WE’RE HIRING!
Come join our team of 2000+ clinicians
FEATURED ARTICLE
A comprehensive guide to starting therapy
Book my first session
96% of clients feel supported and understood by their therapist
Get expert medication support, tailored to you
Check my copay estimate
Sessions cost $24 on average with insurance
Discover how starting child therapy can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.
7 therapists available in Kennesaw
With over 20 years of experience, I have realized that life situations happen when you least expect it....
About
With over 20 years of experience, I have realized that life situations happen when you least expect it.
Leslie Middleton Walters, EdD, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 26 years of experience in the mental health field. In times of death, divorce, financial issues, family relational problems, or any issue that brings about episodes of emotional unrest, Leslie believes that it is always best to reach out to someone that can assist with de-escalating fears and re-establishing hope, and provide encouragement to persevere during the dark times. Her primary goal is to help others face their challenges, fears, and become the person that they want to be through the development of lifelong coping skills, in an environment that is accepting and open to individualized thoughts and ideas.
Leslie completed both her Master of Science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling and her Master of Science (MS) in Guidance and Counseling at Fort Valley State University. She went on to complete her Doctor of Education (EdD) in Counseling Psychology at Argosy University. Through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and other evidenced-based practices, Leslie assists those seeking a brand-new start to let go and accept their past so that they can invest in their future. While her degrees have provided her with the education to engage in expert counseling strategies, it has been Leslie's hands-on experience in helping others that has given her the emotional tools to help those take that first step to a new beginning.
It is because of these experiences, that my counseling practices are built upon a foundation of faith, hope, trust, perseverance, and the understanding that helping others is one of the greatest privileges of my life.
Education and training
View more therapists in Kennesaw
I have over 20 years of experience working with many different issues, and I am always easy to talk to....
I have over 20 years of experience working with many different issues, and I am always easy to talk to.
Betsy Leamy is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of experience helping others to face their challenges, which may include, depression, anxiety, depression, addictions, abuse, trauma, PTSD, anger issues, chronic stress or illness, family conflict, women's issues, and more.
Betsy earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Georgia State University where she also earned her Master’s degree in Community Counseling. Betsy utilizes an eclectic group of therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy (PCT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based methods, and more.
Betsy knows from experience, both personally and professionally, that people can make miraculous changes in their lives. She looks forward to working with you and hopes to hear from you soon. Reach out to schedule your first session today.
"To walk a mile begins with a single step" As a therapist and an individual who has experienced trauma, loss and emotional pain, I...
"To walk a mile begins with a single step" As a therapist and an individual who has experienced trauma, loss and emotional pain, I have an authentic understanding of how life stressors can impact one's life and how such trials can be used to build and empower our future endeavors.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I work with clients who have experienced depression, both childhood and adult trauma, codependency issues, anxiety, grief/loss, stress, life transitions, and PTSD. I also work with individuals suffering from grief, divorce, and issues pertaining to aging. I offer counseling to teens, adults, and families through a down-to-earth counseling approach.
Together, we'll create a schedule that works for you-whether it's weekly or bi-weekly, in person or online. I'll regularly check in to ensure you're satisfied with your progress, and I'm always open to feedback to adjust your treatment as needed.
My core beliefs are grounded in unconditional positive regard for all. My passion is to help others reach their full potential of emotional peace. If you are ready to begin your journey, feel free to call and make an appointment. I am here and ready to listen!
I aim to empower individuals who wish to overcome personal obstacles; now is the time to put your mental health first....
I aim to empower individuals who wish to overcome personal obstacles; now is the time to put your mental health first.
Shantel Miller is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in anxiety, life changes/transitions, substance use, anger, and mood changes. Shantel is a highly motivated, conscientious individual who is passionate about client care and developing a therapeutic rapport.
Shantel obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Valdosta State University in 2012 and then went on to graduate with her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling in 2018. With guidance, her clients develop their treatment goals in accordance with their own life goals, interests, and life aspirations.
As a seasoned clinician, I take an empathetic and collaborative approach in supporting and empowering individuals to overcome shor...
