Counselors in Atlanta & Alpharetta, GA
Meet the Therapists at Atlanta Specialized Care
Since 1998, Tatiana Matthews has been sharing hope, humor, and professionalism with her clients. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) in Georgia and North Carolina. She is the clinical director of Atlanta Specialized Care.
Mrs. Matthews obtained her master of science from East Carolina University, where she majored in clinical rehabilitation counseling with a specialty in addiction and mental health. While acting as a consult liaison in the main medical hospital, she completed her clinical internship in the alcohol and addiction program and the psychiatric unit at Duke University Medical Hospital.
Following her internship, Mrs. Matthews practiced privately with East Coast Counseling in Greenville, North Carolina. In addition, she served as research director for a “Brief Intervention” study conducted through the East Carolina Injury Prevention Program at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville.
In 2000, Mrs. Matthews moved to north Georgia and worked on a contractual basis for Ridgeview Institute’s mobile assessment team in Smyrna. She was one of the founding partners of North View Counseling & Recovery, Inc., where she practiced for almost 10 years. After retiring from North View in August 2010, Mrs. Matthews began practicing independently in Alpharetta.
Mrs. Matthews addresses the mind, body, spirituality, family systems, vocation, and hobbies. When requested by a client, she can integrate a Christian perspective into the therapy process. She is client-centered and develops a series of interventions that are challenging without being shaming.
Mrs. Matthews provides individual, family, and group therapy to adults and adolescents. She has extensive experience in the areas of addictions, co-dependency, trauma, mood regulation, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and learning disabilities.
Mrs. Matthews has specialized training in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), as well as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). EMDR is a therapeutic technique used to address trauma, while DBT teaches emotional regulation.
Mrs. Matthews is also the author of Fred the Fox Shouts “NO!”, an adult’s guide to speaking to children about sexual abuse prevention. Fred the Fox helps parents and caregivers introduce the concepts of “private parts” and safety with people we know. With the help of illustrations by Allison Fears, Fred the Fox helps children learn to recognize and avoid sexual abuse and helps protect them by teaching them what to do.
Fred the Fox Shouts “NO!” is available for purchase at Amazon.com.
Theresa Westfall, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), received her Master of Science from Mercer University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Mrs. Westfall completed her clinical internship at New Life Community Ministries in Decatur, Georgia, where she aided in the coordination and development of New Life’s counseling and case management program. She also assisted in Dr. Jagan Chilakamarri’s psychiatric practice with research on pediatric bipolar disorder.
Beyond her degree, Mrs. Westfall is trained in specialized trauma treatments, including the use of brainspotting, internal family systems, and progressive counting. Each of these therapeutic techniques are designed to help children and adults deal with traumatic experiences and loss. She is also trained in dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and facilitates this therapy in individual and group sessions.
Additionally, Mrs. Westfall is trained in collaborative and proactive solutions (CPS), a model used to work with children and adolescents experiencing behavioral challenges and/or explosive outbursts. The approach improves communication, empathy, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills as the child and the parent work together as a team. Family communication is strengthened and improved through this model.
Mrs. Westfall is the lead therapist for Atlanta Specialized Care's Executive Functioning Groups. She provides individual, family, and group therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. She is passionate about working in the areas of trauma, loss, executive functioning, social skills, the autism spectrum, communication difficulties, behavioral challenges, addictions, anxiety, stress management, depression, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
Mrs. Westfall meets clients where they are in life and treats each client as a unique individual. She counsels from a holistic perspective incorporating the mind, body, spirit, family, school, work, and environment. Her therapeutic style is warm and supportive as she works with clients to reach their goals in a way that instills hope and a sense of empowerment.
Alicia Allison Porter, MS, NCC, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and young adults. She received her Master of Science from Mercer University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program and is trained extensively in Play Therapy.
Her expertise is in treating anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder (social phobia). She is also experienced in working with clients dealing with depression, grief, childhood trauma, self-harming behaviors, and suicidal ideation.
Her techniques are rooted in a person-centered approach and include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Child Centered Play Therapy. Her counseling process begins with teaching her clients how to “lean in” to their anxiety by offering a safe place to process emotions and learn skills to tolerate their anxiety with strength and perseverance.
Alicia is trained in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), a program developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz at the Yale Child Study Center. The technique is designed to help parents respond more supportively to their anxious child while also reducing any accommodations they have been making around the child’s symptoms.
Alicia Porter completed her clinical internship at Piedmont Hospital in the Smasky Advanced Heart Failure Center in Atlanta, Georgia where she ran the heart transplant support group for patients and caregivers. Prior to her internship, she worked with Georgia Transplant Foundation as the manager of the Mentor Project facilitating the peer-to-peer support system created to support candidates for and recipients of solid organ transplants.
A native of Atlanta, Alicia is closely tied to the community. She attended Woodward Academy, completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Oglethorpe University and earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health at Mercer University. Alicia has worked and volunteered for over 20 years in the Atlanta community supporting children, adolescents and their families through Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Camp Twin Lakes, Kate’s Club, and Genesis Center for Christian Counseling.
