Athens Clinical Team

Crystal is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor who has provided therapy to children, adolescents, and adults since 1996. She sees clients in person at Pearl Behavioral Health Services’ Athens office and also offers telehealth appointments.

Crystal works with clients experiencing ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, psychosis, grief and loss, divorce, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions. She especially enjoys working with people who are motivated to create meaningful, lasting changes in their lives.

Her therapeutic approach combines compassion, accountability, and practical strategies. Crystal helps clients understand how their thoughts, behaviors, and choices affect their well-being, develop effective coping skills, and take purposeful steps toward their goals.

Crystal earned her degree from the University of North Alabama. In addition to her clinical work, she serves as Clinical Educator at Pearl Behavioral Health Services, providing consultation, professional development, and support to other clinicians.

Insurance accepted: Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Choice, ALL Kids, New Directions, BCBS Federal Employee Program, PEEHIP, TRICARE, Optum, American Behavioral, and Lyra. Private-pay appointments are also available. Contact Pearl Behavioral Health Services to confirm current coverage and schedule an appointment.

Jessica is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than a decade of experience supporting adults in private-practice, school, and hospice settings. She works with clients ages 18 and older, sees clients in person at Pearl Behavioral Health Services’ Athens office, and also offers telehealth appointments.

She helps adults experiencing generalized anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), perfectionism, grief and loss, postpartum depression, burnout, codependency, and difficulty managing stress.

She provides a safe, warm, and empathetic environment where clients can openly explore their challenges and work collaboratively toward healing and greater well-being.

Jessica uses an integrated approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Person-Centered Therapy, tailoring treatment to each client’s needs and goals.

Jessica earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University in 2012 and became a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2022. She is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Insurance accepted: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Blue Choice, ALL Kids, New Directions/Lucet, BCBS Federal Employee Program, PEEHIP, and Lyra. Private-pay appointments are also available. Contact Pearl Behavioral Health Services to confirm current coverage and schedule an appointment.

Adult therapist in Athens | In person and telehealth | Accepting new clients

Kayla Thompson, ALC, provides individual therapy for adults ages 18 and older. She sees clients in person at Pearl Behavioral Health Services’ Athens office and also offers telehealth appointments.

Kayla supports clients experiencing anxiety, depression, perfectionism, unresolved childhood trauma, difficult life transitions, and challenges related to breaking unhealthy parenting and family patterns.

She believes meaningful change begins with an authentic therapeutic connection. Her compassionate, honest, and relatable approach creates a safe, supportive environment where clients can feel seen, heard, and understood while working toward their personal goals.

Kayla uses evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Reality Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. She tailors counseling to each client’s needs and strengths, helping clients recognize unhealthy patterns, develop practical coping skills, build resilience, and move forward with greater confidence and purpose.

Kayla is currently accepting new clients.

Insurance accepted: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Blue Choice, ALL Kids, New Directions/Lucet, BCBS Federal Employee Program, and PEEHIP. Private-pay appointments are also available. Contact Pearl Behavioral Health Services to confirm current coverage and schedule an appointment.

Adolescent and Adult therapist in Athens | In person and telehealth | Accepting new clients

Lea Lea is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 12 years of experience supporting children, adults, and families affected by mental health challenges. She works with clients ages 10 and older, sees clients in person at Pearl Behavioral Health Services’ Athens office, and also offers telehealth appointments.

Lea Lea has provided individual, group, and family therapy, intensive in-home services, crisis support, and comprehensive care for adults with complex mental health needs. Her clinical strengths include treatment planning, managing high-acuity concerns, coordinating care with other professionals, and helping clients develop practical, sustainable coping strategies.

Her compassionate, grounded, and client-centered approach creates a supportive and structured environment where clients can address challenges, strengthen emotional skills, and work toward meaningful goals.

Ranelda also remains active in Limestone County through volunteer work with local outreach organizations and civic initiatives.

Lea Lea is currently accepting new clients.

Insurance accepted: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Blue Choice, ALL Kids, New Directions/Lucet, BCBS Federal Employee Program, and PEEHIP. Private-pay appointments are also available. Contact Pearl Behavioral Health Services to confirm current coverage and schedule an appointment.