Therapists, Counselors and Psychologists in New Orleans, LA

Quian Lewis, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Congratulations on taking the first step toward improving your mind and body. It is not by chance that you have arrived. Every choice that you have ever made, every belief and thought that has entered your mind throughout your life has led you to this very moment. I am Quian. Thank you for considering me as someone who will walk with you as you embark on this new journey of self- discovery, purposeful expression of feelings, empowerment and self- determination. I look forward to meeting you right where you are. Together we home in on individualized coping skills based on your own struggles and strengths to achieve your goals that are an invaluable part of life's satiety. 

Education

Tulane University
Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Studies

University of Southern California
Master of Social Work

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• OCD
• Adoption Issues

Myeaka Rousseau, LPC

Philosophy of Care 

Myeaka Rousseau is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Louisiana. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and her Master of Education in Counselor Education; marriage, couples and family counseling at Southeastern Louisiana University. She has experience with families, couples and individuals seeking support with various life, relationship, trauma and stress issues. 

Myeaka utilizes psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, mindfulness based and solution focused therapy to meet the unique needs of each individual. 

Myeaka seeks to build trusting relationships with clients in order to establish a warm and safe environment for addressing needs and meeting goals; moving forward towards stability, peace and living wholeheartedly. 

Education

Master of Education in Counselor Education
Southeastern Louisiana University

Specialties

• Depression/Anxiety 
• Trauma/Stress 
• Anxiety/Anger 
• Grief/loss 
• Couples/Families 
• Mood Disorders 
• Suicidal/Self-injurious

Andrea R. Engels, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Today is a new day, full of promise and hope. Each new experience opens the door to possibilities, empowerment, and well-being. All great journeys begin with a single step. By taking this first step you have chosen to embark on your own journey of self-reflection, self-discovery, and empowerment. Whether you are experiencing difficulties in your relationship, struggling to cope with a loss, hoping to manage symptoms of anxiety or depression more effectively or just needing guidance managing what life throws at you I can help. As your therapist I am here to guide and support you as you walk through challenging situations and move down the path of achieving greater well-being, awareness, and happiness. Together we will highlight your strengths and examine thoughts and feelings that contribute to your personal struggles, symptoms, and challenges. I look forward to embarking on your journey with you as you move forward to achieve your goals and overcome your challenges.

Education

PhD

Specialties

• 13-65+
• Marriage
• Families
• Personality Disorders
• PTSD
• Bipolar Disorder
• Mindfulness/Meditation
• CBT
• DBT

DeAngela Francis-Johnson, PMHNP-BC

Philosophy of Care

When asked about who had the most positive influence on her life, DeAngela K. Francis-Johnson dedicated that title to her highly empathetic and intuitive mother and father. She carried their lessons of wisdom, patience, self-awareness, and kindness for all with her into her profession and built those values directly into her patient care philosophy. Known for her extreme consideration and respect for others, DeAngela greatly enjoys getting to know her patients as a way to better provide them with the emotional management tools necessary to build a healthy lifestyle and experience relief from their condition. 

DeAngela is passionate about offering quality psychotherapy and individualized treatment plans which are paired with medication if needed. She is dedicated to ensuring each of her patients know they are heard and understood, cared for, and understood while doing the necessary internal work to overcome their condition and improve their quality of life. 

Offering her patients applicable quality solutions and seeing them gain relief from their problems is one of DeAngela’s favorite aspects of her career. Furthermore, she greatly enjoys getting to meet different people while playing a part in improving their quality of life. She happily invites anyone seeking help to reach out to her for care and assistance. 

Education 

McNeese State University
Post Masters in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Grambling State University
Masters of Science in Nursing 

Specialities

• Anxiety 
• Depression
• LGBT Issues 
• Mood Disorder 
• Sleep Disorders 
• Bipolar Disorder 
• Substance Abuse 
• Adjustment Disorder 
• Alcohol Dependency 
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Deanna Granger, LPC-S, BC-TMH, CAMS

Philosophy of Care

In order for you to begin becoming comfortable with counseling services, it is important for you to have some knowledge about the person who will be providing services.

Deanna Granger has had the pleasure of servicing individuals in the counseling profession for over 15 years and enjoys counseling because it gives an opportunity to help others as well as meet new and exciting people.

Currently a licensed professional counselor and counseling supervisor, Deanna received a Master’s in Counselor Education from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana.

