Finding support after trauma can be difficult, especially when cost is a concern.
Many people in New Orleans are looking for help that fits their budget and meets their needs.
Affordable trauma therapists in New Orleans, LA, give people a chance to heal without putting too much stress on their finances.
There are options available for those seeking care, making it possible to find professional support at a price they can manage.
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1) Nehlita Varnado, LPC, MEd – specializing in anxiety and life transitions
Nehlita Varnado is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in New Orleans, LA.
She has experience helping clients with anxiety, life transitions, and trauma.
Nehlita works with both young adults and adults.
She also treats issues like depression, boundaries, self-esteem, and narcissistic abuse.
Her office is located on St. Charles Avenue.
Learn more about Nehlita Varnado’s practice on Psychology Today and Headway.
2) Free Your Mind NOLA – offers EMDR and trauma-informed individual/group sessions
Free Your Mind NOLA is a counseling center in New Orleans focused on trauma-informed care.
They offer both individual and group counseling sessions.
Their services include EMDR, which is a proven approach for those struggling with trauma.
Clinicians at this center are trained in different trauma therapies.
Free Your Mind NOLA is located in New Orleans and is known for supporting people of all backgrounds with their mental health needs.
Free Your Mind NOLA website | More on Free Your Mind NOLA
Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.
4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
Try BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.
✓ Over 35K licensed professionals
✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
3) Thriveworks New Orleans – accepts most insurance for in-person and online therapy
Thriveworks New Orleans offers both in-person and online therapy options.
They accept most major insurance plans, which can make services more affordable for many people.
Clients can choose from licensed clinicians for individual or couples therapy.
Appointments are usually available within a few days, making it easier to get support quickly.
Learn more at Thriveworks main page, Psychology Today profile, and Yelp listing.
4) Mary Elizabeth Wilkes Chand, LCSW – trauma therapy with free consultation
Mary Elizabeth Wilkes Chand, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker in New Orleans, LA.
She provides trauma therapy, including virtual, hybrid, and in-person options for Louisiana residents.
She offers a free 15-minute consultation to help new clients get started.
Her focus includes trauma, anxiety, and behavioral issues.
Learn more about her services at Chand Counseling and Open Path Collective.
5) Open Path Collective New Orleans – affordable therapy network for trauma support
Open Path Collective in New Orleans connects clients with local mental health professionals who offer affordable trauma therapy.
Therapists in the network accept lower session fees, usually between $40 and $70 per session.
To access these rates, individuals pay a one-time membership fee.
This makes trauma support more reasonable for people without insurance or with high out-of-pocket costs.
Visit Open Path New Orleans and Affordable Counseling at Open Path Collective for details.
6) Restoration Counseling – faith-based and holistic trauma-informed therapy
Restoration Counseling in New Orleans offers faith-based and holistic trauma-informed therapy for adults, children, couples, and families.
They allow clients to choose how much they want to include spirituality in their sessions.
Their counselors use different methods, including client-centered and solution-focused approaches.
Services are available for those dealing with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction issues.
Learn more about their approach at Restoration Counseling’s official website and about their services.
7) Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy Group – services available in-person and via Telehealth
Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy groups in New Orleans provide counseling for individuals, families, and couples.
Services are available both in-person and through Telehealth options to reach more people in Louisiana.
They work with children, adolescents, and adults.
Each therapist is committed to offering support using trauma-informed methods.
More about these services can be found at New Orleans Therapists | Trauma-informed Psychotherapy and Counseling – A Refuge: Trauma Informed Therapies.
8) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) specialists focusing on trauma recovery
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used to help people work through trauma.
CBT specialists guide clients by teaching them how their thoughts can affect emotions and actions.
In New Orleans, several centers offer CBT for trauma recovery.
These specialists use proven methods to help reduce feelings of distress and support healing.
CBT sessions are planned around each person’s needs.
Therapists at the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Center of New Orleans and listed on the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trauma therapy in New Orleans uses proven methods and includes many options to fit different needs and budgets.
Choosing the right therapist or center involves knowing what therapies work, where to look, and what to expect in private or group sessions.
Which therapy techniques are most effective for trauma recovery?
Effective trauma therapies include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed counseling.
EMDR, in particular, is widely used for PTSD and has shown helpful results for many people.
Some therapists and centers in New Orleans, like Free Your Mind NOLA, offer EMDR alongside trauma-informed counseling, both in groups and one-on-one.
How do I find a licensed grief counselor in New Orleans?
A good starting point is searching therapist directories such as Psychology Today.
Look for counselors with relevant licenses like LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) or LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker).
Individuals may also contact local centers such as the Center for Grief & Trauma Therapy at Southern University, which lists licensed professionals and their specialties.
What options are available for low-cost trauma therapy services?
Affordable trauma therapy can be found through therapy networks like Open Path Collective, which connects people to low-cost therapists in New Orleans.
Some therapists, like Mary Elizabeth Wilkes Chand, LCSW, offer free consultations or sliding scale rates.
Clients can also explore insurance-friendly providers, such as Thriveworks New Orleans, which accepts most insurance plans to help lower out-of-pocket costs.
Are there specialized trauma therapy centers in New Orleans?
Yes, there are dedicated centers focused on trauma recovery.
Free Your Mind NOLA and the Center for Grief & Trauma Therapy at Southern University both specialize in trauma care.
These centers provide support through in-person and virtual options.
They also offer trauma-specific group counseling and therapies for adults, college students, and families.
How can someone evaluate if a trauma therapist is the right fit for them?
It is recommended to review a therapist’s credentials, experience with trauma, and therapy approaches.
Most counselors offer an initial consultation, either free or at low cost, to discuss needs and answer questions.
Paying attention to the therapist’s communication style and willingness to answer questions can help with making a decision.
Comfort level during the first meeting is also important.
What should one expect during the first trauma therapy session?
The first session usually involves discussion of the client’s history, main concerns, and goals for therapy. The therapist may also explain which methods they use and their plan for treatment.
Clients should expect to fill out a few forms. They will also talk through what brings them to therapy.
It is normal to feel some nervousness. The session may focus on building trust and creating a safe space.
