Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Tuscaloosa, AL

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Alabama with 11 years of experience. I specialize in supporting individuals who are motivated, courageous, and open to exploring their inner world, even if they are unsure what that looks like yet. I work with clients navigating anxiety, relationship struggles, life transitions, and the stress of feeling overwhelmed by daily pressures. Many people I work with seek clarity, peace, and connection. I provide a safe space where you can explore who you are, where you want to go, and how to get there.

I earned my Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Troy University and hold certifications in trauma and grief therapy. My approach is collaborative and client-centered, with a focus on helping adults cope with life stressors and chronic medical conditions.

I use multiple therapeutic approaches tailored to your unique needs and goals. Together, we will work through challenges and setbacks with openness and honesty, creating a safe space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. My goal is to help you find the strength and clarity needed to move forward with confidence and hope.

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.

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.

Kristeona Pitts Watkins is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 8 years of experience. She specializes in helping individuals navigate life's challenges and deal with anxiety and stress-related issues. Kristeona’s ideal client is seeking clarity and emotional resilience. They may feel overwhelmed by life transitions or relationship struggles and desire a safe space to explore their feelings. Their needs include effective coping strategies and a deeper understanding of themselves. Ultimately, their goal is to achieve emotional balance, improved self-esteem, and meaningful connections, paving the way for a fulfilling life.

Kristeona received her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Alabama A&M University. She integrates mindfulness techniques with cognitive-behavioral therapy in a safe, compassionate space for clients to achieve lasting change and resilience.

Kristeona understands that seeking help can feel daunting, but believes everyone deserves support when life’s inevitable challenges weigh heavily. She invites anyone feeling overwhelmed or unsure to reach out and explore how counseling can foster healing and growth. Taking that first step could lead to a transformative experience.

Monica Rich-Mclaurin is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in behavioral health. She has supported adults with depression, severe mental illness, and trauma across inpatient and outpatient settings. Monica is passionate about helping clients reshape their perspectives and develop skills to navigate life’s challenges. She specializes in working with veterans, individuals with PTSD, and those experiencing anxiety or stress, guiding them toward personal growth, healing, and emotional resilience.

Monica holds a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan. She incorporates trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, and insight-oriented approaches to support clients in identifying goals and healing from past experiences. Her clinical style is collaborative, compassionate, and empowering.

Monica is committed to building trust and creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard and valued. She makes herself available for emergency sessions and adapts her schedule to meet clients’ needs. Monica invites you to take the next step in your healing journey, and she’s here to walk alongside you.

Michelle Essary is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 15 years of experience specializing in how the body, brain, and mind all work together. She takes whole-person approach to therapy and works with individuals ages 14 and over, couples, and groups. She specializes in relationship issues, cross-cultural transition, life transition, anxiety, grief, and depression. She also works with those dealing with ADHD, PTSD, peak performance, or navigating neurodivergence.

Michelle has a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Denver Seminary. She is certified in neurofeedback and uses several therapeutic modalities to assist her clients, such as existential therapy, family systems, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Michelle is eager to work with those who believe they are ready for change and wants to join with clients to identify what is not working, the source of their discomfort, and help set them up for and walk with them into successful healing, change, and overall health.