Community Highlights: Meet Garrick Lawton of Lawton Counseling and Addiction Services inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Garrick Lawton.

Hi Garrick, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I graduated with my master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University in October 2018. During my graduate program, I completed my internship at Mill Springs Academy in Georgia, where I gained valuable experience working with children, adolescents, and families.

After graduation, I joined Family Ties, Inc., a private mental health agency in Sandy Springs, Georgia, that focuses on supporting the mental health needs of children, families, and communities. I spent five years there developing my clinical skills, building relationships with clients, and gaining experience treating a wide range of mental health concerns.

In 2023, I earned my professional counseling license and took a step I never imagined I would take. I launched my own private practice, Lawton Counseling and Addiction Services. Today, I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma-related concerns, and co-occurring mental health disorders. I am also a National Certified Addiction Counselor Level II (NCAC II), which allows me to support individuals struggling with substance use and other addictive behaviors.

Looking back, I never envisioned myself as a business owner or entrepreneur. However, through my own life experiences, challenges, and personal growth, I was led to this path. My journey has taught me the importance of resilience, self-awareness, and purpose. Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to help others navigate their own challenges and create meaningful change in their lives. My personal and professional motto is, “Awareness Creates Change,” because I believe growth begins when we first become aware of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growing up, I never considered myself an academic person. Throughout my 20s and much of my 30s, I struggled to figure out what I truly wanted to do with my life and what career path would give me a sense of purpose. I spent over 10 years working in sales and earned my bachelor’s degree from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta in 2011. In 2012, I was accepted into law school, and at the time, I thought I had found my direction.

However, after one year, I failed out of law school. Looking back, it wasn’t because I lacked intelligence or ability it was largely due to a lack of focus, self-confidence, and unresolved personal challenges that prevented me from performing at my full potential. That experience was difficult and humbling, but it taught me some valuable lessons about myself.

As I approached my 40s, I still wasn’t certain what my next chapter would be. A close friend who is now my wife suggested that I consider pursuing a master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling. Initially, I wasn’t interested. I questioned whether the financial investment, educational requirements, and lengthy licensure process would be worth it. In fact, I became so overwhelmed by the demands of graduate school that I dropped out during my second year.

Ironically, that setback became a turning point. During the time away from school, I realized I needed to stop doubting myself and fully commit to something meaningful. I decided to invest in my personal growth, return to school, and give counseling a genuine opportunity. At that point, I felt I had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

After graduating, the journey was far from over. I still had to complete years of supervised clinical experience, accumulate the required hours for licensure, and continue developing my skills as a clinician. It was challenging, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The process taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of believing in yourself even when the path isn’t clear.

Today, as the owner of Lawton Counseling and Addiction Services, I often reflect on those struggles. They shaped who I am, both as a professional and as a person. They also help me connect with my clients because I understand what it feels like to face uncertainty, self-doubt, and setbacks while trying to create a better future.

We’ve been impressed with Lawton Counseling and Addiction Services inc., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Lawton Counseling and Addiction Services, our mission is to empower individuals and communities to achieve mental well-being through compassionate, personalized, and evidence-based counseling services. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where every person can explore their unique challenges, build resilience, and foster personal growth. Our dedicated team of professionals strives to provide holistic care that respects diversity and promotes mental health equity. We believe in the strength of the human spirit and work collaboratively with our clients to support their journey toward a more balanced and fulfilling life. Our practice specializes in helping people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and addictions. If you are trying to navigate these areas of life, we’re confident that we have the experience to help you rediscover what brings happiness to your life. Through therapy, there is always a way to address the issues you face and learn coping strategies to help you both right now and in the future.

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is being fully present for my clients and creating a space where they feel heard, understood, and supported. I believe meaningful change begins with awareness, which is why my personal and professional motto is, “Awareness Creates Change.”

As a mental health and addiction counselor, my goal is to help individuals identify, evaluate, and process the thoughts and emotions that may be contributing to maladaptive behaviors or preventing them from reaching their full potential. Many people struggle not because they lack the ability to change, but because they are unaware of the patterns, beliefs, and emotional triggers influencing their decisions.

What matters most to me is helping clients develop that awareness. Once individuals can recognize the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, they are better equipped to make intentional choices that support growth, healing, and long-term well-being. Watching clients gain confidence, overcome obstacles, and create positive change in their lives is what makes this work so meaningful to me.

At the end of the day, I believe that when people become more aware of themselves, they become empowered to transform their lives. That is the foundation of my work and the reason I am passionate about what I do.

Pricing:

• Most insurance providers accepted
• Private Pay options available.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lawtoncounselingservices.com
• Instagram: @lawtoncounsadctsrvcs
• Facebook: https:www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582030375034