Mental Health Professionals Roundtable: Dr. Laronta Rush, Healthy Minds Psychology Assoc., Dr. Brooke Jones, Fresh Start for the Mind, Dr. Brianna Gaynor, Peace of Mind Psychological Services, and Kristen Fraser, LPC, Canton Counseling (ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, Episode 46)
On this edition of ProfitSense with Bill McDermott, four independent mental health professionals joined host Bill McDermott. Dr. Laronta Rush, Dr. Brooke Jones, Dr. Brianna Gaynor and Kristen Fraser, LPC discussed their friendship and how they came together, supporting each other as business owners and mental health professionals, how they navigated changes during the pandemic, a major mental health issue of teens and social media, and much more.
ProfitSense with Bill McDermott is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta.
Healthy Minds Psychology Associates
Healthy Minds Psychology Associates is a group practice providing comprehensive mental health services, including psychological and educational assessments, individual, family and couples counseling, and executive function coaching.
They strive to provide their patients with a superior experience, and this means selecting well-trained clinicians and ensuring the highest quality of service to their patients. Their patient-centered approach is critical to their success, and they pride themselves on excellence in every form.
Dr. Laronta Rush, Founder & Director, Healthy Minds Psychology Associates
Dr. Rush is the Founder and Director of Healthy Minds. She specializes in psycho-educational and psychological evaluation to help identify the presence of neuro developmental disorders in children as well as learning and emotional/behavioral disorders in adults. She has well over a decade of experience in assessing symptoms related to learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, and developmental disabilities.
Dr. Rush has particular interest and clinical expertise in the evaluation and diagnosis of dyslexia and other learning disabilities, ADHD/ executive functioning difficulties, as well as anxiety and mood disorders. Through her early career work as a School Psychologist, Dr. Rush has developed a broad base of knowledge of empirically supported, and developmentally appropriate interventions for common childhood problems, associated school based services/ accommodations, and works closely with parents as they navigate the special education, 504 accommodation, or Student Support Team (SST) process.
In addition, Dr. Rush provides expert testimony for cases involving special education or other school-based services for children with disabilities and conducts psychological testing that is used to inform legal cases.
Dr. Rush is an approved psychologist for metro Atlanta school systems to perform Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs). She also works closely with several special education attorneys to assist them in obtaining the best outcomes for their clients.
Fresh Start for the Mind
Fresh Start for the Mind is a mental health group practice that offers psychological services to children, adolescents, and adults. They provide psychological evaluations, counseling services, medication management, and diet and nutrition support. With three locations (in Canton, Suwanee, and Stockbridge), Fresh Start has an impeccable reputation for offering quality and effective services.
Dr. Brooke Jones, Owner & Clinical Psychologist, Fresh Start for the Mind
Dr. Jones is a licensed psychologist specializing in psychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Jones takes pride in offering comprehensive and thorough assessments, considering all areas of functioning, including physical health and environmental/cultural issues that may mimic underlying psychological disorders.
Dr. Jones earned her doctorate degree and M.A in Clinical Psychology at the Georgia School of Professional Psychology (Argosy University Atlanta) and completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Hampton University in Virginia. In 2009, she completed an APA-approved internship in Chicago, IL, while completing her dissertation. She has also held clinical positions in group practices and taught undergraduate studies in psychology.
Peace of Mind Psychological Services
Peace of Mind Psychological Services is a mental health practice which focuses on individual therapy, support groups, and psychological evaluations. They treat patients starting from age 5-65 for various concerns including depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, trauma, and divorce.
They also conduct evaluations for children and adults for learning disorders, emotional concerns, parental fitness, and behavioral problems. Their goal is to support those they serve through all areas of life through therapy, assessment, and educational workshops.
Dr. Brianna Gaynor, Licensed Psychologist, Peace of Mind Psychological Services
Dr. Brianna Gaynor has a passion for mental health and has noticed time and time again, the healing effects of her work. Dr. Gaynor has been licensed as a psychologist in the state of Georgia since May 2011 and received her doctorate degree from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology in 2009.
Her training while in graduate school focused primarily on the treatment of children, adolescents, and families. During her internship year she was also trained in faith based therapy and, although not a traditional Christian counselor, has learned how to incorporate faith based techniques for those clients who express a willingness to hear the word of God. She has also worked in various settings, including outpatient, residential, and a mental health hospital.
What Dr. Gaynor enjoys most is the opportunity to connect with people and help encourage them through their troubles. Currently, she works at her own private practice, Peace of Mind Psychological Services, where much of her work focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and behavioral disorders through psychological evaluations. Peace of Mind also specializes in helping the whole family “find peace in every circumstance” by providing therapy services starting at age 3 through adulthood.
Dr. Gaynor has a unique way of connecting with others through humor and kindness and her goal in every encounter is to help others to “find peace in every circumstance.”
Canton Counseling
We all need support in dealing with life’s challenges, but sometimes just asking for help can feel as overwhelming as the problems for which we are seeking support. The task of finding the right therapist can be difficult. Who can I trust? Will I be heard and understood? Will they work well with my children and/or family?
Canton Counseling understands these concerns and work to create a compassionate therapeutic environment to help clients grow and change. Whether you are looking to learn new ways of dealing with a behavioral or relationship pattern, or are seeking support for your child or family, they offer their clients a compassionate and supportive, yet challenging environment in which to achieve their full potential. When talking with adolescents, Canton Counseling works to create a space where the adolescent feels supported and safe while also incorporating some fun!
Their goal is to always meet each young person where they are both developmentally and emotionally. They are committed to providing understanding, education, coping strategies, and support to help others find hope and healing for the challenges of life.
Kristen Fraser, LPC, Owner & Clinical Director, Canton Counseling
Everyone faces conflict and difficult situations in their lives at one time or another. Kristen believes some experiences hit us a little harder than others and we need support in overcoming those challenges. Dealing with and overcoming those conflicts will allow you to grow into a stronger and more capable person. Life transitions typically mark the end of one phase of your life and can allow you the opportunity to replace the old way of being with something new.
Kristen sees therapy as an empowering opportunity for self-development that provides you with a safe place to openly express and explore your thoughts and feelings. She is committed to working with people to help them find meaning and fulfillment in their lives. Her greatest strengths are working with individuals (pre-teens, teens, and adults) and couples.
Every journey begins with a single step, and finding the right support is the first step. Theoretical Orientation: Client Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Gottman Method Couples Counseling.
