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    Get to Know Our Associates

    For more than 23 years, Counseling Associates for Well-Being has provided compassionate, individualized mental health care for adults, couples, and groups throughout Georgia. With locations in Athens, Marietta/East Cobb, and Tucker, along with convenient telehealth services, we are committed to helping clients find the support they need to navigate life’s challenges and improve their emotional well-being. We believe that meaningful therapy begins with understanding each person’s unique experiences, challenges, and goals.

    Experienced Clinicians With Diverse Specialties

    One of our greatest strengths is the diversity of our clinical team, offering specialized experience with areas such as:

    • Trauma and PTSD
    • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
    • Neurodiversity
    • Couples and marriage counseling
    • Anxiety and depression
    • Grief and bereavement
    • Eating disorders and perinatal mental health
    • Substance use and life transitions

    Our team also has training in therapeutic approaches such as EMDR, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT), and Imago Relationship Therapy.

    A Personalized, Collaborative Approach to Counseling

    We recognize that finding the right therapist is an important part of the counseling process, so our intake team takes time to understand each client’s concerns before connecting them with a clinician who aligns with their needs. We value the perspectives and life experiences our therapists bring to their work and believe that self-awareness, empathy, and ongoing professional development contribute to effective care. We also welcome non-traditional couples and relationships.

    Supporting Adults Throughout Georgia

    Our practice has deep roots in Athens. Today, we also welcome clients at our Marietta/East Cobb and Tucker/Atlanta area offices. With appointments available Monday through Saturday and telehealth options throughout Georgia, we offer flexible ways to access care. Contact Counseling Associates for Well-Being today to get matched with a therapist who fits your needs! You can also learn more about our team members below.

    Our Therapist Team

    Please check out each therapist’s information to see who might be a fit for you. Contact us if you need help determining who might be the best choice for your needs.

    Kacie Dentleegrand, PhD, LAPC, Tucker and Telehealth, Individuals and Couples, 18+

    Kacie Dentleegrand, PhD, LAPC, Tucker and Telehealth, Individuals and Couples, 18+

    Doctor of Philosophy, Counselor Education and Supervision, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, 2023 Master of Arts, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Clark Atlanta University, 2019 Bachelors of Science, Business Administration, Miles College, 2017 I believe every person has the capacity to create a more meaningful, fulfilling, and authentic way of being, regardless of their […]
    Sarah Comito, LCSW, Individuals and groups, Athens and Telehealth, age 18+

    Sarah Comito, LCSW, Individuals and groups, Athens and Telehealth, age 18+

    Master of Social Work, University of  Georgia, Athens GA 2023 BS in Cell Biology/ Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Asheville, Asheville NC 2015   First off, I’m glad you’re here! I know that it can be challenging to start therapy – sharing openly with someone you don’t know can feel scary and confusing. That’s […]
    Kerry Kerns, LMSW, East Cobb/ Marietta and telehealth, Individuals and Couples, 18+

    Kerry Kerns, LMSW, East Cobb/ Marietta and telehealth, Individuals and Couples, 18+

    Albany State University, Master of Social Work (MSW), May 2024 Interdenominational Theological Center-Morehouse School of Religion, Master of Divinity (M.Div.), May 2014 Winthrop University, Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), May 2008 Congratulations on taking the first step in your journey to mental and emotional health! The road to mental and emotional health […]
    Laura Mika, LMSW, individuals and couples, Tucker and telehealth, 18+

    Laura Mika, LMSW, individuals and couples, Tucker and telehealth, 18+

    Masters of Social Work, University of Kentucky, 05/2024  Bachelors of Social Work, Liberty University, 08/ 2023 I believe therapy should be a space where you are welcome to come as you are, without judgment, pressure, or expectation. You do not need to have the right words or know exactly where to begin. We can start […]
    Lela Flanery, LCSW Athens or Telehealth, Individuals & groups 18+

    Lela Flanery, LCSW Athens or Telehealth, Individuals & groups 18+

    Lela Flanery, LMSW BA, Psychology,  Piedmont University 2014  MSW, Widener University, 2022 You deserve a space where you can show up exactly as you are — without judgment, pressure, or pretenses. In our work together, my goal is to help you feel seen, supported, and empowered to explore the parts of yourself that need care […]
    Mahogania Smith, LCSW, Athens or Telehealth, Individuals, Couples and Groups 18+

    Mahogania Smith, LCSW, Athens or Telehealth, Individuals, Couples and Groups 18+

    Bachelors of Arts, Sociology & Social Work, Augusta State University, 2006 Masters of Arts, Social Work, University of Georgia, 2017 I am deeply passionate about walking alongside couples as they navigate the complexities of relationships – whether it’s challenges around scarcity,  trust,   communication breakdowns, or intimacy concerns. My mission is to support individuals and […]
    Ashley Skinner, LCSW : Athens and Telehealth, Individuals and Groups 18+

    Ashley Skinner, LCSW : Athens and Telehealth, Individuals and Groups 18+

    UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, Athens, GA Master of Social Work, May 2021: Substance Abuse Counseling Graduate Certificate May 2021 UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA, Vermillion, SD, Bachelor of Science in Social Work, May 2020 Georgia Licensed Master Social Worker 2022 ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE CERTIFICATION BOARD OF GA : Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor In Progress, […]
    Laura Briggs, MS, APC, EMDR Practitioner, Intake and Referral Coordinator, Athens and telehealth, Individuals and Couples, 18+