Deanna sees counseling as a process in which the Client and the Counselor develop a relationship of trust and understanding by building rapport, identifying the problem, and developing solutions/goals feasible for their journey of change. Deanna’s approach toward “mental wellness” is as follows: (1) What is important to you to be in a state of “calmness and mental well-being”, (2) What emotions can you tap into to achieve this goal, and (3) What goals or steps can you take to achieve this goal?  If you are looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you are just ready to move in a new direction in your life, please feel free to reach out as Deanna looks forward to working with you to achieve your goals.

Deanna’s interest in working with families stems from a systemic (outside and inside resources working together) approach. The understanding of this way of thinking was introduced during a class instruction in Counseling Theories.  The class focus was on understanding how we individually view the world and how counselor theoretical approaches tie into our worldviews.   It linked Deanna’s understanding of thinking to a theoretical approach which assists her in helping clients through her own unique, therapeutic style.

What affects change in individuals? Change happens by focusing on how outside systems affect the individual. Deanna’s passion is assisting clients in realizing this so they can understand how this affects them.   She truly enjoys the profession of counseling and believes outside systems trigger our positive and negative reactions in life.

​Deanna’s main focus is to create a safe and inviting way for you to achieve goals that assist you in leading a productive life.

Education

Master’s in Counselor Education
Southeastern Louisiana University

Specialties

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Stress management
• Self esteem
• Life transitions
• Anger management
• Women’s issues
• Relationship issues
• Grief & Loss

Kourtnee Jones, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Warmest of welcomes! You have made the decision to seek a partner to professionally address your therapeutic needs and concerns. This is a significant step in the direction of a healthier, more autonomous self. Selecting the correct therapist is essential to developing a strong and effective healing alliance. Kourtnee would like to be your partner. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor located in the great state of Louisiana. Kourtnee has extensive experience with various populations and demographics from children to the aging addressing issues of anxiety, depression, mood disorders, career changes, life changes, grief, family issues and relationship issues.

Kourtnee utilizes a collaborative approach to therapy where the client is the expert of their lives. She welcomes the client into the therapeutic process and assists them in developing the best tools to address their concerns. Kourtnee’s primary systemic approach is cognitive behavioral therapy and also has a toolbox of other therapeutic systems such a solution focused, person-centered, and family systems therapy.

Kourtnee partners with her clients to build a warm, inviting, and restorative space to explore their concerns and needs. Please contact Kourtnee to schedule an appointment to take the next step in living a more profound and healed life.

Education

University of Louisiana at Monroe
Master of Science in Counseling

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Life Changes
• Grief
• Family Issues
• Relationship Issues

Shawn Verges, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Shawn Verges, LPC is a native of New Orleans and Slidell, LA. She graduated from Boston University with an Opera Performance degree and moved on to do her graduate work at Lesley University in Cambridge, MA. There she began her studies using music and counseling together in the Expressive Arts Therapy Program. She has a dual degree in Expressive Arts Therapy and Counseling Psychology. Shawn has worked with children with extreme behaviors since 2008 in Boston and then moved back to her hometown in Louisiana in 2010. She has been working with children and adults in the mental health field for over 15 years as it is her passion.

Shawn’s specializations are trauma, couples counseling, LGBTQIA, extreme behaviors, and Autism. She uses a variety of approaches to counseling (Intermodal Approach) in order meet the client where they are and to help them transition in the most comfortable and supportive way. Shawn’s practice is mainly telehealth and she is able to use art, music, bibliotherapy, photography in her sessions as well as relying on CBT, DBT, and other clinical approaches. 

If you are interested in a well-rounded, eclectic approach, Shawn is here to help you to on your journey to holistic wellness. 

Shawn is also currently being certified as an LPC-S supervisor. 

Education

Masters in Counseling Psychology and Expressive Arts Therapy
Lesley University

Specialties

• Trauma
• Couples Counseling
• Autism
• LGBTQIA

Shawnell Ware, LCSW

Philosophy of Care

Engaging in the therapeutic process has rewards to learn about self and coping mechanisms to deal with life stressors. I am Dr. Shawnell Ware, LCSW-BACS, with over 25 years of experience in mental health working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. The treatment modalities used are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness. Engaging consumers in the therapeutic process allows one to teach skills how to manage stress effectively, improve communication, problem-solving, increase self-confidence and improve decision-making skills. Working together, we can achieve the ability to adapt to complex situations, change self-defeating behaviors, improve communication and manage emotions. My goal is to help consumers and scholars identify their strengths by utilizing problem-solving skills to foster growth and self-sufficiency. My mission is to advocate, empower and transform the lives of others to maintain self-worth, and live a wholesome life to their max potential. Confidentiality coupled with respect, compassion, empathy, and commitment are the benefits of working with a licensed clinical social worker.