As a seasoned clinician, I take an empathetic and collaborative approach in supporting and empowering individuals to overcome short- and long-term challenges. I understand the struggles and the rewards.
Dr. Hammond is a post-graduate resident therapist who specializes in building trusting relationships. Lesley works jointly with her clients to create workable and attainable goals in support of each individual’s needs. Dr. Hammond’s undergraduate studies in Psychology were completed at Kennesaw State University. Lesley received her Master of Arts from Argosy University Atlanta and continued to complete her counseling doctoral program at Argosy as well.
Dr. Hammond’s therapeutic foundation is based on providing a safe place for clients to express, explore, and better understand their vulnerabilities and strengths. Lesley utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Person-Centered and Strength-Based interventions. “I have found that when individuals are supported through these theoretical interventions, they have the ability to better understand and develop coping skills to overcome their unhelpful thoughts and behaviors," she says.
While completing Lesley’s doctoral internship, she spent several months working within the Smyrna, GA, Ridgeview Institute’s detoxification program. One of the most valuable lessons Dr. Hammond learned was “everyone in the program had a story” and “whether that story was shared in individual counseling sessions, or in a group session, feeling safe enough to express how one thinks and feels is healing in itself.” No matter what the challenge, please reach out to Lesley to explore the therapeutic possibilities in creating mindful and meaningful changes.
Having navigated my own struggles with mental health and trauma, I’ve come to understand healing not as a destination, but as a pe...
Having navigated my own struggles with mental health and trauma, I’ve come to understand healing not as a destination, but as a personal and nonlinear journey that can inspire us to be closer to the self we chose to be.
I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) with 4 years of experience supporting individuals through a wide range of life challenges. I work with adolescents, teenagers, adults, and seniors navigating anxiety, depression, behavioral concerns, trauma, life transitions, self-harm behaviors, and dual diagnoses. I strive to help clients better understand where they are in their current chapter of life while building skills to move forward with clarity and confidence. I also integrate my perspective as both a clinician and someone who understands the vulnerability of being a client, creating a supportive, nonjudgmental therapeutic environment.
I earned my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Antioch University. My approach is client-centered and evidence-based, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused interventions, and person-centered therapy. You do not need to have everything figured out to begin therapy. What matters most is your willingness to show up as you are. I will meet you with calm, steady support and walk alongside you as you explore your thoughts and emotions. When you are ready, I invite you to schedule a session so we can begin this work together with care and intention.
As a single mother of 4 children I know and understand the unique challenges that come with parenting on your own and still making...
As a single mother of 4 children I know and understand the unique challenges that come with parenting on your own and still making time for self-care.
Kelly Freeman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience in the mental health field. Kelly is focused on empowering adults to heal, learn, grow, and evolve through life's many challenges. She specializes in depression, addiction, life transitions, and grief & loss, along with parenting, adoption, anxiety, and codependency.
Kelly completed her Master of Social Work degree (MSW) at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. She is a single mom with 4 kids, ages 15-23 (plus a very loving cat!) who definitely keep her busy. She understands the struggles that come as a working parent both personally and professionally, encouraging a focus on acceptance while releasing resistance (ACT) and mindfully incorporating your worthiness while practicing grounding exercises & total body awareness. In addition, Kelly provides ongoing education regarding the thought/emotion/behavior connection (CBT) and assistance in moving toward solutions to everyday problems (solution-focused therapy.)
Kelly believes that each of us holds all the power we need to change our lives and find the contentment we seek. She feels it is truly within our reach to find our own voice, empower ourselves and cultivate the peace that so many of us long for.
You deserve dedicated time with a mental health professional — it can be life-changing.
Not ready to book? Contact me
Look for a confirmation email in your inbox shortly. We'll help find you a provider and guide you through everything you should know about starting care at Thriveworks.
No membership fees or subscriptions
Evening and weekend sessions
Award-winning therapy & psychiatry
What support are you seeking?
