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If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide- CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP NOW.
ACS Providers
Meet the compassionate professionals dedicated to walking alongside you on your journey with care, expertise, and unwavering support.
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Owner/Practitioner
Christy Ware, LCSW
Christy W. Payne, LCSW, is an experienced and compassionate clinical mental health professional with a deep commitment to supporting individuals and communities through crisis, trauma, and recovery. With specialized training in Substance Abuse Counseling, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and Suicidality Intervention and Prevention, Christy brings a trauma-informed, evidence-based approach to every facet of her work, along with her lived experience as a former foster care youth. With over a decade in the field, Christy has worked extensively with individuals experiencing acute psychological distress, including those facing suicidal ideation, substance use disorders, and complex trauma. She is especially passionate about youth advocacy, having supported adolescents and young adults navigating the intersection of trauma, systemic inequity, and mental health challenges .Christy is actively engaged in crisis response and community resilience-building, often responding to critical incidents and working to stabilize and support individuals and groups in the aftermath of traumatic events.
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Christy's clinical work is grounded in a strengths-based, client-centered philosophy. She integrates modalities such as ART trauma therapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques, and she is a certified trainer in suicidality prevention and intervention, equipping fellow clinicians and community leaders with tools to respond effectively to high-risk situations.
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Christy holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Outside of her professional work, Christy values self-care and creative expression, often turning to nature, writing, riding motorcycles, live music and other adventures for renewal and reflection.
Clinical Operations/Practitioner
Emily Klynman, LPC

Emily Klynman, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor dedicated to meeting clients where they are and supporting them on their journey toward personal growth and healing. While she enjoys working with clients from all backgrounds, Emily has a particular interest in supporting those navigating challenges related to neurodiversity, perfectionism, and self-harm—often the quiet struggles people carry alone.
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Her approach to counseling is grounded in person-centered therapy, creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients feel genuinely seen and valued. Emily believes in fostering authenticity, offering unconditional positive regard, and encouraging self-compassion as key elements of the therapeutic process.
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Outside of her professional work, Emily enjoys reading true crime and dark romance novels, spending time with her chocolate lab, Tater Tot, and exploring her creative side through cross stitch, embroidery, crochet, and other crafts.

Practitioner
Karen Allen, Lcsw
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who is passionate about creating a warm, authentic, and non-judgmental space where clients feel truly heard and supported. Drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), person-centered therapy, and solution-focused approaches.
I tailor my work to meet each individual’s unique needs.
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I enjoy working with adolescents, often using humor to build genuine rapport, and I support adults navigating life transitions such as divorce, career changes, or relationship challenges. I have experience helping individuals heal from emotionally abusive relationships, including those impacted by narcissistic abuse, gaslighting, and
passive-aggressive dynamics.
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I also have a strong interest in working with neurodivergent individuals, including those with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder, and I am deeply supportive of the LGBTQ community. Above all, I believe that strong therapeutic relationships built on honesty, authenticity, and compassion, are the foundation for meaningful growth and change.
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Outside of my work, I love exploring nature trails, searching for waterfalls, and swimming. At home, I stay busy with my three dogs, numerous cats, and five quirky chickens, who always keep life interesting.
PART-TIME Practitioner
Denise Freeman, LCSW

Denise Freeman, LCSW, holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a passion for helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and transitions. She believes that every person’s journey is unique and that paths cross for a reason—her goal as a therapist is to create a safe, supportive space where clients can share, heal, and grow.
With experience working across a variety of settings and with diverse populations, Denise blends evidence-based techniques with a compassionate, client-centered approach. Her work focuses on helping clients manage anxiety, depression, life stressors, and trauma, using modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). She values practical, goal-oriented strategies while ensuring therapy feels personal, collaborative, and empowering.
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Denise is especially committed to meeting clients where they are and walking alongside them as they work toward meaningful change. Whether clients are seeking tools to manage daily struggles or working through deeper life transitions, her focus remains the same: helping each person feel supported, understood, and capable of creating the life they want.
Outside of her professional work, Denise enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, and planning her next adventure. She lives in Murray County with her husband Mike and their two cats, Rascal and Cotton—who, as she jokes, prefer to think of themselves as “the boys.”

Coaching and supervisee practitioner
Celeste Brown, MSW
Meet Celeste Brown, MSW. Celeste is a social worker dedicated to supporting individuals through life’s challenges with empathy, respect, and evidence-based care. Celeste holds a Master of Social Work degree from Valdosta State University
and has experience working with diverse populations across a range of settings.
Celeste draws from a variety of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strengths-based therapy, and trauma-informed care, always tailoring treatment to meet the unique needs of each client. Celeste utilizes a person-centered approach—acknowledging how personal experiences, relationships, and systemic factors all influence well-being. Celeste’s goal is to create a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
Together, you and Celeste will work toward building resilience, gaining insight, and fostering lasting change.
If you’re looking for support in navigating difficult emotions or life changes, Celeste is here to walk alongside you.