Today we’d like to introduce you to LaToya Hayes.
Hi LaToya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into mental health began earlier than I realized. As a child, I remember watching the cartoon Charlie Brown and noticing how freely he shared his worries at a booth that was labeled “Psychiatric Help 5 cents”. What stood out to me was how safe he felt bringing his concerns to Lucy. That sense of emotional safety fascinated me and quietly planted a seed. Even then, I felt drawn to the idea of being a space where others could express themselves openly and without judgment.
That desire was deeply personal. Growing up, I often internalized my own emotions, striving to be the peacemaker among family and friends. While well-intentioned, this role led me to disconnect from my own feelings and needs, creating an emotional imbalance I didn’t yet have the tools to understand. My own journey toward emotional maturity sparked a genuine curiosity about how life experiences shape us and how the mind processes them.
I began my formal education at the University of West Georgia (Go Wolves !!), and after my first psychology course, I knew without question that mental health was my calling. I later earned my Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Argosy University. After spending a decade in corporate America, I took a leap of faith and founded my private practice, Journey to Hope, LLC. I have been in private practice since 2013.
Today, I am deeply passionate about working with women to help them build emotional intelligence, reconnect with themselves, and create healthier, more fulfilling lives. My work is rooted in the belief that healing begins when we feel seen, heard, and supported.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has not been a smooth one, but every challenge has played a critical role in shaping the clinician and business owner I am today. While my education thoroughly prepared me to serve clients, it did not fully prepare me for the realities of owning and operating a private practice. Navigating the business side of mental health care presented a steep learning curve, one that required patience, resilience, and a willingness to grow beyond my comfort zone.
I was blessed to have a mentor who provided guidance, support, and perspective during those early challenges, and her influence was instrumental in helping me build a sustainable practice. I learned that challenges are not setbacks, but opportunities for refinement and growth.
One of the most significant turning points came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when my practice transitioned fully to a virtual model. While initially born out of necessity, this shift ultimately expanded my ability to serve clients and allowed me to reach individuals across the state of Georgia. What began as an obstacle became an opportunity to increase access to care and meet people where they are.
Each challenge along the way has strengthened my commitment to the mental health community and reinforced my belief that growth often happens in the spaces where we are required to adapt.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Journey to Hope, LLC is a private mental health practice dedicated to helping individuals, particularly women, develop emotional intelligence, resilience, and a deeper connection to themselves. My work focuses on supporting women as they navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, and the often-unspoken emotional weight of being high-functioning while internally overwhelmed. I am especially known for creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to explore their emotions without fear or shame.
What sets my practice apart is the balance between clinical expertise and genuine human connection. I believe therapy should feel both professional and deeply personal. My approach is grounded in evidence-based practices while remaining compassionate and emotionally attuned. Many of the women I work with are accustomed to being strong for everyone else; therapy becomes the place where they can finally prioritize themselves.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of Journey to Hope for being a space rooted in authenticity and accessibility. Since transitioning to a fully virtual practice. I have been able to serve clients across the state of Georgia, expanding access to quality mental health care while maintaining the same level of connection and care. My brand represents growth, healing, and hope, not as abstract concepts, but as lived, attainable experiences.
What I want readers to know most is that Journey to Hope is not just about symptom management; it’s about transformation. It’s about helping clients understand themselves more deeply, build healthier relationships, and move forward with clarity and confidence. Healing is not about perfection; it’s about progress, and I am here to walk alongside clients on that journey.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success as wholeness. Being grounded in your mind, the ability to manage your emotions, communicate your needs, and prioritize what’s important to you. I know that may sound like a lofty goal, especially in a world that constantly pulls us in multiple directions. But success is a daily attempt. Some days you are nailing it, other days it feels like everything has fallen apart. However, success is found in the continued effort, the willingness to keep trying, and the practice of being gentle with yourself along the way.
Pricing:
- I accept all major insurances: Anthem/BCBS, CIGNA, United Healthcare, Aetna
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.journeytohopellc.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/journeytohopellc/
Image Credits
MOEments Photography
IG: @moementsphotographyllc
