Providers

After completing a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with honors at the University of Georgia, Dr. McCarthy received his M.D. at the Medical College of Georgia. During medical training, he took joy in helping patients understand and integrate their experiences to regain a sense of wholeness and meaning in their lives. He completed internship and residency training in psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina. While at MUSC and the Ralph H. Johnson VA medical center, he received evidence-based training in several modalities of trauma-focused psychotherapy. He received special certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for children, adolescents, and their caregivers and Cognitive Processing Therapy for Veterans. Dr. McCarthy is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.  He enjoys teaching and learning alongside physicians, therapists, students, and patients alike. 

Dr. McCarthy’s approach to patients:

“A well-adjusted life is a balance between mind, body, spirit, and environment. I believe quality care can come in the form of therapy, medication, or a combination of both.  I believe in prescribing medications only when clinically indicated. I have training in cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, and psychopharmacologic modalities of treatment. Specialties include: mood and thought disorders, addiction, dual diagnosis, life transitions, relationships, personal growth, and issues of grief, loss, and spirituality. I was born in Newnan, Georgia, and take pride in serving people of this community. It takes courage to seek help, and I applaud you for taking this step.” 

Note that initial evaluations can take up to two hours and follow-up appointments can range from 20 to 60 minutes.

Kerry Tochterman, PMH-NP. is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner that joined Southern Psychiatric Professionals in December 2020. She graduated from the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Kerry continued her training at University of Alabama at Birmingham and obtained her Master of Science in Nursing.

Kerry has experience working with teenagers, college mental health, adult medication management, and has training and experience with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy. Kerry currently serves as adjunct faculty at Augusta University/Medical College of Georgia.

Note that initial evaluations can take up to 2 hours and routine medication management sessions typically take 30 mins.

Lauren Colegrove PMH-NP. is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner that joined Southern Psychiatric Professionals in September 2022. She graduated from the University of West Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Lauren continued her training at University of Alabama at Birmingham and obtained her Master of Science in Nursing.

Note that initial evaluations can take up to 2 hours and routine medication management sessions typically take 30 mins.

Shawna Mitchell, LPC, CPCS is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor who joined Southern Psychiatric Professional in June 2019.   She graduated from The University of Georgia where she double majored in Human Development and Family Science and Psychology. She continued her training at UGA and obtained her Master’s of Education in Counseling Psychology.   She has experience working with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, addiction, and family issues. Shawna sees herself as a conduit for helping people learn more about themselves and discovering their next steps to move forward in life.

Shawna currently offers both in-person and telehealth options and can employ a combination of the two.  She sees clients individually, as couples, and as families using a person-centered style while incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).  Shawna believes therapy is similar to holding a mirror up to yourself - it’s an opportunity to see who you really are.  Shawna views her main responsibilities as a counselor as being open, honest, ethical, and asking meaningful questions.   She also believes that clients must also be open, honest, and willing to put in some work and self-reflection in order to see results.  

In addition to providing clinical care, Shawna has a passion for mentoring and training other clinicians.  She currently serves as adjunct faculty at Augusta University, where she enjoys interacting with medical school students and sharing the impact of therapy. Shawna is a Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor in Georgia.  She is currently accepting new supervises for individual and group supervision.  

Note that initial evaluations can take up to 2 hours and routine therapy sessions typically run 50 mins.

Jami Bever is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who joined Southern Psychiatric Professional in September 2022.   She graduated from Harding University where she double majored in Spanish and Social Work. She continued her training at the University of Arkansas and obtained her Master of Social Work.   She has experience working with adolescents, adults, and families who struggle with anxiety, trauma, depression, and relationships. Jami also works with couples using evidence based Emotionally Focused Therapy, an attachment model working to change the cycles that keep us from connecting with our partners.

Jami has training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Brainspotting, both that can be utilized for trauma treatment and other issues. Jami currently offers both in-person and telehealth options and can employ a combination of the two.

Note that initial evaluations can take up to 2 hours and routine therapy sessions typically run 50 mins.