Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Lafayette, LA

You might be feeling exhausted from holding everything together, anxious about the future, or stuck in patterns that no longer fit who you are. I work primarily with women and couples navigating anxiety, burnout, relationship stress, and trauma that can be hard to put into words. Many of my clients are new to therapy or haven’t always felt culturally safe or understood in past spaces. With me, you don’t have to shrink yourself or explain your whole identity just to be believed. Together, we’ll work toward you feeling more grounded, more confident, and more like yourself again.

After more than 20 years of working with children and families in the school system, I now provide virtual therapy to reach and support more people navigating anxiety, ADHD, depression, grief, stress management challenges, low self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship difficulties. Many of my clients struggle with emotional regulation, feeling overwhelmed, attention and focus concerns, family conflict, academic stress, or feeling stuck in patterns that impact daily life. Family dynamics and personal relationships are often at the heart of these challenges. My approach is creative, engaging, and intentionally different from traditional talk therapy. I incorporate music, humor, interactive exercises, and experiential techniques to help reduce anxiety, build coping skills, and make it easier to process difficult emotions in a supportive, welcoming space.

I’m Velia R. Bradley, a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in Louisiana with over 10 years of experience supporting people through emotional and psychological challenges. I earned my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Louisiana at Monroe and am currently pursuing a doctorate focused on Counseling Education, Supervision, Trauma, and Crisis Interventions. My approach is holistic and client-centered, with care for the mind, body, soul, and spirit. I meet you where you are and work alongside you at your pace, with honesty, warmth, and respect.

Mental health care should feel like a conversation, not an interrogation.

I believe the best outcomes happen when patient's feel heard, respected, and are actively involved in their treatment. My approach involves a team approach and is honest and hands on. I take the time to understand the whole person —not just a diagnosis— so we can create a treatment plan that fits your goals, values, and lifestyle.

You are the expert on your life. I’m the expert on mental health. The best care happens when we combine both.

I believe that therapy is a partnership built on trust, compassion, and respect. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and experiences. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families facing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, behavioral challenges, and life transitions. I understand that seeking therapy can feel overwhelming, and I strive to meet you where you are while helping you build the skills and confidence to create meaningful, lasting change.

With over thirteen years of experience in the field, I bring a depth of knowledge and a steady, grounded presence to every session. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and one of only eight Certified DBT Specialists (C-DBT) in the state of Louisiana. I received my DBT training at a VA hospital, where I had the privilege of working closely with veterans and developing a strong foundation in trauma-informed care.

Throughout my career, I have worked across all levels of care, from crisis settings to outpatient therapy, and that range has made me a confident, compassionate guide for clients navigating emotionally intense situations. I am also a Certified Trauma Specialist, and my work spans adolescents, adults, couples, and families facing challenges like trauma and PTSD, borderline personality disorder, mood disorders, addiction, self-harm, and eating disorders. I believe deeply that recovery is possible and that renewed hope is always within reach.