    Laura Briggs, MS, APC, EMDR Practitioner, Intake and Referral Coordinator, Athens and telehealth, Individuals and Couples, 18+

    Master of Science in Clinical Counseling, Brenau University, May 2025 Master on Business Administration, Piedmont University  Dec. 2021 Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Peidmont University Dec, 2016     Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve been carrying heavy emotional burdens for a long time. My goal is to provide a space where […]
    Haley Reese, LMSW Athens GA and Telehealth, Individuals and Groups, Age 18+

    Haley Reese, LMSW Athens GA and Telehealth, Individuals and Groups, Age 18+

    Master of Science in Social Work, University of Georgia, Athens, GA  May 2023 Bachelor of Science in Visual Communications, Brigham Young University–Idaho, Rexburg, ID December 2014  As a neurodivergent clinician, Haley brings both personal and professional understanding to her work with adults navigating ADHD, autism, anxiety, OCD,  depression, trauma, religious trauma, and life transitions. Haley offers […]
    Zyeisha Berry, PhD, LPC, Telehealth, Individuals , Couples, & Groups, 18+

    Zyeisha Berry, PhD, LPC, Telehealth, Individuals , Couples, & Groups, 18+

    Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, Georgia State University, 2020 Master of Arts, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Northwestern University, 2024 In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves confronted with various challenges and pressures that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected. I believe that each of us possesses the strength and resilience to overcome obstacles and […]
    Merrium Stidham, LMSW, Tucker, Georgia and Telehealth, Individuals and Groups 18+

    Merrium Stidham, LMSW, Tucker, Georgia and Telehealth, Individuals and Groups 18+

    MSW, Masters in Social Work, University of Georgia 2024 BA, Psychology, University of Kentucky-Lexington, 2022   “To heal is to touch with love that which we previously touched with fear.” – Buddhist proverb As a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), I provide a holistic, evidence-informed approach to therapy, helping adults navigate OCD, trauma, anxiety, and relationship […]
    Shelby Banach, LCSW, Athens and Telehealth, Individuals and Couples, 18+

    Shelby Banach, LCSW, Athens and Telehealth, Individuals and Couples, 18+

    Bachelors of Social Work from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL 2018 Masters of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis, MO 2019 As a clinician, I work to develop a secure and trusting relationship with clients rooted in transparency and mutual vulnerability.  Using a strengths-based perspective allows  me to help you to uncover […]
    Elizabeth Thacker, LPC, Athens and telehealth, Individuals ages 18+

    Elizabeth Thacker, LPC, Athens and telehealth, Individuals ages 18+

    Bachelor of Science, Psychology: Berry College (2016) Master of Education, Professional Counseling: University of Georgia (2019) Licensed Professional Counselor (2022) My goal as a counselor is to support my clients as they navigate the challenges of life and help them learn the skills to navigate those challenges on their own. I offer a safe space […]

    Our Administrative Team

    Aimee Adams, Office Manager

    Aimee Adams, Office Manager

    Aimee has been our wonderful Office Manager here at CAWB since 2013. She keeps things running around the office and tackles all the difficult tasks including communicating with the insurance companies and keeping us organized. Aimee lives in Madison county with her husband and three awesome daughters. She is an avid Dawgs fan, and lover […]
    Jasmine Sexton, Client Services & Marketing Assistant

    Jasmine Sexton, Client Services & Marketing Assistant

    Jasmine joined us in 2021, and works for us on all the tasks that keep things running like verifying insurance benefits and getting new clients set up in our system, and making sure our data is all gathered and recorded. Jasmine lives in Athens with her husband, her son and her three daughters, and Buddy the dog, who is a very good boy. She loves spending time with her family and can be most often be found cheering for her children at all of their sports events.
    Laurie Wilburn Bailey, LPC, CPCS, Associate Clinical Supervisor

    Laurie Wilburn Bailey, LPC, CPCS, Associate Clinical Supervisor

    Athens, Clinical Supervision Bachelor of Science, Psychology, The University of Georgia, 1992 Master of Education, Guidance and Counseling, The University of Georgia, 1994 Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor, LPCA of Georgia, 2017 Approved Clinical Supervisor, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia, 2021 I have worked in community behavioral health treatment for more than 25 […]
    Laura Briggs, MS, APC, EMDR Practitioner, Intake and Referral Coordinator, Athens and telehealth, Individuals and Couples, 18+

    Laura Briggs, MS, APC, EMDR Practitioner, Intake and Referral Coordinator, Athens and telehealth, Individuals and Couples, 18+

    Master of Science in Clinical Counseling, Brenau University, May 2025 Master on Business Administration, Piedmont University  Dec. 2021 Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Peidmont University Dec, 2016     Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve been carrying heavy emotional burdens for a long time. My goal is to provide a space where […]

    Notice of Independent Status of Practitioners:

    Counseling Associates for Well-Being , LLC, is a corporation which provides administrative and management services to mental health professionals. Some of the practitioners at CAWB are independent practitioners, each of whom operates as a separate independent legal entity.  As an independent practitioner, your provider is solely responsible for all matters concerning your clinical care. All questions about that care should be addressed to your provider. Counseling Associates for Well-Being LLC, is not responsible for the actions of  those individual practitioners nor are we responsible for the outcomes of any therapeutic relationship between practitioner and patient.

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