Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Lake Charles, LA covered by Cigna

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.

Hi, I'm Ciera! I believe everyone deserves a safe, welcoming space where they can feel heard without judgement. My goal is to help you navigate life's challenges by building on your strengths while learning practical tools you can use in everyday life. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready for change, I'll meet you where you are and walk alongside you at a pace that feels right for you.

My name is Michele. I am a licensed clinical social worker with 22 years of experience. I am licensed in the state of Louisiana by the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners. I grew up near the New Orleans area in a small town called Luling. I graduated from Nicholls State University in Thibodaux Louisiana and Tulane University in New Orleans.

With more than 25 years of experience in behavioral health, I specialize in working with professional women, caregivers, and healthcare professionals who are navigating burnout, life transitions, anxiety, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, and substance use recovery. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a background in substance use treatment, military social work, and medical social work with the Department of Veterans Affairs, I bring both clinical expertise and genuine lived experience to our work together.

I know firsthand how easy it is for women to lose themselves in the demands of work and family. As a retired VA social work supervisor, breast cancer survivor, and someone who has navigated burnout while caring for others, I bring deep empathy to every session — not just training. I provide virtual therapy, so you can access support from wherever feels most comfortable.

Starting therapy can be a big step, and you don’t have to do it alone. I believe everyone deserves a supportive space to be themselves and work through life’s challenges.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience helping adolescents, adults, and older adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, grief, life transitions, family conflict, serious mental illness, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. I’ve supported people facing both everyday stress and more complex mental health concerns.

Therapy isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about gaining insight, building resilience, and creating meaningful change at a pace that feels right. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply need extra support, I’m here to help.

Core Values are one of the foundational components of the work I do. Exploring where core values come from, how thoughts interact with core values, and when adjustments to those core values are being considered can help us land in the current moment with a bit more clarity/compassion.

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.

Life can feel overwhelming when challenges begin piling up faster than you can manage them. Whether you're struggling with substance use, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, or the stress of trying to keep everything together, therapy can provide a space to slow down, gain perspective, and move forward with greater confidence. I work with adolescents, adults, seniors, and couples who are feeling stuck, emotionally exhausted, or unsure how to create lasting change. Many of my clients come to therapy after trying to solve everything on their own, only to find themselves repeating the same patterns. My goal is to provide a supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes. Together, we'll identify your strengths, clarify your goals, and build practical tools that help you create a healthier and more fulfilling life.