About Me
My name is Dr. Kelley Berto, but just about everyone in my life calls me K.C. and you're welcome to do the same. Although I originally wanted to work in academia for teaching and research, I quickly found that the heartbeat of my work is one-on-one therapy and have transitioned to full time clinical practice for this reason. I consider it a deep privilege to bear witness to the stories of my clients - the painful, the joyful, and everything in between.
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I received my doctorate in clinical psychology from East Tennessee State University, having completed my doctoral internship at the Atlanta VA Health Care System. I have been providing therapeutic services for 6 years. My graduate program emphasized evidence-based intervention and competency skills. I have experience in community mental health clinics, PTSD-specific clinics, and outpatient mental health centers. Although I have treated a wide range of clinical presentations, I find particular fulfillment in working with young adults & 30/40-somethings on issues related to anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, overcoming difficult relationships or hurtful environments, and spirituality. I am licensed in the state of Georgia.
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On a personal level, I actively participate in my local church and I have received educational training in the integration of spirituality and psychology. I am also a military spouse and have worked extensively with veterans and their families facing military-related issues. If it is relevant and desired by you, I have lived experience in these backgrounds and we can certainly integrate this into our work together.
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I currently live in Germany as I am accompanying my spouse on his overseas military assignment. We're enjoying traveling with our sweet baby boy and our Australian Labradoodle. Our day-to-day life is a lot about spending time with friends, sharing meals and memories with others, and finding beauty in the every day.
Curriculum Vitae at a Glance
Education and Work Experience
Birch Tree Psychotherapy
Psychologist & Business Owner
I now am independently licensed and see my own clients. Â I am still affiliated with the MPA community and serve as their Brief Assessment coordinator.
Midtown Psychotherapy Associates
Postdoctoral Fellow
Completed postdoctoral residency at MPA. Provided therapy and assessment services to teens, adults, and couples. Geared my practice towards trauma, anxiety, and spirituality concerns.
Atlanta VA Heathcare System
Doctoral Intern
Served my major rotation in the PTSD Clinic and received advanced training in Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure.  Provided long-term therapy and conducted psychological assessments.  Gained specific experience in palliative care, intensive outpatient treatment for substance use, and brief intervention.
East Tennessee State University
MA and PhD in Clinical Psychology
Graduated with a 4.0 GPA in a program that emphasized evidence-based care, clinical competencies, and excellence in research. Â My masters thesis and doctoral dissertation were on spirituality, internalized emotions/beliefs, and suicide risk.
Various Outpatient Clinics
Masters-level Clinician
Completed practicums at community health clinics, outpatient therapy clinics, and primary care offices. Honed practice in techniques and theory of intervention for a wide variety of mental health issues and with a diverse population (e.g., race, socioeconomic status, age). Served as the program's clinic coordinator.
Cedarville University
BA in Psychology
Graduated with a 4.0 GPA majoring in Psychology, with an emphasis in Counseling and Research. Completed minors in Philosophy, Bible, and the Integrated Honors Program. Received training in the integration of spirituality and psychology.
