Business Details
Your Trusted Mental Health Partner in Smyrna, GA
At Cora Lee Institute, we are dedicated to providing compassionate mental health care for individuals across the lifespan, from pediatrics to geriatrics. Our team of licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, and educational specialists focuses on accurate diagnosis and treatment of conditions including Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and neurodevelopmental disorders. We offer comprehensive therapy modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Strengths-Based Therapy, complemented by telehealth options for accessible care.Our educational advocacy services ensure families receive appropriate school accommodations through IEPs, 504 Plans, and special education support. With a commitment to community education and stigma reduction, we provide psychological evaluations, academic coaching, and specialized services for forensic, co-parenting, and bariatric needs. Our practice environment fosters comfort and collaboration, featuring dedicated spaces for family sessions, private consultations, and child-friendly therapy areas.
Services
Therapy
Psychological Testing
Educational Advocacy
Academic Coaching
Forensic Evaluations
Co-Parenting Support
Bariatric Assessments
Social Security Advocacy
Highlights and features
- We offer lifespan care from pediatric to geriatric mental health specialists
- Our team provides evidence-based therapies including CBT and Play Therapy
- We combine clinical expertise with educational advocacy for school success
- Telehealth options ensure accessible mental health care
- Specialized services for forensic evaluations and bariatric psychological assessments
What people say
Safe and accepted
Dedication to patients
Unmatched level of care
Genuine interest in children
Light at the end of journey
Services
Therapy Services
We provide evidence-based therapy for all ages addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Our licensed clinicians use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and Strengths-Based approaches to create personalized treatment plans. Sessions focus on improving emotional regulation, social skills, and behavioral interventions while offering telehealth options for accessibility.
Educational Advocacy
Our specialists help families navigate special education systems through IEPs, 504 Plans, and due process hearings. We conduct psychoeducational evaluations, attend school meetings, and ensure appropriate accommodations for learning disabilities and developmental disorders. Services include RTI/MTSS support and gifted education referrals.
Psychological Testing
We offer comprehensive neuropsychological and psychoeducational assessments for autism, ADHD, learning disorders, and developmental delays. Testing includes preschool screenings, Katie Beckett Waivers, and diagnostic clarification to inform treatment plans and educational interventions.
Academic Coaching
Certified educators provide test preparation, executive functioning training, and subject-specific tutoring. Our coaches develop organizational skills, time management strategies, and study techniques for students from preschool through college transition, with home-school communication support.
Co-Parenting Support
Dr. Lightfoot provides specialized guidance for separated parents navigating child-rearing challenges. Services focus on communication strategies, conflict resolution, and creating stable environments for children through effective co-parenting frameworks and periodic progress evaluations.
People
Dr. Ty Ellison Lightfoot
Founder & Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Licensed in Georgia and North Carolina, Dr. Lightfoot specializes in pediatric and geriatric mental health with expertise in special education advocacy. She holds a PhD from UNC-Chapel Hill and serves as Assistant Clinical Professor at UNC School of Medicine.
Ms. Julie Romero
Practice Manager
With over 25 years in childcare and education, Julie manages patient care coordination and office operations. She ensures professional service delivery while supporting staff and patient needs since joining in 2016.
Dr. Millicent Phinizy
Clinical Psychology Fellow
A certified school psychologist with degrees from Mercer University and Georgia State, Dr. Phinizy provides trauma-informed therapy and assessments. She specializes in multicultural mental health services and school-based interventions while maintaining active roles in psychological associations.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, autism, and ADHD using evidence-based approaches like CBT and Play Therapy for children and adults.
Do you accept insurance?
We operate as a self-pay practice but provide documentation for out-of-network insurance reimbursement. Patients should verify behavioral health benefits with their provider.
Can you help with school-related issues?
Our educational advocates assist with IEPs, 504 Plans, special education disputes, and gifted program referrals through comprehensive evaluations and school collaboration.
Do you offer telehealth options?
Yes, we provide HIPAA-compliant telemental health services when appropriate for client needs and treatment goals.
What ages do you treat?
Our services span pediatrics to geriatrics, with specialized programs for children, adolescents, and adults across all mental health concerns.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Contact us at 770-634-2349 to discuss your needs and arrange an initial consultation with our clinical team.
