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Article Category: Highlights

Better Together: Your Child. Our Expert Care.

Published on September 11, 2025

Last updated 02:52 PM September 11, 2025

Child flexing arms and posing as a superhero.

Some things are just better together: Peanut butter and jelly. Popsicles and summer days. Stethoscopes and superheroes. When it comes to your child’s health, there’s no better combo than your love—and our expert pediatric care. That’s why Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is here to partner with your family.

Playfully styled Wellstar Children's Healthcare of Georgia logo, which incorporates a rainbow and has the feel of a child's illustration.

Our name and logo may have changed, but the mission to care for children, teens and your family remains the same. 

“Our new name represents a powerful collaboration, bringing together more pediatric specialists in Georgia to create a comprehensive system of care,” said Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia Pediatrician-in-Chief Dr. Valera Hudson.

Where kids’ healthcare is “better together”

At Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, a child’s health is strengthened by a partnership between parents and pediatric specialists. Our physicians and advanced practice providers listen and get to know each child from the moment they’re born into young adulthood, collaborating with parents to deliver tailored care.

“We never forget that you know your child best—from their unique needs to what makes them tick,” said Wellstar Chief Pediatrics Officer Dr. Carrie Stinson. “We trust your instincts, and we’re here to support you as you help your child grow into a healthy, well-prepared and incredible human being.”

A checkup for every child, from toddlers to teens

Every kid should have a well-child exam each year. “When you have babies and toddlers, it’s routine—you’re scheduling these frequently,” said Dr. Stinson. “But when kids get older and busier, these visits may fall off your radar.” Staying on top of these vital checkups helps keep focus on your child or teen’s well-being, including their physical health and development as well as their emotional, social and behavioral health.

Navigating life’s most challenging moments

 

During visits to Wellstar Children’s of Georgia, pediatricians, pediatric specialists, nurses and other dedicated team members use the latest technology and innovative therapies to treat common illnesses and complex conditions. In our Pediatric Emergency Departments and imaging centers, specially trained Child Life Specialists aid children and their families during challenging healthcare moments—helping them understand and cope with unfamiliar or scary situations.

A long legacy of care

 

Our new name builds on a rich history of pediatric excellence throughout Georgia. For decades, we’ve worked hard to make sure our communities have access to the pediatric care they need—from preventive care to emergency care and specialty care, including cardiologists, neurologists, urologists, ENTs, orthopedics, therapists and more. 

Care in Augusta 

Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia in Augusta has been a leader in the state for nearly 30 years. We’re home to: 

  • Pediatric primary care and specialty care
  • A 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Department
  • A dedicated Level II Trauma Center
  • A Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • The only Level I Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in the region
  • A Level IV Epilepsy Center
  • One of two Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Centers in the state
  • Clinical trials for a variety of childhood conditions 
  • Summer camps and support programs for children with specific health conditions

Care in Metro Atlanta
 

Our communities in the Atlanta area have access to:

  • Pediatric primary care and specialty care
  • Pediatric Emergency Departments at Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Douglas, Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Paulding Medical Centers 
  • An Inpatient Pediatric Unit at Wellstar Kennestone in Marietta 
  • Level III NICUs at Wellstar Kennestone and Wellstar Cobb
  • Level II NICUs at Wellstar Douglas and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Centers
  • Wellstar Children’s of Georgia Pediatric Center in Kennesaw offering a range of high-quality, child-centered services

Care in West Georgia

In West Georgia and central West Georgia, families can access:

  • Pediatric primary care in LaGrange
  • Level II NICUs at Wellstar Spalding Medical Center in Griffin and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange

Our growth chart: how we’re keeping up with your kids

As you measure your child’s growth, we’re growing too! We continue to invest in our teams and facilities across Georgia so your child can have a healthy future.

In Metro Atlanta, Wellstar continues to grow care for Cobb County’s youngest residents. A new tower at Wellstar Kennestone, slated to open spring 2026, will feature an expanded NICU with more beds to meet the needs of our families.

