About New Perspective Counseling Center

Shawanna Burton-Smith is a Licensed Professional Counselor who works with individuals, couples, and families, as well as small groups. Shawanna holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Emmanuel College and a graduate degree from Walden University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Shawanna is currently pursuing her doctorate and has also completed all but her dissertation in Counselor Education and Supervision with a focus on Advocacy and Leadership at Walden University. 

Shawanna has a passion for working with individuals  on several common issues, such as depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship issues, identity issues, and career guidance. 

Shawanna highlights person-centered and brief-solution focused therapies in her counseling approach but utilizes a number cognitive-behavioral and motivational interviewing techniques to aid clients with achieving their therapeutic goals. She provides support and practical feedback to help clients think about their situations through different lens or way of thinking to help them effectively address personal life challenges. Shawanna supports and encourages all her clients to actively work on their own healing in addition to therapy and help them make healthy decisions that move them forward in their lives. 

 
A long-time Athens area resident, Shawanna lives with her husband and two children. She enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and watching sports. 

Specialties: 

Anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, career,  identity issues, and relationship challenges
 

Currently Accepting New Clients:

Self-pay individual $80; couples and families $150; group therapy per session $25;

Shawanna currently accepts Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Cigna EAP, Optum, Optum  VA, Oscar, United Healthcare, Victim Compensation and United Student Resources.