Therapists in Spearsville, LA

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.

“The Secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”- Socrates. Many of us were conditioned to accept and live with situations in our lives that we wanted to change but felt we could not or did not know how to. By seeking out counseling support, you have taken the first step to respond and not react and change your emotional climate. I am Gala Oliver-Singh, and over the past 17 years I have had the privilege to witness numerous transformations occur when people just like you have taken the risk to have a different relationship with change by responding instead of reacting and be in trust instead of distrust with change. When we do our transformational work, we can experience the gifts of growth, joy, and opportunity that these changes are here to teach us. I decided to become a Licensed Professional Counselor when I was a client, doing my own transformational work. This profession has provided an opportunity for me to help other people do their transformational work and learn to tell and live new stories that reflect the positive choices and changes they want to experience in their lives presently. My goal in pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance from Louisiana Tech University was to use what I’ve learned in turmoil to actively bring others to a better position in their lives. I have worked in a variety of settings with many different client groups. I have a demonstrated passion for and commitment to educating and empowering individuals and groups that have been historically marginalized, stigmatized, and oppressed, specifically ethnic, and sexual minorities. I have facilitated personal growth support groups for LGBTQ (Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) young adults and served as a mental health consultant addressing identity development and the coming out process at a Safe Zone Training. I have provided individual, family, and group mental health therapy for children, adolescents and adults in outpatient clinic and community settings; provided individual and family therapy, intervention and support services to parents and students as a school-based mental health therapist; and was responsible for counseling, educating and empowering battered women and their children to make choices that result in safe, independent and violence-free lives in my position as a domestic violence family counselor. My approach to healing, wellness, and mental health is client-centered, relational, and based on a flexible, collaborative approach. The goal of our counseling relationship will be to identify healthy new behaviors that you choose and to incorporate them into your life. I am here to help support, inspire, and motivate you to make those changes. Together, let’s create a healing, non-judgmental, safe environment to help you transform and live your best life. SPECIALTIES: • Ethnic and sexual identity issues (multicultural issues; LGBTQ issues) • Anxiety • Depression • Relationship issues • Youth development and adjustment (young adult counseling) Also experienced in: Parenting issues, Family conflicts, Coping with life changes, Career difficulties, Life purpose, Self-care Clinical approaches: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy Years of Experience: 17

How about a conversation? I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been servicing the mental health profession for more than 25 years. I see counseling as a process in which you the client, and I, the Therapist as having come to understand and trust one another, work as a team to explore and define present problem situations, develop future goals for an improved life, and work in a systematic fashion toward realizing those goals. I approach counseling from a Cognitive-Behavioral perspective in that patterns of thought and action are explored in order to better understand the clients’ problems and develop solutions. I work with clients in a variety of formats, including individually and as families. I meet with clients of all ages and backgrounds. Over the course of my career, I have developed a skill set directly relevant to providing direct clinical services to clients optimizing multi-modal therapies in conjunction with individual, couples, family, and group sessions. I have gained my experience by working in the following settings: residential treatment facilities, psychiatric hospitals, mental health rehabilitation agencies, and in the public and charter school systems. My hope is to continue servicing the community. I would like to be the catalyst that assists with mending feelings and allowing individuals to cope with their truth.

Acting on your decision to seek counseling is a step in you taking the very best care of yourself! My name is Angela M. Stills, LPC-S, NCC. I am licensed in the State of Louisiana and have been since 2004. I believe that you possess the change that you seek, and I will work with you to bring about this change. I firmly believe that you do not have to live in a manner or state that does not produce the best you! Although this process will be challenging, it will be well worth your time, effort, and investment. My purpose is to create a safe space that will prompt you to speak openly and explore freely as well as be challenged to grow. My experience is in both administrative and clinical counseling roles. I have counseled adolescents, and adults in a variety of outpatient, community, and/or home-based settings, intensive mental health programs, and within a correctional institution. I have worked with individuals on various areas of concern; self-esteem, phase of life adjustments, grief, anger management, depression, anxiety, trauma-related issues, domestic violence, parenting, substance use, and serious mental illnesses. As a foundation, I practice Solution Focused Brief Therapy. I look forward to working with you in getting your desired outcome!

Hi! I am a clinical social worker licensed in Mississippi and Louisiana. If you have been feeling down, hurt, anxious, lost, confused, embarrassed, misunderstood, stuck, overwhelmed, lonely, or dysfunctional, I look forward to working with you. I offer respect, eclecticism, warmth, innovation, humor, depth, teamwork and patience. I have over 17 years experience helping others manage the high demands, frequent transitions and complexities of life. Sometimes you just can't find the energy, courage nor hope to open up even though family/friends have been asking "what's wrong". You find your sense of wellness diminishing and past efforts to cope have created more problems resulting in a heavier load. Things can get tough at times, but you don't have to live hard. Be encouraged! Life strengths often get overlooked during unplanned challenges. I provide counseling services to help others navigate difficult personal situations and determine their best selves. The process of determination is so elevating! I find joy in facilitating a compassionate motivating space for individuals to define how they feel and what they want. My enormous personal and professional experience allows me to connect and engage in meaningful work with great people as we all try to figure things out and be okay in our lives. I have successfully collaborated with a wide variation of individuals as my therapeutic approach is flexible and integrative. There is no one size fits all when addressing life issues. I strongly value individualism, privacy and integrity. Are you ready to begin the amazing journey toward more confident, healthy and complete living? Maybe I am a good fit for you. Let's find out.

My name is Stephony Mark. I am a therapist licensed in the State of Louisiana. I have worked with clients who have experienced a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, marital and relationship issues, and parenting problems. I have also helped people who have experienced emotional, physical, verbal and sexual abuse. I work with individuals and groups from ages 12 years and older. My therapy style is cognitive-behavioral, existential and integrative approach. I look forward to working with you!

I am licensed in Louisiana with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related 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. 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 social worker in Alabama, Texas, and Louisiana with five years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, ADHD, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. 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. At this time, I am only available for appointments available during school hours. -Dana Logan, DSW, LICSW, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP

I am licensed in Louisiana with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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! Unfortunately, I am not serviceable to Jefferson parish residents.