Odell Vining, Ph.D.

My work in mental health began in 1996, grounded early on by both clinical training and a deep belief in structure, accountability, and growth. I later served a tour in the U.S. Army, where I gained a profound appreciation for resilience under pressure—something that continues to inform the way I approach behavioral change and mental performance today.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings: psychiatric units, schools, private practice, and university systems. One of the more formative chapters of my career was working in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, helping develop behavioral intervention strategies in disrupted educational systems. That work eventually led to co-authoring a book on Response-to-Intervention practices, one of four psychologists selected for the project.

At my core, I’m a behaviorist—shaped by the precision of Skinnerian models—but I also draw from client-centered approaches when needed. While structure and reinforcement remain central to my work, I believe change happens best when people feel understood and respected. As a Christian, I approach care with conviction, compassion, and a belief that people are created with purpose, not pathology.

In recent years, my practice has continued to evolve. Beginning July 4, 2025, I will begin seeing clients from a new home-based office in Columbus, GA, while also expanding telehealth services for online access. I’ve also partnered with a regional medical provider agency to offer contracted psychological services across multiple locations.

Alongside clinical work, I’ve begun focusing more on collegiate sports—consulting with athletes and teams on the behavioral side of mental fitness. Working with championship-level athletes has deepened my interest in how attention, resilience, and emotional regulation can be trained just like any other skill.

Wherever I serve—clinic, team, or community—my aim is the same: to bring clarity, structure, and genuine care to the people I work with.