What would you like to become? Do you currently feel stuck? Are you going through a difficult situation? Let me help you! Counseling can feel overwhelming, and it can feel like a difficult undertaking. Together, we can process any concerns you may have, and we can create an action plan for you to begin feeling your best self and achieve your goals. Anything can be possible. Recovery from mental health issues, even if they have plagued you your whole life can occur. I am a licensed professional counselor with a board approved supervisor endorsement in the state of Louisiana. I have over 10 years of experience providing support to families and individuals seeking to improve their mental health. I have experience working with most mental health issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, and substance use. I am a caring and supportive therapist who is perpetually glass-half full! I enjoy working with individuals who seek to transform their life, and I would love to work with you on achieving your goals!

My former principal once described me as a “natural born” teacher. Over the years, I have grown to love the process of acquiring knowledge, researching information, developing presentation policies, implementing programs, and initiating quality improvement initiatives. Because of this, my long-term goal is one affect change on a macro level. However, currently, I am in the process of fulfilling a goal that stems from a lifelong passion of mine that involves working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, substance abuse, and intellectual impairments. My overall goal is to assist individuals within this population with maximizing their ability to live, socialize, learn, and work in communities of their choice. To achieve efficient outcomes, it is important for me to develop a strong clinical foundation. This was my rationale for completing the MSW program and engaging in the process to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist. Over the years, I have become extremely efficient in developing, implementing, and providing oversight and monitoring of social policies and programs. As a result, I have obtained a multifunctional leadership skill set that include a copious amount of knowledge that is directly related to mental health and psychiatric programs. This information is valuable to oversee the daily and fiscal operations of programs in a competent manner. My ability to initiate entrepreneurial social-service start-ups and propel them to midsize companies has been proven by my dynamic record of accomplishment. My program development and implementation skills have proven to be valuable on my journey to becoming a self-regulating change agent. This was beneficial when I began the process of opening MHP Human Services, Inc. Past Academic and Professional Experiences My undergraduate studies were in Criminal Justice, which led to the beginning of my career in the human service field. Initially, I worked for the Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer and later becoming an Intermediate level Probation and Parole Officer. During my tenure as a Probation and Parole Officer, I was promoted to oversee the Drug Treatment Court program. My compassion to serve individuals sparked my decision to further my education in the human service field, which, led to my pursuit to obtain a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education, which launched my career as a licensed elementary school teacher. The opportunity to work with children from diverse populations with various learning needs was a rewarding experience that caused me to want to work directly with families in their home and community. This prompted me to obtain part-time employment as a paraprofessional and later a qualified professional. Eventually, this opportunity led to my first entrepreneurial endeavor, A+ Absolute Care, Inc. This private agency provided outpatient and community-based services to children, adolescents, and adults with mental illnesses, substance abuse disorders, and intellectual impairments. As a business owner, it was a necessary for me to acquire knowledge of business and accounting practices, which led to my obtaining a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and later Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. The combination of education and experience allowed me to develop and implement policies, procedures, programs, business, strategic, and risk management plans for the purpose of operating a business and meeting local, state, and national accreditation standards. Unfortunately, I soon learned that a solid foundation of business practices and principles was not enough to ensure that the individuals that I served were receiving quality treatment and yielding positive outcomes. To ensure quality assurance and improvement for the services that my agency was providing it was important for me to further my clinical knowledge, which led to my pursuit of a Master is Social Work (MSW). After obtaining my MSW, I began the process to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. Currently, I am enrolled in a Doctorate in Social Worker (DSW) at University of Southern California. Innovation and Creativity Over the past years, I have been able to develop and implement numerous programs that provide services to individuals from diverse cultures and socio-economic programs. Not only did I develop policies and procedures, implement, monitor, and provide oversight of programs, I also provided direct care and therapeutic services to individuals served. As an African American, female providing service to individuals from cultural backgrounds and ethnicities different from my own it is vital that I incorporate strategies and techniques that promote trust and rapport building. To achieve this, I tailored each individual treatment process and use a variety of evidence -based practices such as Cognitive Behavior, Motivational Interviewing, and Problem Solving techniques to increase treatment effectiveness. Because of the diversity of the population that I provide community-based services, it is pertinent that principles relating to the Ecosystem perspective are implemented. In addition, the treatment planning process has to be individualized, and it is vital that I take into consideration the individual served and his or her environment. When developing the treatment plan, innovation and creativity are necessary for identifying the individual served strengths and use these strengths to empower him or her during the treatment process. In addition, during the treatment process, it is pertinent that I consider psychological and sociological theoretical underpinnings that explain causal factors for social and personal behavior deficits. As mentioned previously, the primary population that I provide services to is individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Many of these individuals experience extreme difficulty coping and managing psychiatric symptoms. Because the psychotic symptoms associated with their illness is often ongoing, it may be difficult to motivate individuals to comply with treatment recommendations, medication regimens, or tasks to meet their daily needs. Because the outcome of treatment non-compliance can be severe, as a clinician I have to engage in strategies and techniques that are innovative and creative to develop a positive rapport and find ways to motivate the individual to adhere to treatment recommendations. This often requires me to use a team approach and collaborate with other stakeholders, natural and professional supports to encourage the individual to engage in goal-oriented tasks. In addition, because of the needs of individuals within population change consistently, engaging in ongoing symptom monitoring and management of individuals within this population is also important. Because as these individuals need changes, so does the need for clinicians to use creative and innovative strategies to motivate compliance increases. Individuals with SMPI also experience crisis at increase and frequent rates, which is another reason to employ creative and innovative techniques during the crisis response and de-escalation process. Communicate with Key Stakeholders Another task that I frequently engage in is communication and collaboration with stakeholders. These individuals include the individual served, natural and professional supports, licensed professionals, case managers, surveyors that provide oversight and monitoring, and members of the community. As a clinician, it is instrumental for me to provide case management services to individuals that I serve to assist them with improving functioning in various life domains and as a preventive measure. One way to achieve this is to collaborate with community agencies and external resources, which strengthens the individual served treatment outcomes. Often alternate treatment providers including natural, professional, and community resources are needed to achieve positive outcomes. This also requires me to engage in activities to coordinate collaborative preventive efforts by contacting these agencies and linking the individual served to alternative treatment resources. As a result of ongoing collaboration with alternate resources, the I am able to develop community partnerships with internal and external resources. Lead and Manage Teams In the past and in my current position, my leadership skills have allowed me to conceive and execute goal-driven strategies that create a branded platform for growth. I led three agencies from start-up mental health to serving a multi-facet population that provides an array of services to individuals diagnosed with mental health and developmental disabilities in multiple locations throughout the state. The leadership role required me to spearhead continuous process improvements across all specialized services, human resources, and administration. The outcome of processes yielded an increase in revenue, improved quality metrics, improved profit margin, reduced costs, and increased net profit of service-delivery operations for all agencies. My skill set includes the following: Strategy/Mission & Vision Planning Organizational Design Grant Writing, Oversight, and Implementation Financial Risk Management Structured Finance & Securitized Debt Service Delivery Architecture Quality Assurance and Improvement Corporate Compliance Business & Service Delivery Development Human Resource and Staff Development New Service Launch Collaborate with Communities and Professional Networks As a clinician and business owner, it is vital that I build strong community partnerships with other professionals and members of the community. My agency provides residential and outpatient services to individuals with SMPI. Because of this, I communicate daily with members of the professional community to ensure that individuals that I serve are receiving the most clinically effective service. Also, my agency is licensed by the state, therefore; I receive ongoing auditing and monitoring from local and state entities. These organizations include Department of Social Services, pharmacy, psychiatrist, hospitals, inpatient psychiatric facilities, law enforcement, fire marshal, code enforcement, and other entities. Professional Interest I have spent my entire professional career, which spans over 20 years working in the human service field. My professional goals involve advocating and developing policies and programs that will provide adequate residential services and outpatient treatment to individuals with SPMI. Long-term goals that I have developed involve affecting change from various levels.