Neitcha Thomsen, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), received her Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia and her undergraduate degree in Social Work from the University of Texas. Mrs. Thomsen has extensive experience working with young adults and adults with mood disorders, psychotic disorders, anxiety, OCD, grief, and insomnia. She works with individuals on the autism spectrum providing individual support for executive functioning skills. She is certified as an Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. She is a mental health advocate in the Atlanta community and is passionate about empowering and supporting families and individuals impacted by mental illness through their journey of recovery, ending stigma, and identifying community mental health resources.
Mrs. Thomsen uses a variety of modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, psychoeducation and Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) based on the needs of the client. She is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) which is considered the gold standard for the treatment of insomnia. She empowers clients in their journey through a framework of the recovery model along with focusing on individual strengths. Through the treatment process, she aids individuals to discover their personal strengths and qualities, and to tap into ability to not only heal but thrive in life. She works from a client-centered framework focusing on education, protective factors, values, connection to others, and developing skills while focusing on each client’s personal goals for therapy.
Mrs. Thomsen has experience in both the inpatient and structured outpatient psychiatric program settings. She has worked as a program therapist and program director. She has served on the board of NAMI Northside. Before embarking on her work in the field of mental health she worked as a Spanish interpreter and cultural liaison in the school system along with facilitating community outreach work. She has lived in Mexico, Japan and Australia and loves to travel and learn about new cultures.
Erin Mills, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), received her Master of Social Work from Kennesaw State University with a specialty focus in substance abuse. She completed her clinical internships at DeKalb Drug Court; a judicially supervised drug treatment and alternative sentencing program offered by DeKalb Superior Court, and Mothers Making a Change; an inpatient/outpatient treatment facility for mothers working with the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) to regain custody of their children. During her internships, she discovered her passion and aptitude for working within the area of substance abuse treatment.
Erin was also the Lead Counselor at Caron Treatment Center’s Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program in Dunwoody. There, she completed assessments and made recommendations for appropriate levels of care, facilitated several outpatient groups for adolescents, young adults, and their families, and facilitated individual and family therapy. Erin believes that incorporating family participation in adolescent therapy is imperative to long-term success and enjoys working with clients and their families to provide these services.
Erin is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Erin works with adolescents, young adults, and adults struggling with a range of issues, including substance use/abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, communication issues, lack of coping skills, relationship conflicts, and executive functioning.
Erin believes that each client is an individual with specific needs that is capable of change and growth with the right supports in place. She is passionate about working with her clients and offering them encouragement, support, and insight while working together to realize their goals.
Natalie Stadnick-Uhl, M.Div, LPC, CRC practices therapy in Atlanta Specialized Care’s Dunwoody Office. She holds a Master’s of Divinity from Duke University and a Master’s of Rehabilitation Counseling from Mercer University, equipping her with a unique blend of spiritual insight and clinical expertise. With a warm heart and a deep commitment to your well-being, she offers individual therapy to pre-teens, adolescents, and adults.
Natalie has a profound passion for helping individuals navigate life's challenges, particularly in the areas of anxiety, depression, chronic illness, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and executive functioning. While studying at Duke University, her M.Div internship was completed at Partners in Caring, a Duke University Hospital affiliated program providing spiritual care, case management, and assistance for people living with HIV.
While completing her counseling degree at Mercer University, her counseling internship was located here at Atlanta Specialized Care (ASC). During this internship, she co-led ASC’s Adult Executive Functioning groups, collaborating closely with Theresa Westfall, LPC, and under the guidance of ASC’s Director, Tatiana Matthews, LPC, CRC. Working within a neurodiverse client population, she has honed her skills and gained invaluable insights.
In her practice, Natalie embraces the belief that positive outcomes stem from a genuine counselor-client relationship. She offers acceptance and warmth as the foundation of her counseling style. Tailoring her approach to her patients’ unique needs, she draws upon various counseling theories, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Choice Theory. Her expertise also extends to Experiential Dynamic Therapies, where she works diligently to undo shame and aloneness associated with neurodiversity and chronic illness.
With a background in pastoral counseling from Duke Divinity School, Natalie understands the profound impact spirituality can have on the healing process. If you desire, she can incorporate spiritual elements into your counseling sessions, fostering holistic growth and understanding.
As a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Natalie specializes in supporting individuals and caregivers dealing with chronic illness and physical or psychological disabilities. Additionally, she works closely with clients undergoing life transitions, stress, anxiety, and depression. Her unique focus lies in assisting those who are neurodiverse, experiencing chronic illnesses, or seeking to enhance their executive functioning capacities.
Embarking on a therapeutic journey takes courage, and Natalie is here to support you every step of the way. Together, you will navigate challenges, while fostering resilience, self-discovery, and lasting healing. Let’s undo shame, embrace your uniqueness, and build a foundation for a brighter tomorrow.
