Kristina Villareal

With a compassionate approach to healing trauma and addressing complex mental health challenges, Kristina Villareal, LPC-MHSP, brings nearly a decade of diverse therapeutic experience to her practice. Specializing in working with individuals who have extensive trauma histories, Kristina understands the intricate ways in which past experiences can impact present-day functioning, often leading to issues such as suicidality and psychosis.

Kristina's journey in mental health began in Chicago, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Human Services from National Louis University. Seeking to broaden her horizons and deepen her expertise, she relocated to North Georgia to complete her master's degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology at Brenau University, with a specific focus on "at-risk youth." This educational foundation, combined with her ongoing studies in Forensic Psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, equips Kristina with a unique perspective on the intersection of mental health, trauma, and behavioral challenges.

Throughout her career, Kristina has gained valuable experience in a variety of settings, including residential facilities, foster care systems, and school-based therapy programs. While she has primarily worked with adolescents, her practice has expanded to include couples counseling and family therapy, recognizing the importance of addressing mental health within the context of relationships and family dynamics. Kristina's expertise in dual diagnosis allows her to effectively treat clients struggling with both mental health issues and substance-related disorders, providing comprehensive care that addresses the full spectrum of her clients' needs.

Kristina's approach to therapy is holistic and client-centered. She believes in understanding the individual as a whole, recognizing that healing involves addressing not just the presenting symptoms, but also the underlying factors that contribute to a person's struggles. This comprehensive perspective is particularly crucial when working with clients who have experienced trauma, as it allows for a more nuanced and effective treatment plan.

Currently, Kristina offers both face-to-face and telehealth therapy options, making her services accessible to a wide range of clients. She works with individuals aged 10 and up, as well as couples and families, providing a flexible and inclusive practice that can adapt to diverse needs and circumstances. Understanding that financial constraints can be a barrier to accessing mental health care, Kristina offers a generous, income-based sliding scale, demonstrating her commitment to making quality therapy available to those who need it most.

With her extensive background in trauma-informed care, dual diagnosis treatment, and family systems therapy, Kristina Villareal stands ready to guide her clients through their healing journey. Her approach emphasizes not just overcoming immediate challenges, but fostering long-term resilience and growth, empowering individuals and families to build stronger, healthier futures.