Donna-Jean Owens: Expert in Behavioral Health Counseling

After graduating from the University of Georgia with a Master’s of Social Work degree, I, Donna-Jean Owens, began my counseling career with the Department of Juvenile Justice, providing mental health counseling, support, supervision, and comprehensive assessments for youth committed to the state for both behavioral and mental health issues. I then transitioned to working with dually diagnosed adolescents and adults in a residential treatment setting, supporting their progress through outpatient care and helping them build skills for long-term recovery through substance use therapy. 

I have worked extensively with clients in crisis, including through a national suicide crisis hotline and providing consultation and assessments in the hospital emergency department for individuals experiencing mental health and/or substance use challenges. These experiences shaped my commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based care and meeting clients where they are in their healing journey. 

I founded Grace Behavioral Health & Wellness in 2017 with the mission of reducing mental health stigma and supporting individuals and families in the community with mental health and substance use concerns.

I believe that self-directed skills are a vital part of healing and wellness. I, Donna-Jean Owens, utilize evidence-based, person-centered treatments in my mental health counseling practice to help clients process challenges, work through conflicts, enhance overall well-being, and find greater peace of mind. 

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, my goal is to assist clients seeking change in identifying personal goals and developing the skills and strategies needed to achieve the life they desire. I employ a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to address issues such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and behavioral challenges. Additionally, I incorporate creative expression—including art, movement, and experiential techniques—to support self-discovery, emotional processing, and engagement in therapy. 

As a Master Addiction Counselor, I have specialized training to support individuals struggling with substance use and addiction through substance use therapy. I also work closely with families and loved ones, helping them understand addiction and develop compassionate strategies to support recovery while maintaining healthy boundaries. 

Moreover, as a certified Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist, I integrate animal-assisted therapy (AAT) when appropriate, using trained therapy animals to help clients feel safe, reduce stress, and enhance motivation and emotional regulation. These interventions provide additional pathways for connection and healing, particularly for clients who may benefit from relational or experiential approaches alongside traditional talk therapy. 

By combining these evidence-based treatments with a strengths-based, person-centered approach, I tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs, foster resilience, and guide them toward meaningful, lasting change.