(404) 932-1822 ph 470-288-1428 fax
Welcome to West Cobb Psychiatry
We're Here for You
Who We Are
Our Medical Practice
Our experience enables us to offer effective outpatient, individualized, psychiatric care. We treat a number of mental health disorders, and provide a safe and non judgmental environment for individuals and couples. If you struggle with day to day life, or are challenged with debilitating psychological symptoms, we are here to help.
Our Treatment Focus
We listen to your concerns, and customize a treatment plan that suits you and your lifestyle. Our focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their inner strengths. We believe that you are better when you become the expert in managing your mental health using therapy, medications, and holistic and recovery oriented/wellness approaches.
Our Patient Promise
We treat you with integrity and respect in an environment where you feel safe and heard. The goal is to treat any and all symptoms to remission whenever possible, using the least amount of medication to achieve this goal.
Our Psychiatrist
Dr. Michael Unger, MD
Dr. Unger has been experienced in psychiatry for 20 years. He has a demonstrative history of leadership in medical practice and in the implementation of evidence-based best case practices. He is a skilled diagnostician and equally astute in psychopharmacology. Unlike many psychiatrists today who have preferred to leave therapy to other professionals, Dr. Unger enjoys using various forms of psychotherapy (dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing for alcohol and substance abuse, etc.) with individuals and couples. He is also licensed in auricular acupuncture. He is a recovery & strength-based rather than 'disease focused' practitioner. He combines traditional evidence-based approaches with his own style of treating the whole person, providing a holistic experience for his patients. His primary focus has been quality care vs. quantity/productivity models of corporate medicine. His experience encompasses working with clients in various populations including but not limited to the homeless and indigent populations with severe psychiatric, substance use, PTSD, and challenging psychosocial circumstances. He was featured in a CBS documentary; has spoken nationally about mood and psychotic disorders, among other psychiatric illnesses. His leadership positions in psychiatry have included working as a Senior Executive, Medical Director and Chief Clinical Officer for several organizations for over his 12 years. He graduated from Cornell University and received his medical degree from New York Medical College. He completed his residency at New York University.
Our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kyla Kerr, PNHMP-BC
Kyla Kerr started her career as a registered nurse after graduating from the University of South Florida as part of the Honors College. She received multiple scholarships and awards including the King O'Neal Scholar, University of South Florida College of Nursing Academic Excellence Award and the Spirit of Nursing Award. She worked in oncology on the Blood and Marrow and Cellular Immunotherapy floor and she maintains a special interest in oncology patients and their mental health. She continued working as a postpartum nurse resulting in a passion for maternal and postpartum women's mental health. She also worked as an inpatient psychiatric nurse with children and adolescents struggling with mental and behavioral issues. After graduating from Georgia State University, she is now a Board Certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
She prioritizes providing holistic care, treating each individual as a whole person rather than merely addressing isolated symptoms. Her approach is rooted in values of integrity, transparency, and thoroughness, ensuring that every client receives the utmost attention and personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. She strives to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can just be yourself. Incorporated into her practice is a Lifestyle Medicine perspective to include nutrition, social connection, exercise, sleep, and stress management.
She offers both medication management and psychotherapy to address mental health concerns comprehensively. Her goal is to treat any and all symptoms to remission whenever possible, using the least amount of medication possible. By combining evidence-based treatments with a compassionate approach, she strives to empower individuals on their mental health journey. Creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered is her priority.
Kyla enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors, especially at the beach or hiking in the mountains with her dog. She practices yoga and meditation in her spare time. She also enjoys speaking about mental health and partners with a non-profit in Atlanta to give back to the community.
What We Do
Psychiatric Diagnostics
Many people struggle with understanding not only their symptoms but also their diagnosis. They find that they have spent little time with their doctor in an assessment and feel abandoned once they've filled a prescription. Relationships between doctor and patient should be built on trust. Trust is built on transparency and compassion. Being able to have a relationship with a doctor that takes the time to educate you about your illness, welcomes questions and recognizes that your unique life experience and personality should always be factored in to how you are being diagnosed, makes a world of difference.
Medication Management
Filling a prescription is the first step, not the final step. Managing how you feel and how medications work or don't work for you are just as important as writing that first prescription. Each person's physiological chemistry is different. Two people may have the same diagnosis but the same medications may not work on both. At West Cobb Psychiatry, your medications are managed in a way that focuses on your experiences in understanding the medication; noting and addressing your responses and reactions and making adjustments for optimal effectiveness. West Cobb Psychiatry takes a holistic approach. We will never be a pill factory or dispensary. We care about our patients total health!