Affiliates in Counseling and Psychology--Our Therapists

Counseling in a Professional and Caring Environment

 175 Langley Drive

Joel Hitt, L.C.S.W, M.Div.  

I have been in the mental health field for over 35 years, and in a full-time private practice in Lawrenceville, Georgia since 1990. I am proud to be associated with Affiliates in Counseling and Psychology for over 15 years. Please go to www.hitt.com for further information regarding my practice as well as other interesting materials.

 In my practice group I am one of the child & adolescent specialists, and about 30% of my practice comes from this age group. Normally I do not accept children younger than 6 years of age. Some of the young people I see are struggling with ADHD, youth onset bi-polar disorder, and in some cases even Asperger's Disorder or other pervasive developmental disorders. These conditions often require a treatment team approach involving the pediatrician, the parents, and multiple school personnel. At this writing, I've attended two IEP meetings at local elementary and middle schools in the area recently, at the parents' requests. This is often the most assuring means of being certain your child's educational and treatment team is working as a cohesive unit.

 But more often, young people and their parents just need out-patient assistance in handling matters that otherwise might become more disruptive to their normal functioning. Many times family stress and even extended family issues seem to filter all the way down to the children. They get sick, start acting out in school, grades drop, and they lose interest in things that used to be pleasurable. Depression or anxiety can be the outcome. In these cases, short-term solution-focused therapy can turn things around dramatically for the child or adolescent.

 The rest of my practice consists of adult clients, from 18 to 65 years of age. Of my adult clients, about 35% see me for couples therapy. On other occasions, we decide that the whole family needs to be involved in the therapy process since they are all involved in the problem, so I pack four to six family members in for a family conference. One parent observed, "This is the first time we've all talked in one place at the same time for a whole hour since I can remember!"

 In the initial assessment I try to address all areas where dysfunction may reside. Sometimes this reveals substance abuse, internet pornographic dependence, major depression or anxiety disorders, and so on. We make a plan for the treatment of all these areas, and prioritize them, deciding whether any require outside (of my office) assistance. Usually at the end of the second session this treatment plan is in place, but the work has already begun. Actually, I like to tell clients that their therapy began when they picked up the phone or went online to contact me. Taking that step indicates that you are already taking action to correct your problem! The sooner you take that step, the sooner you find the help you need to treat your condition before it gets worse.

Helping people help themselves is exciting work, and I am honored to be involved in this vocation. It is indeed my calling.

Please feel free to contact me through either my confidential voicemail (770-217-7904) or via email at Joel@hitt.com.

Kenneth Knight, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.

Hi! I am Kenneth Knight, Ph.D., LCSW- I have worked in the mental health field, community mental health centers and private practice since 1989.Speciality areas include couples and marital counseling, depression, anxiety, panic attacks and substance abuse with adolescents and adults. Treatment approach is humanistic and cognitive behavioral.

Personally I am married with 2 adult children and 2 big house dogs.

Carol Minor, L.C.S.W.

Gail Hammond, L.P.C.

Colleen J. Taylor, Ph.D.

I am a Licensed Psychologist in Private Practice in Atlanta for over twenty years, with a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. I work with individuals, couples and families who face challenges within their family, at work, or with their own personal issues.  Depression, Anxiety, Stress management, Relationship problems and Sexual dysfunction, and Sexual addiction are specialty areas in my practice.  I am available to see clients at two different office locations:  Gwinnett and Sandy Springs.

As a therapist I help clients recognize patterns that are healthy and those that are not effective in their lives.  While working with others, I help them identify and overcome obstacles to reaching their goals.  A fundamental goal in my work with others is to develop strength within themselves and their important relationships.

There are two essential values upon which both the clinical and business aspects of my practice are based:  Respect and Integrity.  In keeping with these values I work to establish a relationship with clients that is respectful of their needs as well as mine. The office environment is designed to be comfortable and pleasant.   I am happy to provide additional information beyond that provided here about my office policies, credentials, training and experience.

Appointments in the Lawrenceville office are available on Tuesday, Thursday, and every other Friday.  In the Sandy Springs office, appointments are available on Tuesday mornings and every other Friday.  The earliest appointment at either office is at 9:00 a.m. and the latest appointment is at 4:00 p.m.   The fee for a 50 minute session is $150.00. 

If you are interested in scheduling an appointment or getting additional information you may leave a message for me on my confidential voicemail  770-217-7902 or via email at DrTaylor@PeopleGrowing.com .  For more information about my practice, you may wish to view my practice website at PeopleGrowing.com  

Marilyn Kirkland, L.P.C.