Therapists serving clients in Houma, LA

My former principal once described me as a “natural born” teacher. Over the years, I have grown to love the process of acquiring knowledge, researching information, developing presentation policies, implementing programs, and initiating quality improvement initiatives. Because of this, my long-term goal is one affect change on a macro level. However, currently, I am in the process of fulfilling a goal that stems from a lifelong passion of mine that involves working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, substance abuse, and intellectual impairments. My overall goal is to assist individuals within this population with maximizing their ability to live, socialize, learn, and work in communities of their choice. To achieve efficient outcomes, it is important for me to develop a strong clinical foundation. This was my rationale for completing the MSW program and engaging in the process to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist. Over the years, I have become extremely efficient in developing, implementing, and providing oversight and monitoring of social policies and programs. As a result, I have obtained a multifunctional leadership skill set that include a copious amount of knowledge that is directly related to mental health and psychiatric programs. This information is valuable to oversee the daily and fiscal operations of programs in a competent manner. My ability to initiate entrepreneurial social-service start-ups and propel them to midsize companies has been proven by my dynamic record of accomplishment. My program development and implementation skills have proven to be valuable on my journey to becoming a self-regulating change agent. This was beneficial when I began the process of opening MHP Human Services, Inc. Past Academic and Professional Experiences My undergraduate studies were in Criminal Justice, which led to the beginning of my career in the human service field. Initially, I worked for the Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer and later becoming an Intermediate level Probation and Parole Officer. During my tenure as a Probation and Parole Officer, I was promoted to oversee the Drug Treatment Court program. My compassion to serve individuals sparked my decision to further my education in the human service field, which, led to my pursuit to obtain a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education, which launched my career as a licensed elementary school teacher. The opportunity to work with children from diverse populations with various learning needs was a rewarding experience that caused me to want to work directly with families in their home and community. This prompted me to obtain part-time employment as a paraprofessional and later a qualified professional. Eventually, this opportunity led to my first entrepreneurial endeavor, A+ Absolute Care, Inc. This private agency provided outpatient and community-based services to children, adolescents, and adults with mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders, and intellectual impairments. As a business owner, it was a necessary for me to acquire knowledge of business and accounting practices, which led to my obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and later Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. The combination of education and experience allowed me to develop and implement policies, procedures, programs, business, strategic, and risk management plans for the purpose of operating a business and meeting local, state, and national accreditation standards. Unfortunately, I soon learned that a solid foundation of business practices and principles was not enough to ensure that the individuals that I served were receiving quality treatment and yielding positive outcomes. To ensure quality assurance and improvement for the services that my agency was providing it was important for me to further my clinical knowledge, which led to my pursuit of a Master is Social Work (MSW). After obtaining my MSW, I began the process to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. Currently, I am enrolled in a Doctorate in Social Worker (DSW) at University of Southern California. Innovation and Creativity Over the past years, I have been able to develop and implement numerous programs that provide services to individuals from diverse cultures and socio-economic programs. Not only did I develop policies and procedures, implement, monitor, and provide oversight of programs, I also provided direct care and therapeutic services to individuals served. As an African American, female providing service to individuals from cultural backgrounds and ethnicities different from my own it is vital that I incorporate strategies and techniques that promote trust and rapport building. To achieve this, I tailored each individual treatment process and use a variety of evidence -based practices such as Cognitive Behavior, Motivational Interviewing, and Problem Solving techniques to increase treatment effectiveness. Because of the diversity of the population that I provide community-based services, it is pertinent that principles relating to the Ecosystem perspective are implemented. In addition, the treatment planning process has to be individualized, and it is vital that I take into consideration the individual served and his or her environment. When developing the treatment plan, innovation and creativity are necessary for identifying the individual served strengths and use these strengths to empower him or her during the treatment process. In addition, during the treatment process, it is pertinent that I consider psychological and sociological theoretical underpinnings that explain causal factors for social and personal behavior deficits. As mentioned previously, the primary population that I provide services to is individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Many of these individuals experience extreme difficulty coping and managing psychiatric symptoms. Because the psychotic symptoms associated with their illness is often ongoing, it may be difficult to motivate individuals to comply with treatment recommendations, medication regimens, or tasks to meet their daily needs. Because the outcome of treatment non-compliance can be severe, as a clinician I have to engage in strategies and techniques that are innovative and creative to develop a positive rapport and find ways to motivate the individual to adhere to treatment recommendations. This often requires me to use a team approach and collaborate with other stakeholders, natural and professional supports to encourage the individual to engage in goal-oriented tasks. In addition, because of the needs of individuals within population change consistently, engaging in ongoing symptom monitoring and management of individuals within this population is also important. Because as these individuals need changes, so does the need for clinicians to use creative and innovative strategies to motivate compliance increases. Individuals with SMPI also experience crisis at increase and frequent rates, which is another reason to employ creative and innovative techniques during the crisis response and de-escalation process. Communicate with Key Stakeholders Another task that I frequently engage in is communication and collaboration with stakeholders. These individuals include the individual served, natural and professional supports, licensed professionals, case managers, surveyors that provide oversight and monitoring, and members of the community. As a clinician, it is instrumental for me to provide case management services to individuals that I serve to assist them with improving functioning in various life domains and as a preventive measure. One way to achieve this is to collaborate with community agencies and external resources, which strengthens the individual served treatment outcomes. Often alternate treatment providers including natural, professional, and community resources are needed to achieve positive outcomes. This also requires me to engage in activities to coordinate collaborative preventive efforts by contacting these agencies and linking the individual served to alternative treatment resources. As a result of ongoing collaboration with alternate resources, the I am able to develop community partnerships with internal and external resources. Lead and Manage Teams In the past and in my current position, my leadership skills have allowed me to conceive and execute goal-driven strategies that create a branded platform for growth. I led three agencies from start-up mental health to serving a multi-facet population that provides an array of services to individuals diagnosed with mental health and developmental disabilities in multiple locations throughout the state. The leadership role required me to spearhead continuous process improvements across all specialized services, human resources, and administration. The outcome of processes yielded an increase in revenue, improved quality metrics, improved profit margin, reduced costs, and increased net profit of service-delivery operations for all agencies. My skill set includes the following: Strategy/Mission & Vision Planning Organizational Design Grant Writing, Oversight, and Implementation Financial Risk Management Structured Finance & Securitized Debt Service Delivery Architecture Quality Assurance and Improvement Corporate Compliance Business & Service Delivery Development Human Resource and Staff Development New Service Launch Collaborate with Communities and Professional Networks As a clinician and business owner, it is vital that I build strong community partnerships with other professionals and members of the community. My agency provides residential and outpatient services to individuals with SMPI. Because of this, I communicate daily with members of the professional community to ensure that individuals that I serve are receiving the most clinically effective service. Also, my agency is licensed by the state, therefore; I receive ongoing auditing and monitoring from local and state entities. These organizations include Department of Social Services, pharmacy, psychiatrist, hospitals, inpatient psychiatric facilities, law enforcement, fire marshal, code enforcement, and other entities. Professional Interest I have spent my entire professional career, which spans over 20 years working in the human service field. My professional goals involve advocating and developing policies and programs that will provide adequate residential services and outpatient treatment to individuals with SPMI. Long-term goals that I have developed involve affecting change from various levels.

