapy for anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, trauma, and other behavioral health concerns.

Joy creates a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe, heard, and respected. She values trust, collaboration, and open communication, working alongside clients to identify meaningful goals and practical strategies for change. Using evidence-based approaches tailored to each individual's needs, Joy encourages active participation in treatment while helping clients build on their strengths, resilience, insight, and coping skills. She is committed to providing culturally responsive care that supports personal growth and emotional well-being.

Joy begins with a comprehensive assessment to understand each client's history, concerns, strengths, and goals. She creates a collaborative space where clients can openly discuss their experiences and priorities. Together, they develop an individualized treatment plan and use evidence-based interventions tailored to the client's needs and progress. Throughout therapy, Joy helps clients build insight, recognize patterns, strengthen coping skills, and regularly reviews goals to ensure treatment remains effective and aligned with their needs.

Kimberley Knox, LPC, is a licensed mental health therapist with experience across outpatient, private practice, community, and college counseling settings. She earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Richmont Graduate University and received the Hanshew Clinical Excellence Award. Kimberley is trained in DBT, RO-DBT, EMDR, and ADHD treatment, and is passionate about helping clients build emotional resilience, self-awareness, and lasting change through a warm, collaborative, and structured approach.

Kimberley takes a collaborative approach where each client’s goals, experiences, and voice guide treatment. She creates a supportive, judgment-free space while balancing insight with practical skill-building. Kimberley integrates evidence-based therapies including CBT, DBT, RO-DBT, SFBT, MI, and EMDR, tailoring sessions to each client’s unique needs and helping them develop tools that support long-term growth outside of therapy.

Kimberley begins by gaining a thorough understanding of each patient’s history, concerns, strengths, and goals. Together, they identify priorities and create an individualized treatment plan that matches the client’s pace and needs. Throughout therapy, Kimberley regularly evaluates progress and adjusts interventions as needed, using a structured yet flexible approach that emphasizes support, insight, and meaningful change.

Zainab Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) with nine years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She has provided care in community mental health, crisis response, private practice, and telehealth settings. Zainab earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). She utilizes evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness-based interventions, and trauma-informed care.

Zainab creates a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, respected, and understood. She believes therapy should be individualized and collaborative, tailoring treatment to each client's goals, strengths, and cultural background. She supports individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, relationship concerns, self-esteem challenges, grief, and life transitions while helping them build coping skills, emotional awareness, and confidence.

Zainab begins by building a strong therapeutic relationship and creating a safe space for open dialogue. Early sessions focus on understanding each client's history, strengths, current concerns, and goals. She develops individualized treatment plans and incorporates evidence-based strategies that evolve with client feedback and progress. Her approach emphasizes practical, sustainable changes that support healthier behaviors, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

Mary Lane, LCSW, has experience working in private practice, outpatient, and inpatient settings. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Iowa and has more than a decade of experience supporting individuals across a variety of care settings, including substance use treatment and school-based services. Her broad clinical background allows her to provide compassionate, informed care tailored to each client's needs.

Mary understands that beginning counseling can feel vulnerable and values creating an environment where clients feel safe, respected, and supported. She is known for her relatable approach and thoughtfully incorporates humor when appropriate to help build a strong therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, understanding, and collaboration.

Mary starts by giving clients space to share their story at a pace that feels comfortable for them. During the initial sessions, she focuses on understanding each client's experiences, interests, and goals. Together, they develop an individualized treatment plan that reflects the client's unique needs and supports meaningful progress.

Banti Zehyoue, LCSW, has experience practicing in outpatient settings—including school-based, hospital, community-based, and crisis response—as well as inpatient environments focused on assessment and triage. Banti earned a Doctorate in International Conflict Management from Kennesaw State University, a Master of Social Work from Louisiana State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southern University. Banti is also a certified School Social Worker.

Banti is known for building strong rapport through a flexible, approachable demeanor. Banti values open communication and prioritizes active listening to understand each patient’s needs. With a collaborative mindset, Banti works closely with patients to establish clear, achievable goals, using person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness techniques to support symptom reduction.

Banti begins by reviewing available records to better understand each patient’s history. In initial sessions, Banti assesses strengths, areas of concern, and potential risks while helping patients develop SMART goals. From there, Banti creates individualized treatment plans through a collaborative process that incorporates patient input as a central component of care.

Vivia Williams is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Albany State University and a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida. She enjoys helping people achieve their therapy goals using a holistic approach to therapy.

Vivia is an authentic, down-to-earth therapist who is ambitious, passionate, caring, and intentional about her clients’ healing. She strives to create a supportive and collaborative space where clients feel heard and respected.

Vivia uses a holistic approach to support clients in working toward their goals and blossoming into the person they desire to be, tailoring care to each individual’s needs and focusing on intentional healing and growth.

