Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Lafayette, LA

Kayla, a licensed Clinical Social Worker with a background in community mental health, recognized the profound disparities in access to mental health care within BIPOC communities. Inspired by a vision of creating a space where healing is both inclusive and affordable, she founded Helen’s Project with the belief that everyone deserves access to quality mental health support, regardless of their background or financial situation.​​Helen’s Project operates on the principle that culturally competent and empathetic mental health care is essential for holistic well-being. The organization collaborates with a diverse team of mental health professionals who not only possess clinical expertise but also understand the unique cultural nuances and challenges faced by the BIPOC community.

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 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.

Brandy Cooks is a dedicated and compassionate Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a deep commitment to providing holistic, patient-centered care. With a unique blend of experience in both education and healthcare, Brandy is passionate about empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being and achieve their personal health goals.