Who We Are
Our Mission and Purpose:
We exist to provide exemplary mental health counseling and services with dignity and respect in a comfortable setting, allowing our clients peace in troubling times.
Through healing, we also aim to share knowledge and stages of change that enable our clients to lead vibrant, healthy, and joyful lives long after therapy has ended.
The staff is equally committed to advocacy for those with mental illness, to providing community education regarding quality treatment for those with mental illness and to the de-stigmatization of mental illness itself.
Through healing, we also aim to share knowledge and stages of change that enable our clients to lead vibrant, healthy, and joyful lives long after therapy has ended.
The staff is equally committed to advocacy for those with mental illness, to providing community education regarding quality treatment for those with mental illness and to the de-stigmatization of mental illness itself.
Lori Gaylor, M.S., LPC
Lori is a provider on most managed care panels including but not limited to Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Anthem, GEHA, Aetna, and Humana and offers services out-of-network as needed. Lori is available by appointment only and counsels children/adolescents age 16 and older, and adults as well as families and couples.
Lori has worked in the mental health community as a therapist for many years in both inpatient and outpatient settings, public community mental health, specialized foster care family services, Christian counseling services, and private practice. She has been a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia since 2001. Lori also enjoyed serving as an adjunct faculty member for Middle Georgia State University for 5 years.
Please use our appointment scheduler on the website to schedule an appointment.
***Not currently accepting new patients***
A quick note from Lori:
Hello, and welcome to Awareness Counseling Center! I hope you'll take a moment to read about all of our talented professionals listed below. We LOVE our office and take great pride in creating a welcoming and calming environment for you from the time you walk through our door. And if you'd rather be seen online, we can talk about that option as well. Each practitioner has their own screening system for what they feel is appropriate for telehealth.
I'd like to take just a minute to tell you a little about myself and my approach as a mental health clinician. Overall, my therapeutic approach can be flexible as needed but is best be described as a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Techniques, with a Person Centered, strengths based approach.
I enjoy working with clients who are struggling with a wide scope of mental health issues, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, boundaries, and general life stressors. I particularly enjoy helping women grow as they go through each day managing work, family, relationships, parenting, and any of the other obstacles of life. It is both fulfilling and rewarding to see clients thrive once they equip themselves with positive coping skills and begin enjoying a balanced, healthy life.
I believe a connection with your therapist is important and I spend time establishing a therapeutic rapport with my clients. My clients often comment on my warmth and acceptance as well as my encouraging demeanor. I look forward to joining others in their pursuit of happy, healthier paths. I believe mental health is core to an overall healthy life.
More information about Lori can be found on her website through the link below:
Karen Richardson, M.Ed., LPC
Karen sees clients, age 14 and older, Monday through Friday. She is a provider on most insurance panels, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Anthem), Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare/Optum and offers services out-of-network as needed.
Karen has over 15 years experience working with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings including private practice, inpatient and outpatient programs, college and career counseling, and emergency mental health services. She earned her Master’s degree from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and has been a licensed professional counselor
in the state of Georgia since 2003.
Karen’s professional interests include personality type, spirituality, career development, and using visual art to foster mindfulness and resilience. She enjoys helping clients learn effective ways to manage the anxiety and depression that often accompany life transitions, relationships, and life experiences.
Please use our appointment scheduler on the website to schedule an appointment.
More information about Karen can be found on her website through the link below:
Karen has over 15 years experience working with adolescents and adults in a variety of settings including private practice, inpatient and outpatient programs, college and career counseling, and emergency mental health services. She earned her Master’s degree from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) and has been a licensed professional counselor
in the state of Georgia since 2003.
Karen’s professional interests include personality type, spirituality, career development, and using visual art to foster mindfulness and resilience. She enjoys helping clients learn effective ways to manage the anxiety and depression that often accompany life transitions, relationships, and life experiences.
Please use our appointment scheduler on the website to schedule an appointment.
More information about Karen can be found on her website through the link below:
Philip Clary, M.S., LPC
I have over 8 years of counseling experience working with individuals, couples, and families in inpatient and outpatient settings.
I am interested in helping you understand, cope with, manage, and reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. I also enjoy working in the area of career exploration and career changes by examining natural interests, aptitudes, and values and considering possible career choices that incorporate all three areas.
Life presents us with many inevitable, unavoidable challenges common to us all. I work patiently and compassionately with those who are seeking to understand and come to terms with suffering, loss and grief, meaninglessness, isolation, and ultimately our limited lifespan. I hope to help others, young and old, discover or create their own meaning and purpose in life. I want to help people answer for themselves, “How do I want to live the rest of my life?” and to develop ways to meaningfully connect with others.
I look forward to working with you to set and meet your goals for your best life.
Philip is in network for Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Tri-Care. His self-pay rate is $125 per session. He has availability on Monday afternoons and Saturday mornings.