Hi, my name is Tamara Jones-Thompson, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years of experience in building a client driven approach to providing direct services. I have a strong belief in creating an non-judgmental environment where my clients will feel comfortable with open expression of thoughts and feelings. Thank you, for choosing me to assist you on your journey towards self-discovery.

Thank you so much for checking my profile, and congratulations on getting this far. Reaching out to a perfect stranger for help, from my experience, is never easy. Helping others make the changes they know they need to make still gives me great satisfaction after 37 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and as a Gestalt and NLP practitioner. I have worked in outpatient and inpatient mental health centers, addiction recovery centers, public and chartered schools, and in private practice for years. I recently retired from supervising new social workers for their licenses. I have seen and heard it all in my time as a therapist. So, have no concerns about sharing information with me whenever you feel comfortable. Also, I’m the author of "Healing Mind, Five steps to Ultimate Healing, Four Rooms for Thoughts: Achieve Satisfaction through a Well-Managed Mind” found on Amazon, Walmart and Barns & Noble, which directs the reader in how to be their own therapist. You can be assured that while working with me, you will be moving in the direction of self-empowerment. Being able to talk with someone who can understand the pain created by depression, anxiety, and loss can be very helpful. The type of sessions that we have will be based on your needs. We will start from where you are. Every client is different. Yet, we all have a part of ourselves that knows what we need to do or how we need to be. If you aren’t sure what changes you need to make, that may be where we start. Part of my job as a therapist is to help you find that part of yourself and give it a voice as you ground through your five senses. We are all working to make progress, not to become perfect. The perfect human does not exist. However, you are in the perfect place to take the next step on your way to a better life. I’m looking forward to hearing from you and being in touch.