Hello there! I'm Shane Lopez! I have over 6 years of experience in the field of counseling and mental health therapy. If you are seeing this, then I am glad you have taken the first steps towards seeking to improve your life and personal experience. I would be glad to help be a part of cooperative effort between the two of us. I have a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and am a Licensed Professional Counselor through the Louisiana LPC Board. My counseling style is an interactive blend of education and reframing to help you explore and understand your own values, assumptions, and ideals in a non-judgmental and open conversation.

LIFE IS CHANGE! I am a heart-centered licensed clinical social worker and Board Approaved Clinical Supervisor (LCSW-BACS) working in Louisiana but also licensed in South Carolina. I come from the New Orleans/Covington area as a life long resident, Southern bred but with exposure to diversity having lived in San Juan, Puerto Rico. My passion and my work is centered around trauma recovery, family of origin programming, relationship growth and change. I also specialize in natural healing modalities, mindfulness, in supporting families and individuals in transition, struggling with anxiety and self expression. Transitions from the old to the new is stressful, especially when the new is not yet formed. Our bodies, minds and even emotions can get stuck as we are called forward through aging, job changes, health issues and family re-creations. Letting go to move forward can require new skills and new ways of thinking and most of all compassionate self-acceptance. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a powerful tool that can support new ways of thinking when the old no longer serves. Additionally, inner body awareness supports healthy mind/body connection. Nurturing body, mind and spirit is essential for successful transitioning, especially in our current turbulent times. As we collaborate and co-create a new direction for your life, your dreams and wishes will guide us. Your life centered in the here and now can lead to healthy goals and behaviors to carry you forward. No change takes place without action, and having a heart center guide can make it easier. I can be a guide, but you are the leader.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Hi There, I'm Whitney and I am licensed in Louisiana with 9 years of experience in the mental health field. I graduated from the The University of Mississippi in 2014. I help clients with anxiety, relationship issues, stress, life changes, motivation, self esteem, and depression. I also have additional training working with couples. I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client Center approaches along with Emotional Processing to aid my clients. In this trusting and professional therapeutic alliance we can create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to healing and seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Louisiana with over seven years of professional work experience. I have experience working with athletes (youth, amateur, semi-pro, pro, and retired) who are experiencing stress and anxiety, eating disorders, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I have a special interest in working with individuals who are trying to change their lives in a fundamental way. These areas can include: substance abuse, relationships and the impact that chronic illness has on our lives. I am licensed in Louisiana with 15 years of professional work experience. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and you are taking the first step towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 19 years of experience. I graduated with a Masters of Social Work degree in 2004 from Southern University at New Orleans. I have worked in various settings providing individual, group, marriage and family therapy to individuals of all ages and populations facing a variety of challenges. While working with clients I focus on meeting them where they are. In addition to providing talk therapy I also like to use other modalities such as videos, worksheets, therapeutic games, and mindfulness activities. I have utilized different theoretical approaches such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Humanistic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Person - Centered Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. My focus is to allow you to feel accepted and heard by listening with empathy as you express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I will work to build a therapeutic rapport with you as we identify and work towards your personal goals.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 10 years of professional work experience.....southwest Louisiana-Cajun country to be exact. I am formally educated with a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Counseling. My greatest desire is to help bring enrichment and healing to individuals and families in Louisiana. We experience disasters almost yearly in Louisiana and our families and personal lives take the hit. I have experience in helping clients with life transitional issues, sexual and intimacy related issues, sexual dysfunctions, relationship issues, family conflicts, blended families, parent-child attachment/bonding issues, fertility counseling and infertility related issues, trauma and abuse, & workplace issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared and explored without fear of judgment or abandonment. Seeking help is a source of strength and a gift to you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey through mindfulness therapy, emotional-focused therapy, and narrative therapy, all performed through my unique strength-based communication style. Let's work together to create this beautiful space in time.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!