HomeFlorence CountyFlorence based HopeHealth welcomes back psychologist Dr. Will Hunter with expertise in...

Florence based HopeHealth welcomes back psychologist Dr. Will Hunter with expertise in trauma and severe mental illness

Florence, South Carolina – HopeHealth has welcomed back clinical psychologist Dr. Will Hunter, marking a return to an organization where he previously served and built strong professional connections.

The move brings a familiar face back into the fold while adding new experience gained during his years away.

Dr. Hunter first worked with HopeHealth from 2018 to 2021, providing clinical psychology services and contributing to the organization’s efforts to support individuals facing complex mental health challenges.

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After leaving the organization, he accepted a leadership role at Francis Marion University, where he served as Director of Counseling and Testing from 2021 through 2026. During that time, he helped oversee mental health services for students while also shaping the university’s counseling programs.

Now returning to HopeHealth, Dr. Hunter brings both continuity and expanded perspective. Alongside his work with patients, he will remain involved with Francis Marion University by continuing to teach master’s and doctoral students studying psychology.

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His ongoing connection to academic training allows him to stay closely engaged with the next generation of mental health professionals while maintaining an active role in clinical care.

Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Dr. Hunter’s academic journey began at Davidson College in North Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. He later continued his studies at Baylor University in Texas, completing both a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology degree in the same field.

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Following his graduate training, Dr. Hunter pursued advanced clinical experience through a fellowship focused on psychosocial rehabilitation and severe mental illness at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System in San Antonio. The fellowship provided intensive experience working with individuals living with serious and persistent psychiatric conditions.

His professional training has also included specialized preparation in Cognitive Processing Therapy, an evidence-based approach used in the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Dr. Hunter has expressed a particular interest in working with veterans and individuals navigating the lasting effects of trauma.

Within his clinical practice, Dr. Hunter focuses on the diagnostic assessment of complex mental health conditions, crisis intervention, and risk evaluation. His work often involves treating severe and chronic mental illnesses, including schizophrenia-spectrum disorders and bipolar disorder.

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Beyond his clinical and academic work, Dr. Hunter remains active within the broader psychology community. He holds membership in several professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association, the National Register of Health Service Psychologists, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health, the South Carolina Association on Higher Education and Disability, and the Psi Chi National Psychology Honor Society.

His return to HopeHealth reconnects the organization with a clinician whose experience spans clinical care, academic leadership, and specialized mental health treatment, strengthening the resources available to patients and the broader community.

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Kinsley Brown
Kinsley Brown
Editor Kinsley Brown oversees daily news operations, story development, and editorial standards at Florence News Journal. With nearly a decade of experience in South Carolina journalism, she has covered state and local politics, education, and government accountability for multiple outlets. She brings a strong focus on clear, accurate, and reader-first storytelling. Kinsley holds a degree in journalism and has received several recognitions for both her editing and reporting. She is especially committed to mentoring emerging journalists and ensuring Florence News Journal maintains rigorous editorial integrity.

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