03/15/2026
Clarissa Alderman is a licensed mental health professional and counselor based in Valdosta, Georgia. She is known for her work with children, families, and trauma-informed counseling services in South Georgia.
Professional Role
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Owner and director of Family Insight, LLC
Provides outpatient counseling services for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. (Psychology Today)
Education and Credentials
Undergraduate degree in psychology from Valdosta State University
Master’s degree in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from Cambridge College
Doctorate in Psychology, ABD from Mercer University
Doctorate in Family Studies from Walden University
Holds multiple professional credentials including:
LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
LPC-S (Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor)
RPT (Registered Play Therapist)
NCC (National Certified Counselor)
DCC (Distance Certified Counselor)
ICAADC (International Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor) (Family Insight)
Areas of Specialization
Dr. Alderman focuses heavily on trauma and family systems. Her specialties include:
Child and adolescent counseling
Trauma and PTSD treatment
Play therapy and expressive therapies
Family and relationship counseling
Substance use and addiction counseling
Behavioral and emotional disorders in youth (Psychology Today)
Career and Community Work
Has more than 20 years of experience working with children and families in crisis. (Headway)
Previously worked as a school counselor and assistant principal before moving fully into private practice. (Family Insight)
Founded Family Insight in 2007 to expand mental health services for underserved families in South Georgia. (Valdosta Daily Times)
Collaborates with schools, child welfare agencies, and community programs to provide counseling and trauma services. (Valdosta Daily Times)
Additional Contributions
Author of children’s books related to mental health awareness. (Valdosta Daily Times, Amazon)
Speaker and trainer on topics such as play therapy and trauma-informed care for foster parents and community groups. (GA Foster Parent Association. Adoptive Families Association)
✅Dr. Clarissa Alderman is a trauma-focused counselor and community mental health leader in South Georgia who specializes in helping children, families, and at-risk youth heal from trauma and improve emotional well-being.
Dr. Clarissa Alderman’s work connects closely with child welfare systems and services that support children and families involved with foster care. Through her counseling practice, Family Insight, she provides trauma-informed mental health services that support children, biological families, foster caregivers, and caseworkers involved with the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services.
Below are the primary ways her work intersects with DFCS and foster care services.
1. Counseling for Children in Foster Care
Children placed in foster or kinship care often have experienced abuse, neglect, or family instability. Trauma-focused counseling helps them process these experiences and adjust to new living environments.
Services often include:
Trauma-focused therapy
Play therapy for younger children
Emotional regulation and coping skills
Support for behavioral and attachment challenges
These services help children stabilize emotionally and adjust to placement.
2. Support for Foster and Kinship Caregivers
Foster parents and relative caregivers frequently need guidance in managing trauma-related behaviors.
Counseling and support services may include:
Education on how trauma affects child behavior
Parenting strategies for children with complex emotional needs
Coaching on building trust and attachment
Guidance on managing crises and behavioral escalation
This support helps caregivers maintain stable placements and reduce disruptions.
3. Family Reunification Services
When DFCS is working toward reunifying children with their biological families, therapy plays an important role in preparing both the child and parent for reunification.
Services may include:
Family therapy sessions
Parent education and coaching
Repairing attachment between parent and child
Communication and conflict resolution work
These interventions help rebuild safe and stable family relationships.
4. Court-Related Mental Health Services
Mental health professionals often provide documentation or testimony related to treatment progress for children and families involved in the child welfare system.
This may include:
Treatment summaries for caseworkers
recommendations related to family stability
participation in multidisciplinary team meetings
occasional court appearances when subpoenaed
These contributions help inform decisions about child safety, placement stability, and reunification.
5. Collaboration With Community Systems
Mental health services for children in foster care often require coordination with multiple systems.
Work frequently involves collaboration with:
DFCS caseworkers
schools and school counselors
pediatric and behavioral health providers
residential or group home programs
community organizations serving children and families
This coordinated approach helps ensure that children receive consistent support across home, school, and community environments.
✅ Overall impact:
The connection between mental health providers and child welfare services helps children who have experienced trauma receive the support needed to heal, remain stable in placements, and strengthen family relationships when reunification is possible.
Dr. Clarissa "Clare" Alderman
Family Insight, LLC
Playful Insight, Inc
2204 Williams Street
Valdosta, Ga 31601
Ph (229)588-4291
Fax (888) 228-8023
familyinsight2011@gmail.com
****Voted Best of South Georgia: Best Counseling & Therapy Center 2025****
Family Insight LLC ❤️
Family Insight, LLC
Doc Clare Huxtable