geometry-shapes iconSocial Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Family Conflict
In Person & Online in Lafayette, LA
10 years in practice
Ages served: 6-65+
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

John accepts 14 insurers
Optum Serve
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan
Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan
Christus Health Plan Exchange
Christus Health Plan Medicare Advantage
JP Farley Corporation
Multi Plan PHCS
Municipal Health Benefit Program
Quest Behavioral Health
Tricare West
UMR
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$200
first session
$170
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About John

Before earning my master’s degree in counseling education, I worked with autistic children in a clinical setting and teenagers in an inpatient setting. I primarily work with children and adolescents experiencing anger, anxiety, and depression, particularly those with ADHD or autism. I also have experience working with adults and families.

I believe in building a strong therapeutic relationship where clients feel comfortable enough for me to be honest, direct, and straightforward when needed. I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy, to meet each client where they are and tailor treatment to their individual needs.

I don’t just believe that people have the power to change—I know they do. I’ve seen it happen. When we work together toward a goal that is meaningful to you, I believe you can make lasting, meaningful change.

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"As a counselor who has struggled with ADHD and social anxiety, I understand the impact that mental health can have on daily life. "

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Get to know John

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

I went to college planning on being a forensic pathologist. I changed my mind after taking my first psychology class and loving it. After that but before training of any kind, I realized that I had a natural talent for getting people to talk about what was going on in their lives. So counseling naturally fit.

What types of clients do you work best with?

Those that wish to get to work and those that may be skeptical about counseling. I tend to be blunt and practical, which resonates with clients that want to know what they are getting involved in.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

Being a therapist is closer to being a gym trainer than a doctor. Therapy is about maintenance and pushing you where you need to be pushed without overdoing it, rather than giving the person a shot or a pill.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

I'll tell a few bad puns and we will work collaboratively to build a case conceptualization. The client will be apart of each step with a full breakdown of my thinking. We will try out a few things right away to help mitigate the issues and then dive deeper.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?

Honesty, advocacy, efficacy, and the general desire to see people improve.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

I typically ask the client what has worked in the past, what they like to do, what doesn't work for them, and then shape my therapy from there.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesSocial Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Family Conflict, Anxiety, Anger Management, Coping Skills, Career Counseling, Emotional Disturbance, Depression, Impulse Control Disorders, Grief, Life Transition, LGBTQIA+, Performance Anxiety, Peer Relationships, Open Relationships / Non-Monogamy, Neurodiversity, Mood Disorders, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Self Esteem, School Issues, Relationships, Marital & Premarital, ADHD, Men’s Issues, Autism, Panic Attack, Seniors & Geriatric, Step-Family / Blended Family Issues, Parenting
ApproachesAny / Eclectic, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Family Systems, Family / Marital, Play Therapy, Narrative, Multicultural, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Interpersonal, Culturally Sensitive, Integrative, Strength-Based Therapy, Psychotherapy, Relational
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Education and training

Years in practice
10 years
Graduating institute
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Graduating degree
MS in Counseling Education
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1437746310
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Licensed in
Louisiana
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License number8602
Practice location

Practice information

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John Nelson

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)he/him