
Our Story
In 2005, the Center for Psychology and Counseling opened its doors at 118 E. Sunbridge Dr. in Fayetteville. Dr. Thomas Lawson, its original founder, grew his testing and counseling practice to include a variety of practitioners who together met the needs of individuals and families seeking testing, therapy, or counseling. Dr. Carey Lampton joined Dr. Lawson's practice in 2022. Dr. Lampton now owns the practice where he works alongside Dr. Lawson and several other clinicians to continue Dr. Lawson's vision of meeting the testing, therapy, and counseling needs of NW Arkansas. Today, the Center for Psychology and Counseling is home to 2 psychologists, 3 counselors, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, and an academic coach. We are glad you are here and hope to serve you well!
-The Center for Psychology Team

Vision Statement:
To promote wellness, resilience, and personal growth through a multidisciplinary team model that provides high quality, comprehensive care to individuals and their families with a wide range of mental health issues and learning disabilities.
Mission Statement:
To provide accessible and compassionate care through a collaborative treatment model.
Meet the Team
We provide a range of services and are dedicated to helping you be your best self.

DR. CAREY LAMPTON
Ph.D in Counseling Psychology
Insurances accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare/United Medical Resources, AETNA, and Cigna
Dr. Carey Lampton is licensed as a clinical psychologist in the state of Arkansas, and has held this license since 1995. He earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Arkansas, followed by both a master’s degree and doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Texas Tech University. He holds the title of Professor Emeritus at John Brown University, where he served as a faculty member in the Graduate Counseling program for 23 years. In his clinical practice, Dr. Lampton specializes in the psychological assessment of children and adults presenting with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and learning disabilities. Additionally, he conducts educational workshops for parents, families, clinicians, and individuals seeking to learn more about topics such as effective strategies for managing ADHD, enhancing communication with adolescents, and fostering independence in children. Dr. Lampton has been married to his wife, Stacey, for over 35 years. He enjoys spending time with his family, adventuring in the outdoors, listening to history podcasts, or perfecting his golf swing.

DR. THOMAS T. LAWSON
Ph.D in Psychology
Insurances accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield (not federal)
Dr Thomas Lawson has been guiding individuals and families in Arkansas for over three decades as a licensed psychologist. His educational journey took him from a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies at Freed-Hardeman University, to a Master’s of Arts in Religion with an emphasis in Counseling at Harding University. Finally, he completed a Ph.D. in Psychology at Mississippi State University and internship at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. In 2005, Dr. Lawson founded the Center for Psychology and Counseling, where he provides psychological assessments for clients of all ages. Dr. Lawson is known for his expertise in ADHD and treating patients with anxiety, depression, learning challenges, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Lawson is the author of Why Johnny Can’t Sit Still, a straight-talking book for parents navigating the challenges of children with ADHD. At the end of the day, to relax, he and his wife, Jenny, like to walk through their pasture to see cattle, fish the Illinois River, and spend time with their Springer Spaniel, Roxe.

KELLY MCCARTY
APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
Insurances accepted - coming soon
Kelly is a skilled psychiatric nurse practitioner with extensive training and expertise in mental health. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from the University of Arkansas. She then went on to earn her Master’s of Science in Family Practice and Master’s of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health both from the Frontier Nursing University in Kentucky. Kelly sees clients ages 12 and older, integrating her knowledge of mind and body to address symptoms and underlying causes of her clients’ struggles with their health. She treats a variety of conditions, including generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and substance use disorders. Additionally, she has begun to offer hormone replacement, recognizing the vital role hormones play in mental health and overall wellbeing. Kelly is lucky to be the wife of a wonderful man for over 22 years and the super blessed mama of three humans and three dog babies. When she is not seeing her clients, Kelly enjoys plants, birds, and nature as well as dancing, reading, and puzzles.

JOEL GRAY
LPC
Insurances accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield (not federal), AETNA, Ambetter, and Qual Choice
Joel is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 30 years of clinical experience. He earned his undergraduate degree in psychology at the University of Arkansas and his graduate degree in clinical psychology from the University of Wyoming. Additionally, Joel has experience on the administrative side of mental health, serving as a clinical director of an intensive outpatient substance abuse program. Joel sees clients ages 16 and older. He has additional training and extensive experience in working with relationships and addiction. Joel is a long-time resident of Northwest Arkansas, and he enjoys time with family and being in the woods.