You acknowledge that by submitting this form, you are providing what may be considered “sensitive data” and consent to Thriveworks Privacy Policy & Terms. By submitting this information, you consent to receive communication from Thriveworks about our services via automatic calls, artificial or pre-recorded messages, or texts at the phone number provided, or by email at the address provided. You have the option to opt out of communications.
We will contact you with availability updates based on the preferences you provided for up to six months.
My go-to approach for helping kids in child therapy is by using play therapy techniques and engaging the family in treatment. Play therapy allows a strong therapeutic rapport to be established and maintained more quickly and easily because play is a language we all speak. Through play therapy, I am able to introduce and review helpful strategies that children can learn to apply in situations they may be struggling with. I encourage family involvement as well to help parents reinforce use of strategies their child(ren) will be learning in therapy. Family involvement is also helpful in case there may be patterns that may have unintended consequences (i.e. maintaining or contributing unwanted behaviors). I find that family members usually have the same goal so having everyone on the same team is imperative.
The tools I teach in child/play therapy varies depending on the age and presenting problem of the child. Specific tools I can teach are usually reviewed with the client and their family. My process of working with children and families is very collaborative.
I know a client is making meaningful progress in child therapy when the client and their family each report improvement in relationship dynamics or decrease in unwanted behaviors or behavioral cycles.
Clients can supplement their time in child therapy by enforcing skills and tools reviewed in therapy to help encourage and promote desired changes. I find that tools can be helpful for the parents/grown-ups as well to self-regulate and model preferred responses from their child(ren).
To prepare for their first child therapy session, a family can find age-appropriate books to discuss what a therapist/therapy is. For younger children, I love the book “Some Bunny to Talk To.” Also validating any feelings children may have about starting therapy is extremely helpful.
Child therapy, also known as counseling for kids, helps young individuals better understand and manage the challenges that affect their mental health. Common challenges amongst kids include behavioral issues, trauma, bullying, depression, and anxiety. All ages of children can attend and benefit from child therapy at Thriveworks Kennesaw.
Child therapy works by using multiple techniques tailored to fit the child’s needs based on their age group, their challenges, and the severity of their challenges. It might involve play therapy for younger kids or cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, art therapy, and others for varying ages. In any case, Thriveworks child therapists in Kennesaw, GA have the expertise and experience to help kids at their level.
Child therapy is a type of therapy meant for clients within a specific age group, while play therapy is an approach to therapy that helps children with self-expression and stress relief, among others. Play therapy is a technique that is often used in child therapy to help children express what’s running through their minds when they do not have the words to express their thoughts and emotions. It can get children to express what’s wrong, what might be causing unwanted behaviors, or what they might need in a way that is accessible to them so that therapists can then work to treat the issue.
It’s not always obvious when a child should see a therapist for their behavior, though in the midst of challenges like divorce, loss, bullying, and other mental health conditions, it’s often a good idea to seek it out. Common behaviors that can indicate a need for child therapy include separation anxiety, bedwetting (at inappropriate ages), and agitation/excessive irritability — especially if it reaches a point of physical violence.
Cognitive behavioral therapy at Thriveworks in Kennesaw, GA is one of the best types of therapy for children. However, it can be administered in child therapy sessions in a variety of ways that are more accessible to young minds, such as play therapy.
Child therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
The length of child therapy depends on your child’s needs as well as the goals that you and their therapist might have for them. Generally, child therapy sessions will last for several months.
At Thriveworks, we accept most major insurance plans, allowing many clients to pay as little as $0–$50 per session with their co-pay. We also offer self-pay options for those out-of-network or without insurance. Self-pay rates for talk therapy range from $160 to $240 for intake sessions and $135 to $195 for follow-ups, depending on your state. For psychiatry services, self-pay intake sessions are $255–$375, with follow-ups ranging from $175–$300, also varying by state. More information on current self-pay costs is available on our pricing page.
Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy
Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management
Shown in ET
21 photos
Call us to book
Our team is happy to help you schedule your first session.
Book online
Find the right provider for you. Book your session online yourself in just a few easy steps.