geometry-shapes iconDepression, Anxiety, Domestic Violence, Trauma / PTSD, Anger Management
In Person & Online in New Orleans, LA
12 years in practice
Ages served: 6-65+
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Nicole accepts 26 insurers
Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem
Cigna | Evernorth
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana | BCBS
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana | Medicare Advantage
Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)
Christus Health Plan Exchange
Christus Health Plan Medicare Advantage
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Compsych
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
First Health Network
Humana Medicare Advantage
JP Farley Corporation
Medicare LA
Multi Plan PHCS
Municipal Health Benefit Program
Optum Serve
Oscar Health
Poppins Health
Quest Behavioral Health
UMR
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Uprise EAP
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 Nicole

I am a licensed professional counselor-supervisor (LPC-S) with over 12 years of experience in community mental health, private practice, and restorative justice settings. I work with adults, adolescents, and families navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, addiction, and major life transitions, including those involved in legal or high-conflict systems. My approach is compassionate, culturally responsive, and focused on fostering healing, growth, and resilience.

I earned my doctorate in counseling education and supervision from the University of Holy Cross. My work is person-centered and humanistic, incorporating evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy. I value experiential, goal-oriented treatment and honor each client’s unique experiences, strengths, and personal story.

You do not have to navigate this season alone. I strive to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and understood. Together, we will work toward meaningful change and emotional balance at a pace that feels right for you. When you are ready, I invite you to take the next step and begin this work together.

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"As a White female clinician, I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to therapy informed by years of clinical leadership and frontline experience in restorative justice and mental health, grounded in self-awareness, humility, and a commitment to meeting clients where they are while supporting meaningful healing and growth."

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Get to know Nicole

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

My childhood trauma and healing inspired me to become a counselor. Those experiences shaped my understanding of pain, resilience, and the power of compassionate support. I was drawn to this work to give back, walk with others in healing, and help them feel seen and empowered as they pursue wholeness and lasting change.

What types of clients do you work best with?

I work best with individuals and families who are navigating trauma, depression, and anxiety. Many of the clients I support are seeking a safe, supportive space to process difficult experiences, strengthen coping skills, and improve emotional well-being. I am especially well-suited to work with those who are ready to engage in meaningful healing and growth, whether individually or within the family system.

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

One thing I wish all clients knew is that healing takes time, and it’s important to give yourself grace throughout the counseling process. Growth is not linear, and there may be moments that feel slow or challenging—but each step matters. Therapy is a journey, and allowing yourself patience and compassion can make a meaningful difference in lasting healing and change.

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

In your first session, you can expect a supportive and welcoming intake process where we will focus on getting to know one another. We’ll talk about what brings you to therapy, your goals, and any concerns you may have. In the early stages of therapy, we’ll work together on treatment planning, ensuring your care is personalized, collaborative, and paced in a way that feels comfortable as we build trust and move toward healing.

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

My practice is informed by personal experiences with healing from childhood trauma, which shaped my deep respect for resilience, compassion, and the courage it takes to seek help. Creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and supported. These experiences guide my belief in meeting clients where they are, honoring their pace, and walking alongside them with empathy, patience, and hope throughout the healing process.

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

I tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs by first creating a safe, nonjudgmental space to understand their experiences, goals, and challenges. Using a collaborative approach, integrating evidence-based techniques with individualized strategies that fit their personality, values, and pace. Whether addressing trauma, anxiety, depression, or life transitions, I adjust interventions to align with each client’s strengths, preferences, and cultural background, ensuring therapy feels relevant, empowering, and effective.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesDepression, Anxiety, Domestic Violence, Trauma / PTSD, Anger Management, Behavioral Issues, Alcohol Use, Coping Skills, ADHD, Codependency, Addiction, Caregivers, Career Counseling, Family Conflict, Emotional Disturbance, Domestic Abuse, Divorce, Impulse Control Disorders, Grief, First Responders, Military / Veteran, Marital & Premarital, Life Transition, LGBTQIA+, Racial Identity, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Performance Anxiety, Peer Relationships, Parenting, Panic Attack, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Mood Disorders, Substance Use, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Step-Family / Blended Family Issues, Spirituality, Social Anxiety, Sexual Abuse, Seniors & Geriatric, Self-Harming, Self Esteem, School Issues, Relationships, Suicidal Ideation
ApproachesBehavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Adlerian, Culturally Sensitive, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Christian Counseling, Bibliotherapy, Family Systems, Family / Marital, Motivational Interviewing, Faith-Based Counseling, Jungian, Interpersonal, Experiential Therapy, Existential Therapy, Humanistic / Rogerian, Gestalt, Play Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Narrative, Multicultural, Trauma-Focused, Strength-Based Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Relational, Reality Therapy, Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Any / Eclectic
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Education and training

Years in practice
12 years
Graduating institute
University of Holy Cross
Graduating degree
PhD Counseling Education and Supervision
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1588188189
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State of practiceLA
Practice location

Practice information

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Nicole Varney

Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor (LPC-S)she/her