Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Tuscaloosa, AL

Jerusha McClendon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has worked with many people experiencing mental health and addiction personally or in their family. Jerusha has 8 years of experience in the mental health field. She completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Ohio State University.

Jerusha believes there is a need to identify and understand where the seeds of doubt and fear come from, as well as how to connect with the seeds of hope and purpose in the present and the future. Her job is to facilitate the conversation and allow clients to gain insight into their condition and develop an action plan to change their lives.

Jerusha’s superpowers include listening empathetically, relating easily to others, and critical thinking. She believes that all people have purpose in life, and she wants to explore that purpose with clients. Additionally, she strives to create a safe place in therapy so vulnerability can be examined and gains made. Therapy is a change process. Join Jerusha in this change process so that you can be a changemaker in your life and spread that change to others in your inner circle.

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with 8 years of experience supporting children, teens, and families impacted by trauma, abuse, anxiety, and depression. I specialize in trauma-informed, strength-based care and work closely with caregivers to help clients build coping skills, emotional regulation, and resilience in a safe, supportive environment.

I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. My background includes experience as a child protective services worker, family advocate, and forensic interviewer. I tailor interventions to each client’s developmental and emotional needs using trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches.

Healing looks different for everyone. I strive to create a compassionate space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered. Together, we can make sense of your experiences, strengthen relationships, and move toward emotional well-being at a pace that feels safe and right for you.

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with 21 years of experience supporting individuals navigating grief, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence, including autism and ADHD. My approach is grounded, relational, and trauma-informed, integrating nervous system regulation and mindfulness to help clients feel steadier, more empowered, and supported in their growth.

I earned my master's degree in social work from the University of Alabama and hold a bachelor's degree in psychology. With a background in hospice and bereavement care, I integrate evidence-based practices with strength-based and mindfulness-based approaches to support emotional regulation and resilience.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for change, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I offer a calm, compassionate space where you can feel heard and understood while building practical tools for lasting growth. When you’re ready, I invite you to schedule a session.

Brenda Naftel is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 15 years of experience. Brenda is passionate about helping young and older adults along their life journey. She has experience in anxiety, depression, domestic violence, couples, and grief.

Brenda completed her Master of Education (MEd) at Auburn Montgomery. She uses cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, and sometimes dialectical behavior techniques as the basis for most sessions. 

Along life’s journey there are times we need someone to be there. Brenda would be honored if you would allow her to be with you on life’s challenging journey. She will be your sounding board and offer you coping techniques to help you along the way.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) with 10 years of experience supporting individuals navigating substance use, depression, anxiety, grief, and relationship challenges. I have worked across outpatient, community mental health, and inpatient substance use treatment settings, helping clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, and move toward meaningful change.

I earned my master’s degree in human development and family studies from the University of Connecticut. My therapeutic style is person-centered and experiential, incorporating cognitive and dialectical approaches, solution-focused therapy, strength-based techniques, and emotionally focused interventions to support authentic growth and healing.

Healing is a process, not a single moment. I strive to create a supportive and grounded space where you can explore your experiences, reconnect with your authentic self, and develop tools that foster lasting change. If you’re ready to begin your journey, I invite you to take the next step and schedule a session.

Stan Peck is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults navigating challenges like ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, spiritual concerns, and more. Stan uses an integrative counseling approach that includes existential and spiritually based practices when desired. He is passionate about creating a safe, empathic space where clients can explore wounds, patterns, and challenges impacting their quality of life.

Stan earned his Master’s in Community Counseling from the University of Northern Alabama. He integrates holistic, strength-based approaches to help clients access their resilience and move toward healing and growth. Stan tailors his methods to each client’s needs and preferences, offering both structure and flexibility in care.

Stan invites clients into a collaborative journey that not only explores what they bring into sessions but also invests in their future. He believes in each client’s innate potential and is committed to helping them move toward healing, wholeness, and personal greatness.

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with over 25 years of experience supporting teens, young adults, adults, couples, and older adults. I help clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, and emotional regulation. Many people I work with are seeking greater clarity, balance, and deeper connection in their lives and relationships.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from Alabama A&M University. My approach is collaborative, trauma-informed, and strengths-based. I integrate evidence-based techniques to help clients build emotional regulation skills, gain insight, and shift unhelpful patterns in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.

Seeking support takes courage, and you do not have to do it alone. If you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or wanting a new perspective, therapy can be a place to feel seen, heard, and supported. I welcome you to take the next step when you are ready and begin your journey toward healing and growth.

**DISCLAIMER - DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICATION MANAGEMENT - DOES NOT PROVIDE TESTING**

Life can be overwhelming when you're constantly showing up for everyone else. Many women carry so much- family responsibilities, relationships, careers- while quietly putting their own needs aside. I provide a warm, supportive space where you can slow down, breathe, and focus on you. As a marriage and family therapist with over 10 years of experience, I work with individuals & families, and have a passion for supporting women through life’s transitions, relationship challenges, & personal growth. If you are feeling stretched thin, disconnected, or ready for change, therapy can be a place to reconnect with your strength and clarity.

My approach is rooted in systemic and cognitive behavioral therapy, where we will explore both the patterns in your relationships and the thoughts that may be shaping your experiences. I'm committed to creating an atmosphere of confidentiality, compassion, and respect. In our work, you will be met with active listening, collaboration, and gentle guidance.

Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all. I tailor each session to your unique needs, honoring your story, culture, & goals. You deserve a space where you feel seen, heard, and valued. Healing doesn't require perfection- it begins with willingness. If you are ready to invest in yourself, I would be honored to walk alongside you as you move toward the life you desire.

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with 13 years of experience supporting individuals navigating adjustment issues, anxiety, and depression. I understand the challenges that can arise from day-to-day life decisions, major transitions, and feelings of social isolation, and I strive to create a supportive space where clients feel heard and understood.

I earned my master’s degree in social work from Michigan State University. My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, focusing on problem-solving, emotional insight, and the development of practical coping skills to help clients build resilience and improve overall well-being.

Together, we will work at your pace to address your concerns and identify meaningful solutions that align with your goals. Clients describe me as compassionate, easy to talk to, and supportive. I look forward to partnering with you as you take this important step toward growth and healing.

Catherine K. Thompson is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of experience working with a variety of populations. Her specialties include adults with concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief, low self-esteem, and childhood trauma. She also specializes in assisting women navigating the various challenges of motherhood, along with people of color.

Catherine earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Southern Mississippi. She believes that therapy is not a “one-size fits all” approach, and she utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, motivational Interviewing, and psychodynamic therapy as most applicable to meet the client’s needs.

For some, the idea of therapy is without stigma and openly welcomed. For others, it’s one of the hardest decisions they will make. It is easy to remain in familiarity. Catherine is extending an olive branch in hopes that you will make the hard decision now to achieve the peace you desire in the future.

Savannah Donahoe is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with a background focused on trauma, crisis response, LGBTQIA+ issues, gender-affirming care, PTSD, depression and anxiety, self-esteem, gender identity-related issues, sexual identity,-related issues, grief, and loss. Savannah is passionate about providing support to folks of all ages through the unique challenges that they face. She values the importance of diversity, self-identity, and multicultural competency.

Savannah completed her Master's degree in Counseling at the University of Montevallo. She has experience in trauma and crisis response, as well as gender-affirming care. Savannah utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), person-centered therapy (PCT), and gender-affirming therapy.

Savannah is confident that she would be able to support you through the different challenges you may be facing. Seeking counseling can be a very difficult step, but if you feel ready, schedule an appointment with Savannah to start working towards a better quality of life.

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 5 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in helping individuals navigate emotional regulation, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, and long-standing patterns that feel difficult to change. I often work with clients experiencing anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, and feelings of being misunderstood in their relationships or family systems.

I earned my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of West Alabama. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and strength-based therapy to help clients gain insight, manage emotions, and build healthier coping patterns.

I understand that reaching out for support takes courage, and you deserve a space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered. My approach is warm, direct, and collaborative, offering practical tools and steady support as you work toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.

Michelle is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 5 years experience helping those that have experienced trauma. She has worked with victims of interpersonal violence and sexual assault and is passionate about seeing survivors work through their trauma. Her philosophy is letting clients lead in their healing process and she will give them tools, education and resources to continue their journey even after therapy ends. Michelle specializes in trauma, grief, anxiety and depression.

Michelle completed her Master's degree in Counseling in 2018 from Faulkner University. She has ample experience juggling life, school and work. Her first career was as a Medical Assistant in a busy practice for 20 years. She worked full time while getting her degree. This as well as professional experience enables her to provide guidance and support for todays busy lifestyle and creating work/life balance.

Life is a journey. Sometimes we are handed things along that journey that weigh us down and make it difficult to move forward. Michelle would like to support and encourage you on that journey, and give you tools and skills to lighten the load. If you are ready to get up and move forward on this journey, schedule an appointment today.

Dr. Courtney Chism is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with 15 years of experience and a passion for empowering those healing from trauma, hurt, and emotional pain. While Dr. Chism has worked with adults and children, she specializes in providing services to adults and their families. Her background has equipped her with the understanding, empathy, and creativity to help clients reach their therapeutic goals.

Dr. Chism received her Doctor of Social Work degree from the University of Alabama. She utilizes approaches including but not limited to compassion-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, Christian counseling, motivational interviewing, and end-of-life/hospice support.

Dr. Chism meets others where they are on their mental health journey to help them identify the source of their issues and develop healthy coping skills to implement in their daily lives. She believes in the power of therapy and is prepared to travel with her clients, at their pace, toward their goals.

Andy Markham is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 18 years of experience providing counseling services to adolescents, adults, and families. He offers a warm, client-centered approach and works with individuals dealing with a wide range of concerns, including trauma, depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions, relationship issues, grief and loss, school-related difficulties, and family challenges. Andy understands that people face challenges at all points in their lives and may need support to overcome obstacles or move forward when they feel stuck.

Andy earned his Master’s in Counseling Psychology from Alabama A&M University. He utilizes eye movement desensitization reprocessing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and family systems.

Andy is passionate about helping clients gain clarity, develop effective coping strategies, and build resilience. He creates a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions, strengthen their relationships, and work toward personal growth and healing. Schedule your first appointment with Andy today!

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) with 5 years of experience providing counseling and grief support. I specialize in helping adolescents, adults, and older adults navigate work-life balance, major life transitions, stress, anxiety, depression, and loss. I have experience working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, genders, and sexual identities, and I strive to create a safe, inclusive space where clients feel heard and supported.

I earned my Master of Social Work from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. My clinical approach is compassionate and collaborative, drawing from evidence-based, strength-based, and person-centered therapies to help clients build insight, resilience, and practical coping skills.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, grieving, or facing a difficult life change, you do not have to navigate it alone. I will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals and support you in building confidence and clarity as you move forward.