Find a therapist in Lake Charles, LA — covered by insurance

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.

Welcome. I’m glad you’re here.

Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming. I aim to create a safe, collaborative, and grounded space from the beginning. I meet clients where they are and move at a pace that feels manageable and respectful.

I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families experiencing anxiety, trauma, addiction, and relationship challenges. I also specialize in complex and developmental trauma.

I support clients in integrating their spiritual and cultural values into therapy when desired and clinically appropriate. I was born in New Orleans and bring a culturally informed perspective shaped by my Latina, Indigenous, Christian, and Sephardic Jewish backgrounds.

I became a therapist because I have a deep commitment to helping people recognize and build their own strengths, especially during periods of feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. I understand that seeking support takes courage, and I work to create a space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported throughout the process.

I earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) and PhD from Tulane University, as well as a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Louisiana and Texas, and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Minnesota. I also hold a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Licensed Prevention Professional (LPP), and Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP).

I am a dedicated and compassionate counselor with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Concordia University Wisconsin. I have experience working in substance abuse treatment, as well as providing individual and group therapy in both mental health clinic settings and public schools.

My clinical background includes supporting clients in diverse environments, where I have provided mental health services to individuals, adolescents, and groups. I am experienced in addressing substance use challenges alongside a range of mental health concerns.

My approach integrates evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I strive to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.

Looking for someone who will truly listen? I believe everyone needs support, and I strive to be that steady presence in therapy. Clients often describe me as warm, open-minded, and easy to talk to. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and comfortable being yourself.

Therapy isn't about fixing who you are. It's about understanding what's getting in your way. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, men's issues, or simply feeling stuck, we'll work together to identify patterns that are no longer serving you, build on your strengths, and create meaningful change that extends beyond our sessions.

With nearly a decade of experience working with adolescents and adults, I believe therapy should be practical, collaborative, and focused on helping you move forward. My goal isn't simply to help you feel better during our sessions, but to help you build the confidence, perspective, and practical tools you can use in everyday life. Whether you're navigating depression, trauma, relationship challenges, family conflict, grief, men's issues, or a major life transition, I'll help you better understand what's keeping you stuck while creating realistic strategies that support lasting growth.

My path to psychiatric care is a little different from most. I spent over a decade as an Obstetrics Nurse before transitioning into psychiatric mental health — and that background deeply shapes how I show up for my clients. I understand the weight of life transitions, the complexity of the mind-body connection, and the importance of feeling truly supported. Now, as a PMHNP, I bring that same compassionate, whole-person perspective to mental health care.

After more than 20 years of working with children and families in the school system, I now provide virtual therapy to reach and support more people navigating anxiety, ADHD, depression, grief, stress management challenges, low self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. Many of my clients struggle with emotional regulation, feeling overwhelmed, attention and focus concerns, family conflict, academic stress, or feeling stuck in patterns that impact daily life. Family dynamics and personal relationships are often at the heart of these challenges. My approach is creative, engaging, and intentionally different from traditional talk therapy. I incorporate music, humor, interactive exercises, and experiential techniques to help reduce anxiety, build coping skills, and make it easier to process difficult emotions in a supportive, welcoming space.

Therapy is personal, and I believe it should feel that way. With nearly nine years of experience, I've learned that meaningful change happens when clients feel comfortable enough to let their guard down and simply be themselves. My sessions are conversational, genuine, and often include humor when it's helpful, so clients frequently leave feeling like they've had a real conversation instead of a formal counseling session while also gaining practical, evidence-based strategies they can apply in everyday life. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), along with other evidence-based approaches, to help clients create lasting change.