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Daniel Lee, LCSW

Founder, Owner, and CEO 

Annell and I started our practice over 20 years ago. In those days, it was just the two of us. I did the counseling and she did everything else. And by everything else, I do mean everything. Annell is often our client’s first point of contact for the practice (along with Rodnisha). She has also directed our insurance and business departments.

While both of us are still heavily involved in the practice, our roles have changed over time. As you can see, we have added an excellent staff to serve you. They have all been highly trained and educated, bringing a wealth of diversity and experience to the table.

In addition to more staff, we also have more locations. Our Georgetown office is growing and thriving and we are working hard to meet the needs of Scott county and neighboring areas. Our Lexington office is as vibrant as ever. We continue to add clinical and support staff as the need grows.  Annell and I have a simple marketing strategy: Treat every individual we encounter with care and respect, and work diligently to help them improve the quality of their lives. Our practice has grown the most through word of mouth.  If you’re on this website, chances are you’re hurting in some way. Maybe it’s you, maybe it’s someone you know. Annell and I would like for you to give us a call. We believe we can help you. If it turns out we can’t, I bet we know who can. We’re not shy about referring clients to other clinicians in our community.

 

​Thanks for visiting our website.

We look forward to meeting you soon!

Danielle Lee, LCSW
C.O.O.

My name is Alexa Young

Hello there! I’ve been practicing in the mental health field since 2018, with a clinical focus on children/adolescent mental health, parenting support, grief, and trauma. I am passionate about helping parents and children increase their awareness while experientially challenging and overcoming the roadblocks that have been getting in the way of healing and connecting.

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Meet The Team

Our Team

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Laura Wafer

PHD, MS,MFT-A 

Lexington/Georgetown Office Clinician

Do you feel abandoned, lost, anxious, or afraid? Have you been hurt by those who you cared for most? Do you have feelings of emotional disconnection from your spouse or significant other? Regardless of what you have been through, you have the potential for greatness! Your relationships deserve to blossom! I desire to walk by your side as you let go of the emotional baggage that has been keeping you from reaching your potential and living your best life. Remember, life is not just about surviving but progressing and always being the best person we can be. I offer over twenty years of experience in the mental health field in various capacities. I’ve worked in inpatient and outpatient settings. I have worked with individuals, families, and couples facing a wide range of challenges including mental health issues, Substance related concerns, and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Having experienced many personal challenges with life’s transitions and continuing to strive for greatness, I know that each of us possess the potential to succeed. I hope you will allow me to be a part of your journey as you find exactly what you are looking for.

Candice

Candice Henderson 

LPCC 

Lexington/Georgetown Office Clinician

I believe that everyone tries to get through life the best they can. Yet many of us find ourselves struggling to meet our goals, improve our relationships, or we just don’t feel happy. My approach to therapy is to work together in understanding what is preventing you from feeling your best, finding ways to help you feel better, and letting you know you are not alone in the process. I have been working in the field of mental health for over 10 years in various settings with all ages. I completed my graduate degree in 2008 and have been independently licensed since 2010. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I have worked with those managing lifelong illnesses, anxiety, depression, ADHD, as well as various types of trauma. I have training in many evidence-based practices including CBT, Trauma Focused CBT, and EMDR. Whatever your concern may be, we can work together to see which of these approaches works best for you. I am open and accepting of all different lifestyles and backgrounds and do my best to make everyone I work with feel valued and respected.

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Richard Royster

LPCA

Lexington Clinician

If you have made it this far, I congratulate you on taking the first steps to a better future. You are searching for something better but change can be difficult and uncertain. Maybe you are struggling with relationships, emotions, behavioral change, or just feeling satisfied and happy. Perhaps the current challenges in your life seem insurmountable and you just don’t know where to go from here. I am here to tell you that you do not have to face these challenges alone. As you strive for growth, I will walk beside you on your journey of self-discovery and help light the way. No matter what your current situation is, I believe in the power of the individual to achieve a better life for themselves. With empathy, compassion, guidance, and a respect for your individual freedom, I will provide honest, caring support. My strength lies in accepting you as you are while exploring the changes you want to make with open-minded curiosity. I encourage you to not wait for exact right moment to reach out because moving forward into the unknown will never feel perfectly comfortable. Reach out today. Trust the inner voice that brought you to this moment. I look forward to meeting you and working with you.

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Rodnisha Smith

​Office Manager

Lexington Office Manager

I work in the front office in Lexington, KY. My work involves scheduling clients and working with their insurance to maximize their benefits. I have a degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. I have worked as the Office Manager at Counseling Associates for 15 years. If you call the office I’m likely the person on the other end. I will work hard to connect you with the right counselor and I will guard your protected health information while doing so. My goal is to provide you with knowledgeable and accurate information as well as accommodating your needs.

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Zoe Lee,

CSW

Lexington/Louisville

As a dedicated Targeted Case Manager, I specialize in connecting individuals and families with the resources they need to lead healthier, more stable lives. With a passion for advocacy and over 4 years of experience in mental health and social services, I work closely with clients to develop personalized care plans, navigate community resources, and break down barriers to support. My mission is to empower each person I serve with the tools and guidance necessary to thrive—because everyone deserves access to quality care and support.

