Counseling · Behavioral Health · Family Support
Social Work Knowledge Led by Kristen Means
Helping individuals & families find their path forward.
Our qualified team brings social work education, trauma-informed services and professional partnerships together to support individuals and families. At Means To Thrive Counseling Services, we listen carefully, coordinate thoughtfully and work with you toward meaningful goals.
26+
years of leadership in child welfare & behavioral health
Our belief
A place to be heard. A path toward growth.
Life can bring difficult transitions, emotional challenges, family concerns and moments when the next step is not clear. We believe compassionate support, thoughtful guidance and access to the right resources can help people move forward with greater confidence.
Our approach centers on understanding each person's circumstances, recognizing individual strengths and helping families access appropriate support.
About our approachOur qualified team
Social work knowledge. Shared commitment.
Led by Kristen Means, MSW, Founder & CEO, our team brings together qualified staff with Licensed Clinical Social Work (LCSW), Master of Social Work (MSW), and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) qualifications.
Our professionals contribute to individual and family support, trauma-informed services and resource coordination within their respective qualifications and professional scopes of practice.
Social work education
BSW, MSW and LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) credentials inform our understanding of individuals, families and the systems that affect their lives.
Trauma-informed services
Our qualified staff recognize the impact of trauma and prioritize safety, trust, respect and individualized support so people feel heard, valued and empowered.
Coordinated support
Staff and qualified external providers contribute distinct expertise, working collaboratively around the needs and goals of each individual or family.
Strengthening family connection at home.
Compassionate, community-based support.
Who we may help
Not sure if we're the right fit? Ask.
Individuals
Looking for counseling or emotional support.
Parents & caregivers
Seeking guidance and support at home.
Families
Navigating difficult circumstances together.
People exploring behavioral health
Wanting to understand options and next steps.
Anyone seeking resources
Looking for information about available community support.
Organizations
Seeking human services or behavioral health consulting.
Every inquiry is welcome. Availability and eligibility are confirmed individually.
What we offer
Support shaped around people, not programs.
Individual Counseling
One-on-one space for personal concerns, coping strategies and life transitions.
Learn moreFamily Counseling
Support for family communication, transitions and relationships.
Learn moreChild & Family Support
Guidance on family circumstances and finding appropriate resources.
Learn moreTrauma-Informed Support
Communication that respects the effects of difficult experiences and your choices.
Learn moreBehavioral Health Support
Person-centered guidance and connection to appropriate behavioral health care.
Learn moreParenting & Caregiver Support
Guidance that builds confidence and strengthens communication at home.
Learn moreCommunity Resource Navigation
Help identifying and navigating appropriate community resources.
Learn more
Kristen Means, MSW
Founder & CEO
Meet the founder
Experience guided by compassion.
Kristen Means, MSW, brings more than 26 years of executive leadership experience across child welfare, behavioral health, crisis intervention and community services — including leadership with Georgia DFCS.
She has led multidisciplinary teams, managed complex service systems, overseen contracts and developed partnerships with public agencies, courts, behavioral health providers, hospitals, schools and community organizations. Kristen earned her Master of Social Work from Clark Atlanta University and is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
What can I expect?
Reaching out is simpler than you think.
- 1
Start With a Conversation
Call or email and share what type of information or support you're looking for.
- 2
Learn About Available Services
We'll explain which services are currently available and whether your inquiry fits our scope.
- 3
Discuss the Next Steps
If a service fits, we'll walk through intake, scheduling, fees and other practical details.
- 4
Make an Informed Decision
You'll have what you need to decide whether to move forward — no pressure.
Timing, eligibility and availability depend on the service requested. Reaching out doesn't commit you to anything.
Our approach
Seven principles behind every conversation.
01Person-Centered
Each person's circumstances, needs and goals are different.
02Family-Aware
We consider the family and community context, when relevant.
03Trauma-Informed
Sensitivity to difficult experiences and respect for your choices.
04Collaborative
Open communication and a clear understanding of next steps.
05Strengths-Based
People are more than their difficulties.
06Practical
Clear information and realistic next steps.
07Professional
Credentials, services and expectations represented accurately.
Our mission
Strengthening individuals. Supporting families. Building hope.
We are committed to supporting individuals and families through challenging circumstances with dignity, understanding and practical guidance. Through behavioral health expertise, family-centered support and community collaboration, we aim to help people identify their needs, recognize their strengths and connect with resources that support greater stability.
Professional partnerships
Connected expertise. Thoughtful collaboration.
We collaborate with qualified providers and community organizations to help coordinate support around the unique needs of individuals and families.
Psychological & specialized services
Means To Thrive has qualified staff, including professionals with Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) backgrounds and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), who are equipped to provide professional, trauma-informed therapeutic services tailored to the needs of individuals and families.
Our team is committed to compassionate, person-centered, trauma-informed care that recognizes each individual’s unique experiences, strengths and needs. We work collaboratively to help individuals and families access appropriate resources, develop coping skills and build a stronger foundation for their future.
Our staff provide the services for which they hold the appropriate training and credentials. When additional specialized care is needed, we collaborate with trusted external partners who provide psychological services, assessments and other specialized care, and we help connect individuals and families with the right providers.
Community resources & continuity
Our team helps clarify needs, identify resources and coordinate next steps with appropriate providers. Partner availability, eligibility and service arrangements are confirmed with the provider.
Take the next step
Your next chapter can start with a conversation.
Talk with our team about your needs, available services and appropriate professional support.