Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Monroe, LA covered by United Healthcare

Hello! I’m Ryan Forbes, a Licensed Professional Counselor with 14 years of experience in the mental health field. I hold a Bachelor's degree from Texas Tech University (2003) and a Master's degree from Asbury Theological Seminary (2008). My practice primarily focuses on working with adults and older teens, helping them navigate life’s challenges and find balance.

If you are struggling to be the best person you can be for your spouse or your family I would love to help.

Beyond my professional qualifications, I bring real-world experience to my work. I’ve been happily married for 26 years and am the proud parent of four wonderful children, which has enriched my understanding of the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Arizona and Louisiana with over 17 years of experience in trauma-informed psychotherapy. I earned my Master of Social Work from Tulane University in 2008 and have worked across inpatient and outpatient treatment settings, university counseling, grief and bereavement care, and trauma-focused programs. I am EMDR trained (finalizing certification) and integrate CBT, DBT, IFS-informed parts work, somatic approaches, and mindfulness-based therapies.

I specialize in complex PTSD, sexual trauma, religious and spiritual trauma, attachment wounds, ADHD, anxiety, and shame-based relational patterns. Many of the individuals I work with are high-functioning on the outside but feel lost, fragmented, or deeply self-critical on the inside.

Clients often describe me as warm, loving, affirming, and validating. I also bring a teacher’s heart into the room. I believe understanding how trauma impacts the nervous system, relationships, and even women’s biological health helps reduce shame and restore clarity. I see therapy as sacred work. You are not a diagnosis to me; you are a whole person whose nervous system learned to survive.

I’m a therapist who supports individuals and couples through pregnancy, postpartum, and the transition into parenthood. As a mom myself, I understand that this season can bring incredible joy, but also stress, anxiety, overwhelm, relationship changes, and emotions that can be difficult to talk about.

I work with women, men, and couples to better understand what they’re experiencing, strengthen communication, and navigate this life transition together. Whether you’re struggling personally, trying to support your partner, or feeling disconnected as a couple, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

My goal is to provide a warm, judgment-free space where you can feel heard, supported, and understood

I believe everyone needs help from time to time.

I specialize in evening and weekend appointments. Later appointments are available, please request your needs.

I am a friendly goal-oriented therapist who believes strongly in positive self-reinforcement. I have a Master's degree from La Tech University with a background in private practice for over 20 years. I am Licensed in Louisiana and Texas as a professional counselor. I am also Licensed as a marriage and family therapist in Louisiana.

Therapy and the journey to self-exploration can be hard. Together, we can navigate your path toward improved mental health and emotional well-being. My approach is solution-focused, centered on the immediate obstacles you are facing. While how you got here matters, what you choose to do next can have an even greater impact. As a clinical social worker with experience across private practice, hospital social work, parenting education, and community care, I bring a broad range of experience to support us in working through challenges together.

Getting care for your mental health should feel like a step forward, not another obstacle. As a dual certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Louisiana, I bring experience across both primary care and psychiatry so I can see the whole picture of your wellbeing. Whether you're working through anxiety, navigating mood challenges, or just figuring out where to start, I'll meet you where you are. My practice is fully telehealth, flexible, and designed around your schedule.