In Augusta, Wellstar Children's Hospital of Georgia has unveiled a welcoming and fresh child-friendly lobby. Families visiting the campus will soon benefit from the addition of the Kisner Foundation and Friends Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health and Wellness. This new space brings neurology and psychology services together under one roof, providing a dedicated place for families to find help for their children's behavioral health needs.

"We’re passionate about caring for kids,” said Dr. Hudson. “Our dream is to get beyond just treating and intervening when there’s a crisis—we aim to help families thrive.”

Whether preventing illness or treating chronic conditions, Wellstar Children’s of Georgia is committed to helping children heal so they can do more of what they love.

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Carrie Ann Nalisnick Stinson Valera Lucile Hudson Emergency Care
KidCare Primary Care
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Highlights

Primary Care Opens Doors to Behavioral Health at Wellstar

What started as a research study has grown into a systemwide commitment at Wellstar to improve access to mental and emotional healthcare. By embedding licensed mental health practitioners in the primary care settings, Wellstar is making it easier for patients to receive behavioral health services alongside their routine medical care. 

Today, licensed clinical social workers (LCSW) work alongside primary care providers and pediatricians in more than a dozen Wellstar practices. And there are plans to grow that number.

“With social workers just steps away from an exam room, primary care physicians can make ‘warm handoffs’ for immediate behavioral health support,” said Dr. Jeffrey Tharp, chief medicine division officer for Wellstar.

“It helps lower barriers to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. And it removes some of the stigma some people associate with mental healthcare.”

Dr. Sophie Arkin, a psychologist in Wellstar’s Suicide Prevention department, said, “This is a great way to reach people who might otherwise fall through the cracks. It gives them a real opportunity to live a different life.”

Primary care clinicians connect adults to behavioral health specialists

Nearly 10 years ago, Wellstar was one of several health systems nationally that participated in a study of the effects of placing behavioral health clinicians in primary care.

The need is significant. Mental illness and substance use disorders are prevalent throughout the U.S. According to the 2024 State of Mental Health in America report, 22.5% of adults in Georgia had a mental illness in the past year. The report also said that 17% had a substance use disorder.

Primary care physicians at Wellstar routinely screen patients for depression, suicidal thoughts and alcohol or drug use. In other cases, they learn from conversations that patients may have:

  • Anxiety or panic disorders
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Stress related to work, family life or finances
  • Grief or unresolved trauma

Introducing the behavioral health clinician

When behavioral concerns emerge, the primary care team introduces the on-site clinical social worker. This specialist conducts an in-depth assessment to determine the next best steps for the patient. This is typically a short-term series of sessions that may lead to referrals to psychiatrists, psychologists or Wellstar’s suicide prevention team.

“One of the biggest strengths of this model is credibility,” Dr. Tharp said. “If a physician or nurse practitioner you trust says, ‘We have a counselor here I’d like you to meet,’ the patient is more likely to follow through.”

This model has proven especially effective for patients who are less likely to seek mental health support, such as men, seniors and caregivers.

Where primary and behavioral health cross paths

People with chronic conditions like diabetes, digestive disorders and kidney disease sometimes have or develop mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. As a result, patients may find it harder to:

  • Get the follow-up testing and care they need
  • Follow nutrition and exercise instructions
  • Take medications according to their doctor’s instructions

Not treating behavioral health issues can contribute to patients’ worsening physical health and higher medical costs.

Conversely, many patients may go to their primary care physician because they’re having trouble breathing, their heart is pounding or they have frequent headaches. Or they’re sweating or feel faint, dizzy or nauseated.

Those can be signs of a medical problem. They can also be symptoms of an emotional or mental health issue. In that case, a behavioral health clinician is around the office corner.

“We know that stress and anxiety show up in lots of different ways in the body. Understanding that allows people to adopt a new philosophy about how to take care of themselves,” Dr. Arkin said.

