Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Lafayette, LA

Hello, my name is Joelle Charpentier, APRN, PMHNP-BC. I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner who believes everyone deserves to feel heard, supported, and understood. I work with children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, life transitions, and women’s mental health concerns. My goal is to provide a welcoming, judgment-free space where we can work together toward lasting wellness.

Sometimes life feels overwhelming not because of one big moment, but because the stress, worry, and emotional weight have slowly built over time. Anxiety, depression, family conflict, trauma, or major life changes can leave you feeling disconnected from yourself and the people you care about most. You don't have to navigate those challenges alone. I partner with individuals and families experiencing anxiety, depression, family issues, LGBTQIA+ concerns, and trauma so they can strengthen relationships, build resilience, and create a greater sense of peace in their everyday lives. Working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, I strive to create a warm, supportive environment where every person feels safe, respected, and empowered to grow.

My path to psychiatric care is a little different from most. I spent over a decade as an Obstetrics Nurse before transitioning into psychiatric mental health — and that background deeply shapes how I show up for my clients. I understand the weight of life transitions, the complexity of the mind-body connection, and the importance of feeling truly supported. Now, as a PMHNP, I bring that same compassionate, whole-person perspective to mental health care.

With over 30 years of experience partnering with clients from all walks of life, I have learned one fundamental truth: the power to heal, grow, and transform already lives within you. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), my goal is to help you tap into that potential. I don't believe therapy is something done to you it is a collaborative journey we take together. If you are ready to actively participate in your own growth, I am here to provide the expertise, tools, and unwavering support to help you succeed.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Arizona and Louisiana with over 17 years of experience in trauma-informed psychotherapy. I earned my Master of Social Work from Tulane University in 2008 and have worked across inpatient and outpatient treatment settings, university counseling, grief and bereavement care, and trauma-focused programs. I am EMDR trained (finalizing certification) and integrate CBT, DBT, IFS-informed parts work, somatic approaches, and mindfulness-based therapies.

I specialize in complex PTSD, sexual trauma, religious and spiritual trauma, attachment wounds, ADHD, anxiety, and shame-based relational patterns. Many of the individuals I work with are high-functioning on the outside but feel lost, fragmented, or deeply self-critical on the inside.

Clients often describe me as warm, loving, affirming, and validating. I also bring a teacher’s heart into the room. I believe understanding how trauma impacts the nervous system, relationships, and even women’s biological health helps reduce shame and restore clarity. I see therapy as sacred work. You are not a diagnosis to me; you are a whole person whose nervous system learned to survive.

As a licensed mental health professional, I believe that prioritizing our mental and emotional well-being is the foundation of a sustainable and healthy life. Over the past ten years in this field, one thing I’ve consistently learned is that simply having someone to talk to can be one of the most challenging parts of the therapeutic process.

I am here to offer safety, empathy, and practical strategies that support you in thriving the way you desire

My style is warm, validating, and compassionate, while also being honest and intentional. I believe therapy should feel supportive but also purposeful. As our therapeutic relationship grows, I offer direct feedback and thoughtful challenges to help you move out of patterns that no longer serve you. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself, my goal is to help you build insight, resilience, and a stronger sense of control over your life. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, grief, trauma, and depression. I use evidence-based techniques including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and I am trained in EMDR. An evidence-based approach that helps clients process trauma and distressing experiences in a way that feels manageable and empowering.

I'm Dawn, a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in grief, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and life's significant transitions. Whether you're grieving the death of someone you love, caring for a family member, facing a serious medical diagnosis, or navigating another profound life change, counseling offers a compassionate place to slow down, tell your story, and make room for whatever you're carrying.