Education

Education Doctorate Degree
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Specializations

• Codependency
• Emotional Disturbance
• Family Mediation
• Grief
• Life Coach
• Peer Relations
• Trauma, PTSD
• Family Mediation
• Couples Therapy
• Anger Management
• Family Conflict
• ADHD
• Depression/Mood Disorder
• Oppositional Defiant
• Relationship Building
• Conflict Resolution
• Social Skills Building

Stephanie Breland Dean, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Stephanie B. Dean, MA, LPC, is a psychotherapist with experience and training in women’s issues, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, attention-deficit disorders, family-of-origin issues, self-esteem, and more. She possesses a Master of Arts Degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and is the founder of Greater Bogalusa Community Center, a nonprofit, human services organization in Bogalusa, LA. Stephanie. Dean possesses special skills and experience in working with patients to uncover core issues and get to the “root of the problem”, especially in cases in which feelings of extreme guilt or shame are involved. Additionally, Mrs. Dean has personal experience and skills in working with individuals who have experienced trauma such as catastrophic events, sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect. 

Stephanie seeks to develop a warm and caring relationship with you while collaborating with you to reach your counseling goals. She counsels from a strengths-based, goal-focused perspective while building the client-counselor relationship; she listens with genuine empathy and understands many issues from personal experience. Stephanie primarily counsels from a client-centered, psychodynamic approach and may employ counseling modalities of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and “priming” psychology for self-actualization. Stephanie believes that all individuals possess the innate ability to create and live ANY life they choose! The sky is the limit! 

Stephanie works with couples to help redefine their relationship in various ways, such as helping couples increase mutual goodwill, improve intimacy, develop effective communication skills, and help build a more meaningful life together through planning. Stephanie is also a motivational life coach and an excellent facilitator of psychoeducational sessions concerning life skills, finding one’s life-purpose, choosing a career path, setting and reaching goals, composing focused affirmations, and actualizing plans effectively. She helps clients develop and implement communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and anger management skills. By client request and consent only, Stephanie is able to provide Christian counseling which is founded on biblical scripture.

Education

Liberty University
Master of Arts Degree in Professional Counseling

Specialties

• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Stress management 
• Substance abuse issues

Tarah Taylor Draughn, LPC-S, LMFT

Philosophy of Care

Taylor Draughn has a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from ULM and is licensed as an LPC-S and LMFT in the state of Louisiana. She has over 8 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families seeking help for anxiety, depression, marriage issues, women’s issues, parenting, and trauma. She views counseling as a collaboration between counselor and client in order to help the client move forward in their life. Taylor utilizes a solution-focused, cognitive behavioral, and strength-based approach in order to help you see your inherent strengths as well as how they can help you in your current situation. Taylor believes that we are all capable of changing our situation; sometimes it is just a matter of changing our focus. Taylor knows how difficult life can be, but you don't have to walk through it alone and without any hope. She believes in the process of counseling, you as an individual, and the work that can be done when the work is done as a team to resolve issues and walk towards the life that you desire for yourself.

Education

University of Louisiana at Monroe
Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy

Specialties

• Anxiety
• Trauma and PTSD
• Women's Issues
• Depression
• Relationship Issues
• Christian Counseling
• Parenting
• Stress/Burnout

Van Austin, LPC

Philosophy of Care

Van Austin is both a Licensed Marriage and Family Counselor in the state of California,  and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Louisiana. He has over 25 years  experience working with individuals, couples, and groups seeking help with a full range  

of issues. Van is also an ordained minister in the interfaith tradition, and draws as  appropriate on universal spiritual principles to help others achieve deep, ongoing  happiness. Beyond his BA degree, he holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology,  and a Doctorate in Human Behavior Psychology. 

Van “walks his talk,” and encourages those with whom he works to adopt positive self management; to challenge outgrown, self-defeating ideas; and to live through  empowering perspectives that enhance well-being in themselves and in those around  them.  

Van creates warm, trusting relationships with his clients, and models the qualities of  wholehearted, compassionate awareness; deep insight; and the spirit of humor and  fun. 

Education 

Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology
Antioch University;

Doctorate in Human Behavior Psychology
Ryokan College

Specialties 

• Self-Esteem 
• Relationship Issues 
• Addiction 
• Stress Management 
• Grief 
• Positive psychology