Pediatricians screen and refer children for behavioral health

Childhood and adolescence are critical periods in development. Mental health issues can affect a child’s ability to learn, grow and develop healthy relationships both now and as an adult.

Pediatricians routinely screen children for behavioral health concerns. They ask questions about social, emotional and behavioral development. Screenings for autism risk begin in early childhood and depression screenings begin at age 12.

At Wellstar KenMar Pediatrics in Marietta and Kennesaw, pediatricians turn to their in-house behavioral health partner, Dr. Kayla Fitch. Common reasons to refer include:

  • Behavior challenges
  • Feeding disorders, such as extreme picky eating
  • Mental health issues among children with chronic or acute illnesses
  • Requests for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) evaluations
  • Severe social or separation anxiety

While under her care, Dr. Fitch screens patients for anxiety and suicide risk.

“One of the things I’m the most passionate about is early anxiety treatment for kids. We can help kids when they’re 4, 5, 6 years old,” Dr. Fitch said. “I teach parents basic concepts around how to expose their children to anxiety-producing situations to decrease their anxiety.”

She helps children learn “coping strategies, like deep breathing and muscle relaxation. These are things kids can benefit from if we teach them creatively.”

Growing commitment to integrated care

Wellstar’s primary care model continues to evolve to meet the behavioral health needs of patients throughout their life. Time will bring even more collaboration and improved outcomes.

“It serves everyone—patients, families and doctors—to create these seamless connections between primary and behavioral health practitioners,” Dr. Tharp said. “We see the benefits every single day in our patients’ health and their outlooks.”

Learn more about behavioral health at Wellstar.

Keep reading
Doctor speaking with patient

Highlights

Wellstar Opens New Locations in Douglasville & Villa Rica

To serve our community’s growing healthcare needs, Wellstar has opened new urgent care, primary care and pediatric locations in Douglasville and Villa Rica.

Wellstar Urgent Care 

If you’re dealing with a minor injury or illness or need care after your physician’s regular office hours, going to urgent care is often the right choice. Wellstar Urgent Care centers provide quick, convenient care for non-emergency medical conditions such as coughs, colds, sprains, broken bones and minor bites, burns and cuts. Visit our new locations at:

Douglasville
2710 Fairburn Road, Suite 175
(943) 202-8640

Check in at this location

Villa Rica
662 Carrollton Villa Rica Highway, Suite 100
(943) 202-8590

Check in at this location

Wellstar Primary Care

Primary care is ongoing, comprehensive care and preventative medicine that helps you live a full, healthy life. Services include wellness exams, vaccinations, treatment for acute illnesses like flu and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes. Wellstar Primary Care often has same-day or next-day availability and is welcoming new patients. Visit our new locations at:

Douglasville
2710 Fairburn Road, Suite 150
(943) 202-8560

 

Villa Rica
662 Carrollton Villa Rica Highway, Suite 200
(943) 202-8560

Wellstar Pediatrics

From wellness checkups and immunizations to chronic and complex conditions, Wellstar Children's of Georgia focuses on the physical, mental and emotional well-being of every patient, helping families navigate care with confidence. Visit our new location at: 

Douglasville
2710 Fairburn Road, Suite 100
(943) 202-8660

 Photos of Douglasville and Villa Rica locations 

 

Keep reading
Illustration of a lung scan

Highlights

Wellstar Experts Collaborate to Help People Fight Lung Cancer

From catching cancer to following through with expert care, Wellstar ensures patients never have to fight lung cancer alone.

We are dedicated to early intervention in lung cancer, which improves outcomes for patients. After detection of an abnormality on a CT scan, patients are immediately surrounded by an interdisciplinary support team devoted to their well-being.

