Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Lake Charles, LA

After spending a decade working with youth, I realized the best part of my work were the meaningful, life-changing conversations. Thus, I went back to school for a Masters in Counseling from LSU. Now, I spend most of my days helping people with anxiety, depression, trauma, and OCD to rebuild a better life.

I am a lifelong resident of South Louisiana. I received a BA in Anthropology from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches and Master’s in Social Work from LSU in 2010. I spent two years in England working in child protection before returning home. Though I consider my background in working with children and families, I currently enjoy helping clients of all ages facilitate the change that they desire to better their own lives. In 2016, I received my LCSW and began working in clinical practice.

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.

Are you struggling with substance use, feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, or noticing your relationships being impacted by stress or unhealthy patterns? You may feel stuck, out of control, or unsure how to make lasting changes. I work with adolescents and adults across Louisiana who are navigating addiction, anxiety, and relationship challenges. Whether you’re trying to regain control, rebuild trust, or break patterns that no longer serve you, therapy can help you move forward with clarity and stability.

Hello and congratulations for taking the first and sometimes hardest step of looking for a therapist. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of IN, KY LA, MO, NV, TX, WA and WV. I have the great privilege of working with adolescents and adults seeking assistance in improving their overall mental health and associated challenges. I’ve been in the behavioral health arena for over 40 years and have held numerous direct care and clinical leadership roles in a variety of settings. My joy comes from helping people navigate life's challenges.

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.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience working with adults. I approach therapy as a relational process, not a place where you come to be fixed. You’re not a problem to solve; you’re a person with a history, patterns that make sense, and a way of being in the world that developed for a reason.