As an Advanced Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Katie Butler specializes in prescribing and managing medication for clients with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and substance abuse.
Since receiving her Family Nurse Practitioner degree (Summa cum Laude) from Georgia State University, Katie has worked in a variety of settings including Augusta’s VA hospital, in pediatric oncology, and in private practice.
Katie grew up in Sandy Spring and is married with two grown children. As a former collegiate athlete, running both cross country and track at SMU, Katie stays active with traveling and hiking. She slows down with a book or engaging in her yoga practice, and she is certified to teach yoga as well as Yoga of 12-steps.
With a Bachelors of Science in Alternative Medicine and a Masters of Science in Counseling Education from East Carolina University, Bre Curtin brings a holistic perspective to the therapeutic process. She has experience in the treatment of depression, anxiety, OCD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD and executive functioning impairments. Bre provides individual and group therapy to children, adolescents and adults utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, "Executive Functioning" skills building, Play Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention. Trained in case management, Bre improves treatment outcomes treating the "whole person," often coordinating care with parents, spouses, family members, other mental health and healthcare providers, psychiatrists, school counselors and workplace resources.
Megan McKinney, a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), received her Master of Social Work from Boston College. Megan completed her clinical internships at Stone Rehabilitation; a skilled nursing facility, and Klarman Eating Disorders Center at McLean Hospital, a residential eating disorder facility. It was during this time that she became passionate about helping adolescents and young adults of all genders connect with their authentic selves and lead a more fulfilling life.
Megan further gained experience as a Primary Therapist at Clementine Atlanta where she walked beside adolescents and their families in their recovery journey. Here she provided individual psychotherapy, group therapy, completed assessments, and helped clients navigate the varying levels of care.
Megan uses a holistic, strengths-based approach to therapy drawing from theories such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Solutions-Focused Therapy. Additionally, Megan has training in Cognitive Processing Therapy and has completed level 1 and level 2 trainings in Brainspotting. She works with children, adolescents, and young adults who are seeking help with trauma, eating disorders, body image concerns, OCD, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal relationships. Megan seeks to create a space that is nonjudgmental, empathetic, and collaborative. She believes that the individual is the expert on their own experience, and there is always a chance to create meaningful change. Megan is passionate about supporting clients as they realize their strengths and create the life they wish to live.
Ross Mills completed his bachelor’s degree in psychology at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Mercer University in Macon, GA, and is anticipated to graduate in 2023. Ross believes in treating patients as a whole, taking into account all aspects of their lives to provide them with in-depth therapeutic services that best suit their individual needs. With the academic knowledge he has gained over the years, Ross strives to create a safe space and welcoming environment for his patients to feel comfortable in.
Jessica Fosse completed her bachelor's degree in human services with a concentration in case management at Kennesaw State University. She is currently pursuing her master's degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from Mercer University in Macon, GA, and is anticipated to graduate in 2024. She has experience providing behavioral services to individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Jessica's approach to counseling emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where patients can freely explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without fear of judgment. Throughout her academic journey, she has gained extensive knowledge of the therapeutic process and looks forward to supporting patients in navigating life challenges.
Meredith Metscher began her journey in mental health work in 2011 by completing her bachelor's degree with honors in Psychology at University of Alabama at Birmingham. While working at Emory University as a Clinical Research Coordinator, Meredith pursued her passion for helping her community by earning a Master of Public Health degree at Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University in 2018. Most recently, Meredith worked as a project manager within the Behavioral and Mental Health Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. At Children’s, she managed education projects aiming to increase the knowledge of mental health topics for Children’s employees and primary care providers throughout the state. After working in healthcare and research settings for over ten years, Meredith felt strongly called to help people more directly through counseling. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University and will graduate in 2024.
Meredith promotes a relaxed environment where the client can bring their authentic self and approaches the counseling process as a journey between the client and counselor. She views the counselor as a partner in the client’s exploration and uses a strength-based approach to support clients while also working to provide the tools they need to improve their quality of life. Meredith uses her lived experiences and academic training to work with clients navigating grief, life transitions (including the perinatal period), substance use, anxiety, and depression. Meredith has witnessed the power of therapy, and she firmly believes that every client has the potential for positive change in their lives with the support and tools that meet their needs.
Administration
As Dunwoody Office Manager, Alex greets you, gets you scheduled, and keeps the office running smoothly. Alex holds an Associate of Science degree in Psychology and Early Childhood Development from Georgia State University, and graduated summa cum laude from Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Childhood Development. Ahead for Alex is the pursuit of a master’s degree in school counseling. Originally from Boston, but a long-time resident of Georgia, Alex enjoys time spent with her fiancé and her dogs and planning their future.
Peggy has recently retired from the finance world and now provides office support to the Alpharetta location on a part-time basis. She grew up in Los Angeles, but is a long time resident of Georgia. In her leisure time, Peggy enjoys cooking, reading, word puzzles and time spent with family, hosting weekly dinners with her husband, two grown sons, daughter-in-law and two very energetic grandchildren.