Porschia Fisher, LPC, NCC, MSW, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She specializes in anxiety, depression, life transitions, women’s issues, and relationship challenges. Porschia uses a compassionate, individualized approach to help clients build resilience, discover purpose, and create meaningful change.

Porschia creates a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and goal-oriented, blending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients manage emotions, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and develop practical coping skills tailored to everyday life.

Porschia begins by building rapport and learning about each client’s concerns, emotional experiences, and goals for therapy. She then develops a personalized treatment plan and tracks progress using evidence-based tools such as the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and C-SSRS, while adjusting care to support lasting growth and overall well-being.

Danielle Webb, LCSW, has extensive experience in behavioral medicine, addressing the physical and mental health needs of both adults and children. Her work often includes a holistic approach to care, supporting individuals with substance use concerns and incorporating psychotropic medication when appropriate. She is skilled in identifying maladaptive behaviors that may hinder optimal health and uses focused interventions to reduce or eliminate them, with a commitment to promoting wellness in underserved populations.

Danielle is passionate about helping individuals grow into the best version of themselves. She emphasizes the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, guiding patients toward deeper self-understanding. Her approach is supportive and collaborative, with specialties that include depression, anxiety, co-occurring disorders, and relationship challenges.

Danielle works with patients to explore how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact. Through this process, she helps identify patterns that may be unhelpful and supports patients in challenging, reframing, or replacing them. She focuses on uncovering underlying needs and developing healthier, more effective ways to meet them, fostering meaningful and lasting change.

I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I have experience helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, grief and loss, and parenting concerns. I focus on creating a supportive space where clients feel heard and understood. I tailor each conversation and treatment plan to meet the unique and specific needs of every client, and I work collaboratively with patients to identify goals and develop approaches that align with their personal experiences and priorities.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C) with a Master's of Social Work from Howard University School of Social Work. I completed my internship at St. Elizabeth's Hospital and the DC Rape Crisis Center, and I bring 25 years of professional experience supporting individuals through a range of life challenges.

I provide compassionate, client-centered, and goal-oriented care for adults and older adults. I support individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, life transitions, and more. I use an eclectic, evidence-based approach, integrating CBT, DBT, ACT, and MI. I value collaboration and tailor treatment to each individual, recognizing that therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I begin with building rapport in a safe, structured space to foster trust and engagement, conduct a thorough assessment to understand each client's history, needs, and goals, and together we develop personalized treatment plans with clear goals, while I provide ongoing support, encouragement, and empowerment throughout the therapeutic journey.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, Georgia, and Delaware (LMHC, LPC, LPCMH). I earned a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling with a mental health focus from Florida A&M University. I completed my internship at a community mental health center and am certified in Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (BCBT-SP) and trained in CAMS. My experience includes working with veterans, children, and adults across inpatient, outpatient, and nonprofit settings.

I provide individualized, client-centered care, recognizing that each person's experiences and needs are distinct. I foster a compassionate, supportive therapeutic environment where trust and respect are central, helping patients feel safe, heard, and understood throughout their care. I establish a strong foundation by thoroughly exploring each patient's background, concerns, and goals during the initial session, and I collaborate closely with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that align with their unique needs and therapeutic goals.

I earned my Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliance Graduate School of Counseling in Nyack, NY. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families, and my background equips me to support clients across a range of relational and emotional challenges.

I create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard and validated. I value open communication, encourage self-awareness, and help clients build on their strengths. My approach emphasizes collaboration, with clear, goal-oriented treatment plans and measurable outcomes to support meaningful progress. I begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand history, concerns, and goals, then collaborate with clients to develop personalized treatment plans and teach practical skills for lasting change. My integrative approach incorporates CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused techniques.

I earned my Master's in Professional Counseling from South University in Savannah, GA, and I am licensed in Florida, Georgia, and Texas as an LMHC and LPC. My experience spans nonprofit, inpatient, and outpatient settings. I began in foster care and adoption services, later working inpatient with diverse age groups, and in community mental health supporting adults with severe mental illness and trauma. I also managed an outpatient clinic, leading multidisciplinary teams.

I take a collaborative approach, partnering with patients to clarify goals and create a roadmap for growth. My approach blends evidence-based therapies with individualized care, emphasizing a trusting, supportive relationship and a safe, nonjudgmental environment. I have supported individuals from diverse backgrounds facing anxiety, depression, grief, life transitions, interpersonal challenges, and severe mental illness.

In the first session, I create a welcoming space to discuss challenges, goals, and personal history, reviewing confidentiality and treatment structure. Together, the patient and I develop a personalized plan. Ongoing sessions focus on exploring thoughts and feelings, identifying patterns, and practicing skills to support meaningful change, with regular goal review and reflection on progress.

I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2008 with a master's degree in clinical social work. I completed my internship at Seton Medical Center, gaining experience in the emergency room and specialty clinics. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings and have training in DBT, CBT, mindfulness, solution-focused, and person-centered counseling.