Identifying lung cancer early

If you are at increased risk for developing lung cancer, talk to your care team about screenings. With a low-dose CT scan of the chest, it only takes a few seconds to check in on your lung health. These screenings are offered at several Wellstar imaging centers.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force has revised lung screening guidelines. Patients may qualify for screening if they are 50 to 80 years old and smoked for 20 years. If they are a former smoker, they may qualify if they quit less than 15 years ago.

“Finding lung cancer early leads to better outcomes, and screening with CT scans is recommended as the only proven way to minimize delay in diagnosis,” said Wellstar Thoracic Surgeon Dr. Daniel Fortes.

Because finding cancer and starting treatment sooner can be life-saving, Wellstar has invested in one of the nation's largest lung screening programs and an incidental nodule program. When people come into a hospital seeking care for something else—whether that be a health condition like appendicitis or a traumatic event like a motorcycle accident—they might get a scan of the abdomen or chest that also shows portions of the lungs.

Using artificial intelligence, reports of those scans are fed to report coordinators, categorized based on their risk level and if a patient is higher-risk, forwarded to nurse navigators for review. Nurse navigators consult with physicians about the findings, and Wellstar can then initiate care if cancer is suspected.

The program, which started in fall 2020, has identified a total of 203 lung cancers and 22 other types of cancer, as of November 2025.

Expert care and support at every step

From the very beginning, people with lung cancer at Wellstar are surrounded by a team of experts. Rather than go through the time-consuming process of driving to multiple appointments with different specialists, patients meet with all these physicians in one place.

The Wellstar Lung Cancer STAT Clinic—at Wellstar Cobb, Wellstar Douglas, Wellstar Kennestone, Wellstar North Fulton, Wellstar Paulding and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Centers, as well as Wellstar Cherokee Health Park and the Thoracic NOW Clinic at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center—give patients immediate access to specialists in medical oncology, radiation oncology, pulmonary medicine and thoracic surgery.

"We plan patients’ appointments ahead of time, ordering multiple tests that will be necessary for the treatment decision-making. These can include PET scans, CT scans, MRIs and/or a pulmonary function test," Dr. Fortes said. "We’re always gaining time in the patient’s overall treatment because we are anticipating and creating a plan as a team."

Getting multiple expert opinions from the start not only gives patients peace of mind, it speeds up treatment, too. In the United States, the average time between an abnormal scan and the beginning of treatment is 60 to 90 days. The STAT Clinic reduces that time to as little as 14 days. Time-to-treatment affects long-term survival in patients with lung cancer.

"We have data to show that if we delay treatment, even in early-stage cancers, we decrease the chance of a cure," Dr. Fortes said. "The goal of the STAT Clinic is to get them the quickest we can into their final treatment plan."

High-tech surgery options

For many patients, surgery is a crucial part of lung cancer treatment. Wellstar offers several minimally invasive options, reducing recovery time for patients.

More than 90% of lung cancer surgeries at Wellstar are performed using either the Da Vinci Surgical System or Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery techniques (VATS).

Minimally invasive surgeries reduce pain, scarring, blood loss and infection, as well as time to recover—getting patients back to work and other routines quicker.

The Da Vinci system is equipped with 3D cameras and instruments that can make very intricate, precise movements, allowing for shorter incisions and more accurate surgery. Some patients can leave the hospital as early as the next day.

For biopsies, Wellstar has completed 500 procedures using the Ion system, a robotic-assisted platform.

The system uses a three-dimensional spatial recognition technology that helps guide a catheter down the airway, deep into the lung, all the way to small nodules where biopsies can be performed. The robotic catheter maintains its shape and stability throughout the biopsy process, significantly improving diagnostic yield compared to other modalities.

"The better the image and the more certainty we have of the spatial location of the catheter, the better we can avoid complications by making sure we are not too close to a blood vessel or the edge of the lung," said Dr. Fortes.

To reduce your risk of lung cancer and keep your lungs healthy, talk to your primary care team and follow a few tips, such as exercising and avoiding smoking. Learn more about treatments on our lung cancer care page.

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