Please use our appointment scheduler on the website to schedule an appointment.
I am interested in helping you understand, cope with, manage, and reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. I also enjoy working in the area of career exploration and career changes by examining natural interests, aptitudes, and values and considering possible career choices that incorporate all three areas.
Life presents us with many inevitable, unavoidable challenges common to us all. I work patiently and compassionately with those who are seeking to understand and come to terms with suffering, loss and grief, meaninglessness, isolation, and ultimately our limited lifespan. I hope to help others, young and old, discover or create their own meaning and purpose in life. I want to help people answer for themselves, “How do I want to live the rest of my life?” and to develop ways to meaningfully connect with others.
I look forward to working with you to set and meet your goals for your best life.
Philip is in network for Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Tri-Care. His self-pay rate is $125 per session. He has availability on Monday afternoons and Saturday mornings.
Please use our appointment scheduler on the website to schedule an appointment.
Thomas Jarvis, Ed.D., LPC
Tom has a doctorate in counseling psychology, has been a university professor, and has been a licensed counselor for 8 years. He has many years of experience working with all ages. Having worked in social services and schools he has a vast background working with children, teens, and parents. Tom offers individual and family counseling for adults, children, and teens. He is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tri-Care (Humana Military), CareSource, Aetna, Cigna and United Healthcare/Optum insurance. His self-pay rate is $125 per session. He is available at the following times:
Mondays- 3:00 - 7:00
Tuesdays- 11:00 – 7:00
Wednesdays– 2:00 – 5:00
Other times may be available with advanced notice.
Please use our appointment scheduler on the website to schedule an appointment.
***Not currently accepting new patients***
Mondays- 3:00 - 7:00
Tuesdays- 11:00 – 7:00
Wednesdays– 2:00 – 5:00
Other times may be available with advanced notice.
Please use our appointment scheduler on the website to schedule an appointment.
***Not currently accepting new patients***
Ashley Bertam, MSW, LCSW
Ashley is a licensed clinical social worker who received her master’s degree from Saint Leo University. She works with individuals 15 years old and above and takes a strength-based approach when working with patients. She has years of experience working with diverse and unique populations and has gained significant knowledge in the field of mental health. Ashley strives to create a comfortable and peaceful environment within her therapy room to help her patients achieve higher self-love, regain hope, and build emotional strength.
Ashley is currently in network with Anthem/Blue Cross & Blue Shield and Optum/United Health Care insurance and offers services out-of-network when needed.
She is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8am - 5pm.
Other times may be available with advanced notice.
Please use our appointment scheduler on the website to schedule an appointment.
Ashley is currently in network with Anthem/Blue Cross & Blue Shield and Optum/United Health Care insurance and offers services out-of-network when needed.
She is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8am - 5pm.
Other times may be available with advanced notice.
Please use our appointment scheduler on the website to schedule an appointment.
Daljis “Dee” Garcia, MSW, LCSW
I have over ten years of experience servicing individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, grief and loss, guilt, anger, self-doubt, transitional life events and work/life stressors. I have a Master of Social Work from Florida International University and hold a Georgia license to practice therapy as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am also a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist.
My focus is to help you feel safe and supported, without fear of judgment. We will work collaboratively in a treatment approach to identify problems and solutions, and to facilitate change and improvement of overall well-being. Depending on your presenting needs, I utilize evidence-based modalities such as: cognitive-behavioral therapy, solu1on-focused therapy, and person-centered therapy.
I work with adults and adolescents 14 years and older. I have sessions available throughout the week accessible on the scheduler.
Dee is currently in-network for Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare however other insurance companies may cover at an out-of-network rate. Her self-pay rate is $125.
Please use our appointment scheduler on the website to schedule an appointment.
My focus is to help you feel safe and supported, without fear of judgment. We will work collaboratively in a treatment approach to identify problems and solutions, and to facilitate change and improvement of overall well-being. Depending on your presenting needs, I utilize evidence-based modalities such as: cognitive-behavioral therapy, solu1on-focused therapy, and person-centered therapy.
I work with adults and adolescents 14 years and older. I have sessions available throughout the week accessible on the scheduler.
Dee is currently in-network for Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare however other insurance companies may cover at an out-of-network rate. Her self-pay rate is $125.
Please use our appointment scheduler on the website to schedule an appointment.
Minnie Sue
Meet Minnie! She "shares" an office with Lori Gaylor but she's been known to crash other therapist's offices as well. She's always excited to meet new people and she gives the best cuddles. Of course if you are not a fan of dogs, no worries, she will gladly stay on her bed and you'll never know she's there. She proves to us everyday that a dog really is man's best friend!
Yvonne Hartig has officially retired and we are so excited for her! If you are a former patient of "Vonnie" and are in need of a referral, feel free to contact any one of our other therapists and we will be more than happy to help you find a good fit for your continued therapy.