Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Lasita Kirkland is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 10 years of experience in mental health. She delivers individual, and family therapy. She provides therapy for trauma, self-esteem and self-worth, work-life balance, family and relationship conflicts, and parenting. Lasita offers culturally responsive and culturally sensitive therapeutic services for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Lasita works with individuals and families by using a systemic and cognitive behavioral approach. However, each therapeutic approach will be tailored to your specific needs. Lasita provides a therapeutic atmosphere of confidentiality, active listening, respect, collaboration, empowerment, and healing so that you can create your desired outcomes.

Lasita has a passion for empowering others. We have all experienced challenges in life. She can help you find healthy ways of coping, strengthening relationships, and resolving struggles through identifying underlying emotions that keep you from the life you desire. Lasita will provide a non-judgmental environment where you are seen, heard, and accepted.

John McAnulty is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), Internationally Certified Alcohol/Drug Counselor (ICADC), and a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist (CGRS) in the state of Virginia who has 20 years experience partnering with adults and couples seeking help with depression, anxiety, life transitions, men’s issues, women's issues, grief, loss, bereavement, healthcare professionals and relationship issues. 

He completed his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Florida State University University and received his Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Troy State University. John utilizes relational, collaborative, strengths-based, cognitive behavioral (CBT), mindfulness-based, solutions-focused, and emotionally-focused approaches to therapy. 

He always maintains the creativity, flexibility and awareness needed to assist every unique individual and couple. John bases his therapy upon the premise of person-centered therapy. John seeks to establish a warm and caring relationship with you in order to assist in building on your strengths and better collaborate with you towards meeting your goals and living the meaningful life you value and desire.

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.