Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Baton Rouge, LA

Hello, I’m Ashley Nelson. I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and therapist dedicated to helping individuals move from surviving to truly thriving. With a background in psychiatric nursing, emergency medicine, and specialized training as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), I bring over a decade of diverse healthcare experience, blending clinical expertise with a deep understanding of human resilience in the face of crisis. My practice focuses on supporting adults, children, and families through life’s challenges — including anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and the unique stressors faced by military members, first responders, nurses, and other helping professionals.

I have a deep passion for working with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and complex trauma, providing a safe, compassionate space where healing feels possible. My approach blends evidence-based psychiatric care with practical, real-life strategies, empowering clients to reclaim their sense of control, rebuild confidence, and create lives that feel meaningful again.

With additional licenses in Louisiana, Utah, Arizona, Tennessee, and Florida, I can see patients via telehealth from across the country.

With over 20 years of professional experience in the field of mental health, I’m here to guide and support you on your journey to healing and self-discovery. As a licensed therapist, I provide compassionate and intuative care to clients in Louisiana and North Carolina, via telehealth.

Take that first step—let's explore how we can work together to create a brighter, more balanced future. When you’re ready, I’m here for you.

If you have been feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed by relationship or family conflict, or weighed down by grief, loss, or intimacy concerns, you do not have to carry it alone. For 35 years, I have helped people navigate these challenges, including military families facing active duty and retirement transitions. I also bring a strong sense of fairness that helps me connect with clients making sense of hurt and confusion.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Doctorate in Social Work, and I bring both clinical expertise and real life understanding into the therapy space. My professional background includes years of direct clinical practice as well as leadership roles in complex, high stress systems, including serving as a Mental Health Director. These experiences have shaped my ability to support individuals who are navigating pressure, responsibility, and emotional overwhelm while still being expected to function at a high level.

I work best with clients who are strong on the outside but struggling internally. Many of the people I support are women, mothers, professionals, caregivers, and helpers who are used to showing up for others while neglecting their own emotional needs. I have a particular passion for working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, imposter syndrome, burnout, life transitions, relationship stress, identity concerns, and trauma related to past or ongoing stressors.

Therapy with me is not about having all the answers. It is about learning how to trust yourself, set healthy boundaries, and show up for your life with more compassion and confidence.