Therapists serving clients in Sibley, LA

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the states of Louisiana & Texas . I have over 10 years of counseling experience ranging from being an elementary school counselor to working with dual-diagnosed adults in a group setting. My passion is helping individuals identify their goals for self-improvement and resolve past issues that may interfere with them achieving future goals. We all have mental health but everyone doesn't have a mental illness. It is important for everyone to be healthy mentally & emotionally. rather you are going through a life transition or just need to implement some coping skills to handle daily struggles of life.

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.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and state approved Supervisor. I have experience working with ALL Populations and Cultural backgrounds in various settings. My career in the behavior health industry started in 02/2000 with Louisiana Health and Rehabilitation Options (MHR) in Baker, LA. Currently, I am a Clinical Director/Supervisor at Cognitive Development Centers of Seaside Healthcare systems. For over 17 years I have worked in the mental health industry from mental health specialist, mental health professional finally to Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor. In addition, I have experience as a Supervisor for Multi-Systemic Therapy which in turn has equipped him to work with court appointed dysfunctional youth and their families. I have am also Trained as a PCIT(Parent Child Interaction Therapist). Working in the Mental Health Rehabilitation industry has equipped me to effectively develop and implement Individual Service Recovery Plans (ISRPs), provide Community Psychiatric Support and Treatment (CPST) and Psychotherapy Interventions/services to eligible members and their families. My experience also includes the ability to develop positive collaborations with Stakeholders and Referral Sources with the overarching goal of providing the highest quality of services to members. My first experience as a Mental Health Specialist, required responsibilities included: case management, facilitating groups, fostering integrated psychosocial skills into a daily routine, providing one-on-one assistance during routine group sessions, providing community support to client and client’s family, working in partnership with clinical managers as a clinical team to develop and implement treatment and behavior plans, and foster a safe and healthy working environment throughout the treatment process. Finally, I have a wealth of experience in the Non-Profit workforce, I am also the founder of Nonprofit Organization Beat The Streets, where community members from low income communities are provided an environment conducive for learning Music and Cultural Arts. Introduction to the arts provide a foundation and opportunity for introducing and teaching life skills. 96% of the Members have likely been diagnosed with a Mental Illness or have a family member who struggles with Mental Illness. I have several years of experience in a variety of settings and with diverse clients, including both long-term and brief interventions. Areas of expertise include: • Teen Issues; Peer Pressure, Self Esteem • Parent/Child or Partner Relational Problems • Dating Violence/Abuse • Non-Suicidal Self-Harm Behavior • Mood Disorders • Anxiety Disorders • Conduct and Oppositional Defiant Disorders • Physical, Sexual, Emotional Abuse • Anger and Stress Management • Dual Diagnoses • Criminal Thinking and Behavior • Depression • Family Therapy • Military adjustments and struggles/PTSD • Addictive Behaviors and Substance Use Issues I am eclectic in my selection of therapeutic interventions using a blend of Cognitive Behavioral, Reality Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Solution Focused, Reality Based, and Psycho-Education to individual’s age four and up. In addition to the experience in Behavioral Health, I have worked as a Program Coordinator for at least three programs in a non-profit world. I have experience treating children, adolescents and adults with diverse backgrounds and presenting a range of concerns. Finally, I am a professional member of the Louisiana Counseling Association, holds several certifications and continues to educate myself by attending local conferences, keeping up with current therapy research, and seeking supervision and support from colleagues.

I am licensed in Arkansas and Louisiana with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Please feel free to take a look at my personal calendar/schedule to book an appointment that is of most convenient for you. At this time currently, I primarily work only on Mondays & Wednesdays (some limited appointments on Fridays).

I am licensed in Louisiana with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression and mood stability, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with with a variety of concerns among those being addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. Therapy is a type of partnership whereby two experts come together for the purposes of developing solutions, guidance, and discovery . Taking the first step to sign up for therapy is not easy, but everything we know about recovery is clear to how powerfully therapeutic taking these first steps can be. Welcome to your journey of self-care! I'm glad to be of some assistance along the way.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression. 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 to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 6 years of experience providing therapy. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, anger management and depression. My style of therapy involves building a warm and engaging therapeutic relationship with my clients while providing an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. By providing cognitive behavioral, person centered and solution focused strategies, I will work with you to improve your overall mental health and quality of life. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. We can do this TOGETHER!

I am licensed in Louisiana with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.