I am deeply committed to person-centered care, meeting clients where they are and guiding them toward where they want to be. I integrate mindfulness techniques, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and strength-based, compassionate approaches to help each individual achieve their personal goals. Understanding that seeking therapy can feel intimidating, I also view it as a courageous and empowering step. I am dedicated to creating a collaborative, culturally inclusive therapeutic environment that supports clients in living balanced, fulfilling lives.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (LMHC and LPC) practicing in New York, Virginia, and Georgia. With 10 years of experience, I support adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, grief, and life transitions. I earned my Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University and hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Mount Saint Mary College.

Using a warm and humanistic approach, I create a safe and empathetic space for clients to explore and process difficult emotions and traumas. I employ an interdisciplinary theoretical approach, customizing therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs and preferences of each client. I am trained in various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed approaches. I specialize in working with clients diagnosed with ADHD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and body dysmorphia. I am dedicated to providing unwavering support to clients as they navigate life's challenges, helping them heal from past experiences and flourish in the present. I approach each client with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to their overall well-being and growth.

I am a licensed professional counselor with extensive experience in treating diverse populations and diagnoses. I earned my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Georgia. I have served as a primary therapist and assessor at Willowbrooke at Tanner inpatient facility, a primary therapist at the University of West Georgia Counseling Center, and as a primary virtual therapist at Connected Minds in Atlanta, Georgia.

My approach is individualized and non-judgmental, with the goal of creating and holding a safe and comfortable space for all to be their true, authentic selves. I am intentional with developing rapport and meeting clients where they are without criticism, but I will also gently challenge stagnant behaviors respectfully and when necessary. I prefer to work with adult age to geriatric age clients and couples using strengths-based and affirming perspectives. I use several modalities, such as CBT, ACT, IPT, BA, Solution Focused therapy, Client Centered therapy, Mindfulness, meditations, breathing exercises, positive affirmations, spirituality, bereavement, existential concerns, and other appropriate evidence-based approaches and interventions.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in various aspects of mental health and co-occurring disorders. I obtained my MSW from Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA.) and later obtained my MDiv and MPT from Columbia Theological Seminary (Decatur, GA.). I am known for my empathic listening and attention to verbal and non-verbal cues.

I am a wife, mother, daughter, and sister who has also experienced life's challenges that may identify with your story in some way. I am also a "movie and series buff" and will often incorporate movie scenes, themes, and character traits to add to discussion and use to demonstrate examples of behaviors and consequences.

I believe in helping others to help themselves. I provide therapy to individuals with an emphasis on crisis intervention, skill-building, self-esteem, attachment issues, relationship problems, and communication repair. I create a close, supportive relationship in the counseling setting to assist each person in moving forward through open discussion, developing personal insight, and offering workable suggestions. My specialties include working with those who are experiencing anxiety or depression.

I began my career working in the field of education after completing both a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and a Master of Liberal Arts at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, with an emphasis on Psychology, Women's Studies, and Child and Family Studies. After relocating to Georgia, I attended Argosy University, where I completed an additional Master of Arts Degree, with honors, in Community Counseling, in addition to receiving a Marriage and Family Therapy Certification. I am a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Distance Certified Counselor (DCC), a Board Certified Tele-Mental Health Provider (BC-TMH), and I hold a Crisis Worker Certification from the American Association of Suicidology. I am also a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Cobb County Juvenile Court.

Prior to private practice, my clinical experience included working as a therapist at the YWCA, providing domestic violence and sexual assault counseling, facilitating domestic violence support and therapy groups, working with children and families at several community mental health agencies, and working at a mental health crisis line. In addition to my private practice, I also provide online therapy to clients through a secure website and texting platform.

When not working, I regularly participate in professional training, enjoy volunteering and participating in community and sorority events, collecting Disney paraphernalia, traveling, sewing, attending sci-fi conventions, and spoiling my nieces and nephews.

I am deeply committed to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can express their thoughts and feelings freely. My approach to therapy involves engaging each client with warmth and enthusiasm, and I encourage them to be active participants on their journey of emotional growth, healing, and empowerment. I use therapeutic expertise and various inner-healing approaches to teach clients restorative self-care practices, exercises that cultivate emotional awareness, strategies to manage unhealthy thoughts, and methods to change undesirable behaviors.

Working with me, clients can expect to take away from each session a plan of action with detailed steps, easy to apply skills, and practical strategies to help them manage stress, heal from hurtful experiences, improve their communication skills, and strengthen boundaries in their relationships. They will gain a better understanding about how and why they feel uncomfortable emotions and why they experience strong reactions in response to those associated thoughts.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 23 years of extensive experience working in the mental health field. I have worked with clients facing a variety of life's challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, as well as perinatal and postpartum mental health. I attended undergraduate school in Albany, GA, and graduate school in Valdosta, GA.

