Meet the Team

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Hi, my name is Dr. Stephen Young, LCSW and I help high-performing individuals improve their relationships and overcome self-defeating thoughts and behaviors to live richer, more meaningful lives through schema therapy.  With over 20 years of experience in behavioral health, I am deeply committed to helping individuals from all walks of life improve their circumstances and find lasting mental balance. When I’m not working, you’ll find me exploring the outdoors with my golden doodle, traveling to new places, and getting lost in a great film. I’m always up for an adventure and love discovering new experiences that bring fresh inspiration to both my life and work.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Georgia and Indiana, I’ve had the privilege of working in diverse settings—ranging from universities, international social services, community non-profits, and private practice. My advanced training began with a Masters of Social Work (MSW) from Indiana University, followed by a PhD  from the University of Georgia. My clinical expertise is being added to as a fellow within Emory University’s Psychoanalytic Institute (EUPI) in the College of Medicine and as a candidate in the International Training and Certification Program in Schema Therapy, studying under Dr. Jeff Young who developed Schema Therapy.

Clinical Focus

I believe that the foundation of effective therapy lies in a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship between a patient and their therapist. For those who have experienced deep emotional pain, it’s essential to work with a therapist who is not only skilled and knowledgeable, but also compassionate, empathetic, and attuned to your unique experiences. My approach is grounded in warmth, acceptance, and understanding, while also offering the structure and guidance needed to help you heal and grow. I am here to walk with you, challenge you when necessary, and support you as you move toward a place of greater emotional health and resilience.

Training and Experience

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Georgia and Indiana, I’ve had the privilege of working in diverse settings—ranging from universities, international social services, community non-profits, and private practice. My advanced training began with a Masters of Social Work (MSW) from Indiana University, followed by a PhD  from the University of Georgia. My clinical expertise is being added to as a fellow within Emory University’s Psychoanalytic Institute (EUPI) in the College of Medicine and as a candidate in the International Training and Certification Program in Schema Therapy, studying under Dr. Jeff Young who developed Schema Therapy.

***Dr. Young accepts self-pay. His fees are $200 for the Intake Evaluation, $200 for Couples Therapy, & $150 for Individual Therapy. 

I help people facing difficulties in their lives to grow, understand, and thrive.  I see the advancement of the rights of all individuals as personal and professional responsibility. My sessions are warm and comfortable as I aim to cultivate an accepting and safe environment to help you to feel empowered to navigate your life with confidence, peace, and freedom. When not working, I am a mom to two wonderful four-legged friends, and I enjoy cooking, gardening, and learning about cuisines of the world.

Clinical Focus

I specialize in trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy to help alleviate anxiety, depression, PTSD, and maladaptive coping mechanisms. We will collaborate to nurture resilience, foster self-acceptance, and build meaningful connections in your life. You can expect to focus on practicing self-compassion and acceptance while navigating complex societal structures, empowering you to make meaningful contributions to your community, and lead a fuller and more grounded life. 

I also utilize Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy, and incorporate this with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) when possible. Through this lens we can work to identify troubling thoughts, behaviors, and patterns, and together to better understand your internal self and make meaningful progress towards your therapeutic goals.

Training and Experience

With a clinical background in crisis services and interventions, I have people facing difficulties in their lives to grow, understand, and thrive.  My past experiences include the provision and supervision of crisis services, as well as years of work in the behavioral health policy realm. I believe in the advancement of the rights of all individuals as a personal and professional responsibility.  

My clinical training included obtaining my Masters of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Georgia (UGA), providing services in a hospital setting, and providing crisis services. I continued my education with my PhD from UGA to gain a better understanding of the systemic issues associated with behavioral health services provision.

***Dr. Covington accepts self-pay. His fees are $200 for the Intake Evaluation, $200 for Couples Therapy, & $150 for Individual Therapy. 

Smith, J. C., Alderman, L., Attell, B. K., Rodriguez, W. A., Pruett-Covington, J. P., Manteufel, B., DiGirolamo, A., Snyder, S. M., & Minyard, K. (2021). Dynamics of parental opioid use and children’s health and well-being:  An integrative systems mapping approach.  Frontiers in Psychology, 12. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.687641

Corley, N., & Young, S. M. (2018). Is social work ‘still’ racist? A content analysis of recent literature. Social Work, 64(3), 317-326. doi: 10.1093/sw/swy042

Young, S. M., Pruett-Covington, J. A., & Colvin, M. L. (2018). Comparing help-seeking behavior of male and female victims of sexual assault: A content analysis of a hotline. Sexual Abuse, 30(4), 454-474. doi:10.1177/1079063216677785

Colvin, M. L., Pruett-Covington, J. A., Young, S. M., & Holosko, M. H. (2017). An exploratory case study of a sexual assault telephone hotline: Training and practice implications. Violence Against Women, 23(8), 973-992. doi: 10.1177/1077801216654574

Aletraris, L., Roman, P., & Pruett-Covington, J. P.(2017).  Integration of Care in the Implementation of the Affordable Care Act:  Changes in treatment services in a national sample of centers treating substance use disorders.  Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 49(2), 132-140.  doi: 10.1080/02791072.2017.1299263

Fields, D., Pruett-Covington, J., & Roman, P. (2015).  Exploring Massachusetts health Care Reform Impact on Fee-for-Service Funded Substance Use Disorders Treatment Providers. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 47(5), 417-425. doi:10.1080?02791072.2015.1090645.

Young, S. M. (2013). Attachment style and risk-taking: A theoretical approach to understanding young men who have sex with men. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 23(8), 869-878. doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2013.803450

Carney, M., & Young, S. M. (2012). Attachment Theory. In K. Sowers & C. Dulmus (Series Ed.) & B. Thyer (Vol. Ed.), The comprehensive handbook of social work and social welfare: Volume 2 Human behavior in the social environment. New York: Wiley.