Provider Directory
Acadiana Veteran Alliance
AVA offers the following as a guide when selecting an outpatient mental health professional for you or a loved one. Ensure your clinician is trained and/or certified in one or more evidence based therapeutic interventions and is licensed to practice mental health.
Please find a list of Acadiana clinicians who meet these criteria and have experience working with veterans. If you are a clinician who works with veterans in Louisiana, email heal@supportava.org.
Provider Directory
Jessica K. Z. Moody, MSW, LCSW
Phone: 337-306-4565
Website: Tempesttherapyllc.com
Guy Zachry, LPC, LMFT
Email: office@marahcounseling.com
Phone: 337-857-8375
Website: Marahcounseling.com
Jennifer Zachry, LPC, LMFT, LAC
Email: office@marahcounseling.com
Phone:337-857-8375
Website: Marahcounseling.com
Marc D'Aunoy, M. Ed., LPC, LMFT
Phone: 337-898-0221
Website: thekitchentablecounseling.com
Amber Prejean, M.S., LPC
Phone: 337-889-0221
Website: thekitchentablecounseling.com
Lindy LeBlanc, M.S., LPC
Phone: 337-889-0221
Website: thekitchentablecounseling.com
Dwayne Jacobs, LPC, NCC
Email: dwaynejacobs@aol.com
Phone: 337-324-1902
Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/dwayne-jacobs-lafayette-la/284557
Natalie Bunner, MSW, LCSW
Email: Natalie@thrivetherapy.me
Phone:337-359-2445
Website: www.thrivetherapy.me
Robyn Sonnier, LPC-S, NCC, CCTP-II, CMCC
Email: robyn@robynsonnierlpc.com
Phone: 225-341-2580
Website: https://robynsonnierlpc.com/
Leigh St. Julian Billeaud, LPC, LAC
Email: therapy@lsbilleaud.com
Phone:337-232-2833
Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/leigh-st-julian-billeaud-lafayette-la/1000755
George Comeaux, LCSW, CSAT
Phone: 615-925-0456
Website: https://www.georgecomeauxlcswcsat.com/
Michael Tassin, LMFT, MA
Email: mike@freedomwithintherapy.com
Phone:985-898-5898
Website: www.freedomwithintherapy.com
Jessica Gibson, LPC-S, CEAP, SAP, CET1
Email: jessica@counrec.com
Phone: 337-257-7195
Website: www.counrec.com
Commonly Endorsed Therapeutic Interventions for PTSD*
This section explores a range of therapeutic approaches widely recommended for addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Discover effective methods and evidence-based strategies that offer support, healing, and empowerment on the journey towards recovery. From cognitive-behavioral therapies to mindfulness techniques, delve into the interventions that hold promise in helping individuals navigate the challenges of PTSD and regain control of their lives.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT explores the relationships among thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It focuses on changing patterns of behaviors, thoughts and feelings that lead to difficulties in functioning.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
CPT is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps patients learn how to modify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma.
Cognitive Therapy
Derived from cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy entails modifying the pessimistic evaluations and memories of trauma, with the goal of interrupting the disturbing behavioral and/or thought patterns that have been interfering in the person’s daily life.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation, which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories.
Prolonged Exposure
Prolonged exposure is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches individuals to gradually approach trauma-related memories, feelings and situations. By facing what has been avoided, a person learns that the trauma-related memories and cues are not dangerous and do not need to be avoided.
Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy
Brief eclectic psychotherapy combines elements of cognitive behavioral therapy with a psychodynamic approach. It focuses on changing the emotions of shame and guilt and emphasizes the relationship between the patient and therapist.
Narrative Exposure Therapy
Narrative exposure therapy helps individuals establish a coherent life narrative in which to contextualize traumatic experiences.
Medication
A prescriber may treat symptoms associated with PTS with psychotropic drugs such as antidepressants or medical procedures such as the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB). AVA offers partial funding for veterans seeking the SGB procedure.
*Please note this list is not all inclusive. Talk to your clinician about other evidence based interventions for PTS.
Mental Health Licensures
Assessment and Therapy
Psychologist (Ph.D., Psy.D.)
Psychologists are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health using clinical interviews, psychological evaluations and testing. They can make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy. Some are licensed to prescribe psychotropic medications.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
These masters-level health care professionals are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs. Working with one of these mental health professionals can lead not only to symptom reduction but to better ways of thinking, feeling and living.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Clinical social workers are trained to evaluate a person’s mental health and use therapeutic techniques based on specific training programs. They are also trained in case management and advocacy services.
Medication Management
Psychiatrist (MD, DO)
Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who have completed psychiatric training. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medications and provide therapy.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (MS, Ph.D.)
Psychiatric nurse practitioners can provide assessment, diagnosis and therapy for mental health conditions or substance use disorders. Some are licensed to prescribe psychotropic medications.
Need help connecting with mental health services? E-mail us at heal@supportava.org.
Alternatives to traditional therapy
Traditional therapy may not be the right fit for every veteran. Below are alternatives which may offer relief from PTS symptoms and other mental health disorders.
Alpha-Stim Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES)
Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) is a neuromodulation tool used for treating several clinical disorders, including insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
Yoga
Yoga has been shown to reduce physiological arousal in PTS patients and is believed to affect the pathology of PTS by improving somatic regulation and body awareness, which are imperative to emotion regulation.
Music therapy
Music Therapy is the clinical & evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship. Music therapy interventions can address a variety of healthcare & educational goals, including promoting wellness, managing stress, expressing feelings, and improving communication.
Art therapy
Art Therapy is used to improve cognitive and sensory-motor functions, foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, enhance social skills, reduce and resolve conflicts and distress, and advance societal and ecological change.
Reiki
Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by laying on hands and is based on the idea that an unseen life force energy flows through us and is what causes us to be alive.
Qigong / Tai-Chi
Qigong and Tai-Chi are traditional self-healing, meditation, and self-cultivation exercises originating in ancient China. The practice, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine theories, is characterized by coordinated body posture and movements, deep rhythmic breathing, meditation, and mental focus.
Certified Peer Specialists & Self-help groups
Common in the treatment of substance use disorders, certified peer specialists are a supportive resource in recovery programs and may facilitate self-help groups focused on managing stress, grief, etc.
Pastoral Counseling
Pastoral counseling is offered through many religious organizations and can be a supportive resource for individuals or facilitating self-help groups.
Connecting with Other Veterans Through Veteran Organizations
Veterans meet other veterans and lean on each other for support through organizations such as Acadiana Veteran Alliance, Student Veterans of America, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Wounded Warrior Project.
See what’s happening now at supportava.org/events
Crisis Resources
If you or a loved one are in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Hotline - 9-8-8, press 1. Additional resources for veterans in Acadiana follow.
VA Benefits and Services Eligibility Hotline
Housing Resources
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans - 1-877-4AID VET / 877-424-3838
Volunteers of America- 337-234-5715
Outreach Center - 337-237-7618
St. Joseph Shelter / St. Michael Shelter for Veterans - 337-235-4972