Hi, my name is Cassie Maxwell (she/her/hers), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 10 years experience providing creative, client-centered, and strength-based therapy services here in Louisiana. I first want to recognize how big of an accomplishment it is to take your first step in finding someone to speak to. I hope after reading more about myself and my practice, we can take the next steps together in your journey toward reaching your personal goals. I have experience working with folks from culturally diverse backgrounds, and I am passionate about creating a safe space for my clients to share their stories. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I have personal as well as clinical experience in helping folks navigate LGBTQ+ related issues. It is my priority to provide non-judgemental, multi-cultural, and trauma-informed treatment for those who are navigating a road that is more difficult than what many others experience. I also have experience working with clients to manage a wide variety of mental health and behavioral health diagnoses, including but not limited to Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, Grief and Loss, ADHD, PTSD, and Bipolar. If you do not resonate with one of these I have listed, reach out to me and we can discuss if I would be the best therapist for you. I am here to help. If you decide to work with me, you can choose to have Video sessions, Phone sessions, and/or Live Chat sessions. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to speak with you and help you during what may be a difficult time in your life. Thank you! -- If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, either call 988 to request an ambulance, or go to your nearest Emergency Room. You can also call the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988, or you can also text 988. I currently do not work with those experiencing active mental health crises, but I want you to be safe and receive the services you deserve. You can find more about the Crisis Resource 988 through the following link, including if you need someone to talk to immediately: https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

My name is John Hamblin. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor within the State of Louisiana and I will have been licensed for over 23 years in May of 2024. I received my Master's Degree in Counseling and Guidance from Louisiana Tech University in 1998 and afterwards completed the necessary requirements that the Louisiana LPC Board sets forth in order for individuals to become Licensed Professional Counselors. In my treatment approach, I often start with a non-directive counseling approach but am not glued to this avenue. I encourage completion of homework assignments when I feel it can be helpful to the client. I like to encourage patients to process their feelings through journaling, writing poetry, drawing, or any of their interest that may provide an avenue for them to release/process emotions and thoughts. I also utilize bibliotherapy, which is referring clients to appropriate professional materials for them to read/listen to, and then aid them in processing how the material may relate to their current mental health. I have worked with individuals ranging from age two to geriatric individuals as wise as age 100. I have provided services in a residential treatment facility for children and teens as well as a group home which was specifically for girls ages 12 to 18. I have also provided services for a psychiatric hospital setting which provided services for young children, teens, and also adults. Further, I have provided services in two different correctional settings which did incarcerate juveniles as young as 12 but also up to age 21. I have provided services to adults in both an in-patient and an out patient addiction recovery setting, and as mentioned earlier, I have provided services to adult and geriatric patients within a daily outpatient program where I encountered various forms of dementia as well as other mental health related issues. Areas of treatment that I have spent considerable time in learning about are possible threats by others to the safety and life of targeted victims, self-injury as opposed to suicide ideation, grief, depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder particularly as it often overlaps with self-injury behaviors, and also addictions counseling. Within addictions counseling I normally approach things more directly rather than in a non-directive approach and rely heavily upon the 12 Step programs and assignments to work with the individual.

I am a licensed professional counselor with 10 years of experience working with individuals, families and couples. I have worked with a diverse population in various settings, from private practice, mental health rehabilitation, community and home-based programs, hospitals and school environments. I mainly utilize short-term therapy approaches (6-12 sessions), focusing on specific or current challenges. I view counseling in a holistic way, that focuses on whole-person wellness. All individuals are the expert of their own circumstances and lives. My work is about promoting personal growth and development, improving relationships, healing, progress, discovering purpose and affirming who you are. I assist clients in coping, communicating, identifying solutions, making steps toward positive change, making better choices in order to achieve specific goals by reinforcing your strengths, recognizing your abilities and realizing efforts to change. BE WELL! Education I earned my Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Guidance from Louisiana Tech University in 2013. Licensure I am currently licensed in Louisiana and Texas with the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselor Board of Examiners and Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors. I also serve as a Board Approved Supervisor for clinicians through PLPC supervision in the state of Louisiana.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life, and to take the first steps towards change. Give yourself the opportunity to discover a better version of yourself. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! Victoria Vasquez, LCSW www.aliviocounselingcenter.us victoria.vasquez@aliviocounselingcenter.us

I am licensed in Louisiana and Texas with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Georgia as well as Louisiana with over 18 years of professional therapeutic experience. I have experience in assisting clients with stress/anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Louisana with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients (school-age to adulthood) deal with stress; manage anxiety, anger and depression; and cope with grief from death and other losses. It takes courage to seek assistance and make changes towards a happier and more fulfilling life. I have the knowledge, experience and expertise to help you with life's challenges.

I am licensed in Louisiana with over 15 years of professional work experience in the behavioral health field. I earned my MSSW in 2017 from University of Louisville's Kent School of Social Work. I have experience in helping clients with PTSD, anxiety, grief and loss, lgbtq+ related issues, and depression. I am highly specialized in working with adults who have experienced childhood interpersonal trauma, including sexual abuse. Each client is unique, so therapy should be too! We will work together to determine what therapeutic approach works best for you, and create an individualized plan of care. You are the expert on your own life, I am just here to help guide the way :) Everyone deserves a safe space to feel heard, understood, and valued. I work with my clients to create an open and collaborative environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Clients can expect to work with me to formulate and work towards goals to help improve their everyday lives.

I am licensed in Louisiana with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!