I am dedicated to creating a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel heard and empowered. My treatment style is integrative and person-centered, utilizing evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, supportive therapy, goal-oriented therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and life transitions. I help clients explore their thoughts, emotions, and patterns while developing practical tools for coping, healing, and growth. I believe in tailoring each treatment plan to the unique goals, strengths, and values of the individual, and take pride in walking alongside my clients through life's challenges with compassion and respect.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and hold a Master's degree in Social Work. I have extensive experience across outpatient, telehealth, and managed care settings.

I use an eclectic communication style and therapeutic approach, tailoring sessions to each individual's needs. I foster a respectful, nonjudgmental environment and value collaborative communication to build trust, autonomy, and strong therapeutic rapport. I believe therapy is a joint effort where clients are viewed as the experts of their lives, and success stems from shared commitment and courage. I begin with a thorough assessment to understand each patient's background, needs, and goals, encourage open dialogue including between sessions, and ensure clients are actively involved in the treatment planning process. My individualized plans are inclusive, goal-driven, and informed by training in evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master's degree in Counseling Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy from Chaminade University in Hawaii. I have experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and provide therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups.

As an Army Brat, combat veteran, and retired military spouse, I bring a global perspective and deep understanding of diverse life experiences.

I believe in a holistic approach to mental health, tailoring my treatment to foster independence, enhance coping skills, and guide clients through lifestyle changes that promote growth and healing. I utilize a well-rounded, integrative therapeutic modality, drawing on evidence-based practices to support clients in their journey towards emotional well-being.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of experience in diverse clinical settings. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Auburn University and a Master's degree in Community Counseling from Columbus State University. Throughout my career, I have worked with a wide range of demographics, providing personalized therapy that focuses on the unique needs of each client. My compassionate and empathetic approach allows me to connect with individuals from all walks of life, helping them navigate challenges and achieve lasting positive change.

I provide patients with a genuine, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment to help empower them and recognize their potential. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorders, life transitions, stress management, and other comorbid disorders. I utilize various treatment modalities which include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Relational-Cultural Therapy techniques, and I practice from a person-centered and multicultural approach to build a meaningful, therapeutic relationship.

I am a bilingual, National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New York with experience providing services for children, adolescents, and adults. I hold a BA in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and a MSEd. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from St. John's University in New York. Prior to becoming licensed as a psychotherapist, I was an educator in the state of Florida and New York with over 5 years of experience in the field. I am passionate about providing psychoeducation as it increases our insight into various mental health issues.

I value open and honest communication and partner with clients to set clear treatment goals that support their personal growth. I create a warm, supportive environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. I begin by thoroughly understanding each client's history, concerns, and goals during the initial session to foster a trusting relationship, then develop individualized treatment plans that align with clients' objectives, guiding them toward their best possible self.

I have over 10 years of experience practicing in outpatient and inpatient settings, utilizing modalities such as CBT and Solution-Focused Therapy. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences/Human Services and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, both from Mercer University, and am completing a Doctorate in Marriage & Family Therapy from North Central University, expected in 2026.

I understand that beginning counseling can feel intimidating, and I strive to create a safe, welcoming environment where therapy moves at the patient's pace. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy while incorporating elements of Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused approaches, Strength-Based methods, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Drawing on my multicultural background, I respect and honor each individual's unique experiences and cultures. I believe no concern is too large or too small to address in therapy and emphasize collaboration at every stage.

I view the first appointment as a chance to build trust, explore how the patient and I can work together, and establish goals for therapy. I provide a clear framework for what to expect, welcome questions, and encourage open communication throughout the process. Understanding that sharing personal history can be difficult, I am committed to moving at a pace that feels comfortable and supportive for each patient.

I bring more than 20 years of experience to my work as a therapist, having served in inpatient, outpatient, emergency, hospital, and community mental health settings, as well as leadership roles such as managing the social services department at a crisis stabilization facility. I earned my MS in Clinical/Counseling Psychology and Ed.S. in School Psychology from Valdosta State University, and a BA in Psychology and Sociology from Loyola University in New Orleans. I hold licenses in Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, and South Carolina (LPC, LCMHC, LMHC, CPCS) and am also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).

I create a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where patients feel heard, understood, and respected. I guide patients to gain insight through friendly conversation and reflective questioning, tailoring treatment plans to each patient's unique personality and needs. I use active listening, empathy, and validation to understand a patient's history, strengths, concerns, and desired outcomes, and I work collaboratively to develop individualized treatment plans that address specific goals and promote lasting growth. I help individuals navigate anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, anger management, and substance use toward healing and personal growth.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with experience in both outpatient and inpatient hospital settings, including roles as a Behavioral Health Associate and Psychotherapist at a State University Counseling Center. I earned a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Albany State University.