Athens Clinical Team

Crystal is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and a graduate of the University of North Alabama. She has been providing counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults since 1996. In addition to her clinical work, Crystal serves as the Clinical Educator at Pearl Behavioral Health Services, where she provides clinical consultation, professional development, and support to clinicians.

Crystal enjoys working with clients who are motivated to make meaningful changes in their lives and are willing to put in the work necessary to achieve lasting growth. She encourages clients to take responsibility for their thoughts, behaviors, and choices as a pathway to improving their overall wellbeing. Throughout her career, Crystal has worked with individuals navigating grief and loss, divorce, relationship challenges, and major life transitions, as well as those experiencing symptoms related to ADHD, depression, trauma, anxiety, and psychosis. Her approach combines compassion, accountability, and practical strategies to help clients reach their goals and create positive change.

Jessica earned her Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2012 from Regent University and went on to get her LPC in 2022. She has over a decade of experience providing counseling services in numerous settings including private practice, school, and hospice. Jessica ensures a safe, warm, and empathic environment where clients can explore their challenges and collaboratively work towards health and healing. She uses an integrated therapeutic approach utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to best fit her clients.

Jessica works with clients ages 18 and older dealing with grief/loss, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, social anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, perfectionism, stress management, codependency, postpartum depression (PPD), and burnout. Jessica is a member of the American Counseling Association and the American Association of Christian Counselors.

Accepting: BCBS of AL, Blue Choice, AllKids, New Directions/Lucet, BCBS Federal, PEEHIP, Lyra, and Private Pay

Kayla Thompson is an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) who is passionate about helping individuals create meaningful change and live more fulfilling lives. She believes that healing begins with authentic connection and strives to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel seen, heard, and understood. Through a compassionate, honest, and relatable approach, Kayla partners with clients as they navigate life's challenges and work toward their personal goals.

Kayla utilizes evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Reality Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, tailoring treatment to meet each client's unique needs and strengths. She works with individuals facing a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, perfectionism, unresolved childhood trauma, life transitions, and cycle-breaking parenting. She is especially passionate about helping clients identify unhealthy patterns, develop practical coping skills, and build resilience.

Kayla believes that every person has the capacity for growth, healing, and lasting change. Her goal is to empower clients to better understand themselves, overcome obstacles, and develop the confidence needed to move forward with purpose and hope. Whether you are navigating a difficult season or seeking personal growth, Kayla is committed to supporting and guiding you throughout your journey.

Accepting private pay clients (10+): $90/session

for children & adolescents ages 10-20

Lea Lea is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over twelve years of experience supporting individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges. Clinical work reflects a compassionate, grounded, and client-centered approach developed through extensive experience in community-based, in-home, and outpatient settings.

Professional experience includes providing individual, group, and family therapy, along with intensive in-home services and comprehensive case management for adults with complex mental health needs. Previous leadership and coordination roles involved oversight of specialized services across multiple counties, ensuring compliance with Alabama Department of Mental Health and Medicaid standards through peer review, record audits, and quality assurance processes.

Clinical strengths include treatment planning, crisis support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and management of high-acuity caseloads. Known for strong clinical insight, attention to detail, and effective communication, Ranelda works to create a supportive and structured environment where clients can address challenges and build sustainable coping strategies.

In addition to clinical practice, Ranelda remains actively engaged in community service through volunteer work with local outreach organizations and civic initiatives throughout Limestone County.

Accepting: BCBS of AL, Blue Choice, AllKids, New Directions/Lucet, BCBS Federal, PEEHIP

Ages 5+