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Larry Vaughan,

LPCC, CEAP, SAP

Clinician/Consultant

I am a Lexington native with deep roots here in Kentucky. I have a Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Development and I have been in the helping field for most of my life. My role with Counseling Associates is to provide an enhanced experience for you to equip our helpers with tools that will help them excel in their clinical work. I am excited to be a part of Counseling Associates! Daniel and Annell have built a vibrant, diverse practice that puts the client first. I think you’ll find a warm, inclusive place to find the help you’re looking for. I’d love to hear about your time here. I am always looking for ways to improve your time with us, so if you have an idea you’d like to share let me know. Our clinical staff has been hand-picked for their excellent clinical skills and their proven ability to help you find solutions and answers. We have a staff with a variety of disciplines and specialties. I’m confident we either have someone that can help or we know someone who can. We refer to other trusted clinicians in the community when we think you can be better served somewhere else. Let us know how we can help!

Jonathan M. Carr

Jonathan Marcellas Carr

LPCC, M.Ed

Lexington Office Clinician

In life we are going to encounter struggles. Some of those are going to seem insurmountable, some are going to feel unjust. I believe we all deserve to have an opportunity to be the best version of ourselves, in spite of those events. My clients appreciate my ability to connect with them on a personal level. That’s the foundation of counseling; making a connection. In addition to that, I have the education, training, and experience to empower others as they work to conquer life’s challenges. I provide a warm, non-judgmental environment where I am respectful of your own unique personal beliefs and values. This environment will allow us to work toward your development of new and healthy life skills to implement during the course of counseling and even after treatment ends.

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Thaddeus Byrd

LPCC MRC

Lexington/Georgetown Office Clinician

What are your obstacles? Maybe it’s depression, stress, anxiety, self- esteem, or anger? Probably these obstacles leave you feeling impaired as we take this journey through life. Life is full of peaks and valleys. How we deal with the valley can have a lasting impact well after the storm has passed. Maybe you are here to try to understand an obsession, process grief, unpack trauma, or sort through relational issues. No matter what brought you here. I’m glad you’re here. I’m looking forward to helping you sort through the pain. I am blessed to have been able to share my passion of helping others in a number of settings. I am comfortable in the school system or in the therapy room. With individual or groups. One of my specialties is helping individuals navigate the court system. As a DV and DUI certified provider, I’m looking forward to assisting you through this tough time I provide children, adolescents, and young adults a safe and unbiased environment as they go through the process of better developing a healthier sense of self. Life can be difficult and you do not have to walk through your journey alone. I’d like for you to take some time out for yourself. You deserve it!

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Arsene Kabeya

LPCA

Lexington Clinician

As a passionate and dedicated mental health professional, I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Kentucky. I specialize in helping individuals navigate the complexities of life, including work-related stress, relationship challenges, and emotional struggles such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. I believe that everyone has the potential for growth and healing, and I’m committed to guiding you on your unique journey. Together, we will uncover the obstacles that may be holding you back and explore your strengths to cultivate resilience and well-being. My approach is collaborative and client-centered, focusing on creating a safe and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable and empowered to share your experiences. Whether you're looking to manage stress, improve personal relationships, or embark on a path of personal growth, I am here to provide you with the tools and strategies for your goals.

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Christopher Lyon,

LCSW

Lexington Clinician

Christopher G. Lyon, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with over 12 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. Grounded in a strength-based and solution-focused approach, Christopher believes in partnering with clients to uncover their inner resilience and move toward meaningful, lasting change. With a background in both social work and educational psychology, Christopher holds a Bachelor and Master of Social Work (BSW, MSW), as well as a Master of Science in Educational Psychology. He is also currently ABD (All But Dissertation) in his doctoral studies, where his focus remains on trauma and recovery. This broad and evolving academic foundation supports his work with a wide range of clients and concerns. Christopher identifies as a generalist practitioner, and enjoys working with individuals across all age groups and backgrounds. He has a strong background in trauma-focused therapy, holds an advanced trauma certification, and continues to deepen this specialization through his ongoing doctoral research. Whether you're navigating stress, trauma, life transitions, or simply seeking a safe space for self-exploration, Christopher offers a supportive, grounded, and collaborative therapeutic relationship to help you move forward.

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Guleus Edwards

MA, ATR-P

Lexington

As an emerging art therapist, I understand that the journey of self-awareness can be challenging to navigate alone. My approach to art therapy is designed to create a safe, judgment-free space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings through creative expression. Here, you can communicate your inner world without the pressure of being misunderstood, allowing for a deeper connection to your story. Art has been the foundation of my reality and creative journey since I could pick up a pencil. I graduated with my BFA in Illustration and a minor in Advertising from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2008. Recently, I completed my Master’s in Art Therapy from PennWest University in 2024. This journey has shaped my understanding of the transformative power of creativity and its ability to foster healing and self-discovery. I offer a collaborative and relaxed approach that honors your unique story. In our sessions, I will be an open ear, ready to listen and support you as you articulate your goals and aspirations. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, chronic illness, grief, or self-identity development, I welcome individuals of all artistic skill levels. Our collaboration will foster a nurturing environment where your voice is heard, and your journey toward healing and growth is honored. Let’s embark on this creative journey together, using the power of art to inspire, heal, and transform your life. I look forward to walking alongside you as we explore the vibrant landscape of your inner world.

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Lexington:

859-278-3456  

274 Southland Drive, Suite 204
Lexington, KY 40503

Louisville:

502-795-2800  

1941 Bishop Lane, Suite 708
Louisville, KY 40218

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