MEREDITH WATKINS
LPC, Certified Nutrition Coach
Insurances accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield (not federal), United Healthcare/United Medical Resources, AETNA, Ambetter, and Qual Choice
Meredith Watkins is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She studied at John Brown University to earn her counseling degree. Meredith is passionate not only about mental health, but physical health, too! She is a certified nutrition coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Before long, she will also have her personal trainer certification through NASM. She welcomes any and all clients. Meredith especially has a heart for walking with individuals through their struggles with eating disorders. Her knowledge of counseling and nutrition give her a holistic perspective on healing and wellness for individuals of all ages and in all seasons of life. When she is not seeing her clients at the practice, she enjoys weightlifting, barrel racing, team roping, and reading.

DR. JENNIFER LAWSON
Ed.D
No Insurance Accepted - Cash Pay Only
Dr. Jennifer Lawson is an Educational and Life Coach, and she works with individuals toward career path guidance by supporting and building academic confidence and skills and launching individuals successfully into life and work matters. Dr. Lawson holds her doctorate degree in educational leadership and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Her training and experience include working extensively with students with ADHD and Executive Skills Dysfunction. Dr. Lawson is a renowned educator with over 20 years in the field. She combines her knowledge and experience in working one-on-one with individuals in a supportive coaching environment. You are invited to refer to Dr. Lawson’s website: www.lawson-coaching.com for a more detailed explanation of Academic Coaching Services as well as The Highlands Ability Battery: www.highlandsco.com that serves individuals in defining individual natural abilities as they select suitable career paths. From previous clients and students: -“Dr. Lawson’s coaching services were instrumental in mapping out the ‘how to’ of college success.” -“This is the blueprint we have been looking for in bringing structure and confidence to our son’s efforts.”

KRIZANA VILLATORO
LPC, RPT
Insurances accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield (not federal), United Healthcare/United Medical Resources, AETNA, and Ambetter
Krizana is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. She did her undergraduate and graduate studies at John Brown University, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology and her master’s in counseling. Krizana is happy to help anyone age 3 and older, primarily working with child and adolescent clients, but is happy to see adults, too. She has several years of experience, and integrates therapy with play in an honoring and compassionate way in her sessions, giving her clients a special place to “be” and continue to grow within their life. While she was born and raised in Texas, Krizana has come to find Arkansas as a second home. When she is not seeing clients at the practice, Krizana enjoys spending time with family and friends outdoors, going on new adventures, or sipping on a good cup of tea.

AMY LAUGHLIN
LPC, ADHD-CCSP
Insurances accepted - coming soon
Amy is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Arkansas, and she earned her Master of Science in Counseling from John Brown University. Additionally, she is an ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider. She believes meaningful change happens when people feel truly seen, heard, and supported. She considers it a privilege to work alongside individuals and families as they navigate life’s challenges and move toward greater clarity, resilience, and emotional well-being. Her goal is not quick fixes, but sustainable progress that allows her clients to truly flourish. Amy sees clients ages 14 and up that are facing a wide range of concerns, including life transitions, relationships, emotional regulation, anxiety, personal growth, and ADHD-related challenges. She has special expertise in working with parents/families that have younger children with ADHD. Her approach to counseling is warm, thoughtful, and practical. She uses evidence-based therapy approaches, including cognitive and behavioral techniques, while keeping the work relational and personalized. Because no two stories are the same, she tailors therapy to meet each person where they are and supports their personal goals. As a wife and mother of two, Amy brings an understanding of family life, balance, and the complexities of caring for others while also caring for yourself. She also has personal insight into attention and focus challenges, which allows her to support individuals with ADHD using empathy, structure, and practical tools. Outside of the counseling room, her life is shaped by family, connection and community. On any given weekend, you may find her on a trail riding her electric scooter or walking her dog, taking in some local live music, or sampling one of NWA's new restaurants.