Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Metairie, LA

I have a Masters degree in Professional Counseling and am credential by The National Board of Certified Counselors. My professional background is in trauma recovery and forensic psychology, meaning I have approached trauma on from both ends of the spectrum. There is little I haven't seen or heard clinically. This allows me to remain open minded, and has given me the knowledge and experience to provide a safe, supportive space for exploration.

Sometimes the weight you have been carrying has been there so long it just starts to feel normal. Whether you are working through anxiety, grief, depression, or the lasting effects of trauma, or you are a parent watching your child or teenager struggle and searching for someone who can really help, you deserve a therapist who takes the relationship seriously. I work with children, adolescents, and adults, and after more than 20 years in this field, I still believe that nothing meaningful happens without trust. Clients often describe me as a genuine thought partner, someone who listens carefully and meets them where they are.

My name is Yolanda Cockerham, and I am currently based in Louisiana, but I also see patients in the D.C. area. I grew up in New Orleans. I completed my Post Master’s Degree at Southeastern Louisiana University and am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am skilled in assessing and treating a variety of mental health disorders, including Anxiety/PTSD, Major Depression, Bipolar/Mood Disorders, and Schizophrenia.

I’m a psychiatrist with more than 20 years of clinical experience, including work in outpatient mental health, inpatient psychiatry, and community-based care. I also completed fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry. After years in clinical practice, I now serve as a behavioral health medical director and am returning to patient care because I genuinely miss the connection and impact of working directly with patients. I bring a broad clinical perspective and a thoughtful, experienced approach to care.

If you’re here, you might be feeling weighed down by stress, sadness, or worry that seems hard to shake. On the outside you show up, get things done, and care for the people around you...but inside, it can feel heavy and exhausting. I want you to know you don’t have to carry that alone.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana with over 15 years of experience. My background includes helping adults work through anxiety, depression, and the lingering effects of past hurts. My approach is supportive and down-to-earth: we’ll move at your pace, focusing on practical tools and new ways of thinking that can help you find balance, clarity, and peace.

I believe therapy should feel like a safe place where you are truly heard and understood. Together, we’ll work to uncover what’s been holding you back, strengthen your confidence, and build the life you want to live.