New Orleans is a city with a uniquely layered trauma history, shaped by the catastrophic destruction of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, ongoing community violence, and the cumulative psychological burden of living in one of the most economically unequal cities in the United States. The city’s vibrant culture coexists with high rates of PTSD, grief, and displacement trauma, and New Orleans mental health providers increasingly integrate culturally responsive and community-rooted approaches into their trauma care. The city also has a growing awareness of climate-related trauma as recurring storm seasons continue to affect residents’ psychological wellbeing.
1. New Orleans Family Justice Center (NOFJC)
Founded: Established practice
Phone: (504) 592-4005
Website: https://nofjc.org
Address: 701 Loyola Avenue, Suite 201, New Orleans, LA 70113
Service Area: New Orleans and surrounding parishes; services available to Orleans and adjacent communities
Specializations: Trauma, PTSD, Domestic Violence Trauma, Sexual Assault, Grief, Crisis Services
Credentials: Licensed therapist; licensed clinical staff; trauma-specialist training
Insurance: Contact provider for insurance details; services may be available at low or no cost for qualifying clients
Practice Size: Nonprofit organization
Fee Structure: Sliding scale available; some services at no cost for qualifying individuals
The New Orleans Family Justice Center provides free and low-cost trauma-informed counseling and wraparound services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other trauma in the Greater New Orleans area. NOFJC serves as a hub connecting trauma survivors with mental health services, legal assistance, and community resources under one roof.
State Licensing Information
In Louisiana, mental health providers are licensed by the Louisiana Licensed Professional Counselors Board of Examiners (LPC), the Louisiana State Board of Social Work Examiners (LCSW), and the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT). EMDR is a post-graduate specialty certification through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and is not a separate licensure category under Louisiana law. Consumers can verify a provider’s current license status through the respective Louisiana licensing board’s online verification portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Orleans have trauma therapists who specialize in Hurricane Katrina and disaster-related trauma?
New Orleans has a generation of therapists who have lived and worked through Hurricane Katrina and subsequent storms, and many providers have direct experience supporting clients with disaster-related PTSD and grief. Local therapists are generally well versed in the long-term psychological impacts of catastrophic flooding and community displacement. Ask providers about their specific experience with disaster trauma.
What mental health resources are available for New Orleans residents affected by ongoing flooding and storm threats?
The Louisiana Department of Health and the New Orleans Health Department maintain connections to community mental health resources for residents affected by storm-related stress and trauma. The Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 is a federally funded resource specifically for people experiencing distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Are there trauma resources in New Orleans for low-income residents?
New Orleans Family Justice Center provides free and sliding scale services for qualifying individuals. Metropolitan Human Services District (MHSD) provides publicly funded community mental health services for Orleans Parish residents regardless of ability to pay. Contact MHSD at (504) 568-3130 for referrals.
Does New Orleans have bilingual trauma therapy options?
New Orleans has a Spanish-speaking population and growing Vietnamese and other immigrant communities. Some New Orleans therapists offer services in Spanish, and community organizations can help connect clients with culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health resources.
What crisis mental health services are available in New Orleans?
The Metropolitan Human Services District (MHSD) operates a 24/7 crisis line for Orleans Parish at (504) 568-3130. Tulane Medical Center and University Medical Center also provide emergency psychiatric services. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available nationally by call or text.
Verification Note
Provider details such as phone numbers, addresses, and credentials were compiled from publicly available sources and may have changed since publication. Readers are strongly encouraged to verify all contact information and current availability directly via each provider’s official website before scheduling services. Licensing status can be confirmed through the respective state licensing board, and EMDR certification can be verified through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) at https://www.emdria.org.
Disclaimer
The trauma therapy providers listed on this page represent a selection of practitioners and practices operating in the New Orleans area. Each provider’s details, including addresses, phone numbers, specializations, and background information, are based on publicly available data verified at the time of publication. Inclusion on this page does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or clinical referral. This directory is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Individuals seeking trauma therapy should conduct their own research, verify current licensing and credentials, confirm insurance acceptance, and consult with providers directly to determine the best fit for their specific needs.