About Us
Ready to get started?
A Warm Place to Heal, Right Here in Central Louisiana
When life feels heavy, you deserve more than a waiting room and a clipboard. You deserve people who listen, who understand what you’re carrying, and who will walk with you toward something better. At Alexandria Counseling, that’s what we’re here for.
We’re a private behavioral health practice in Alexandria, LA, with a team of seasoned therapists in Alexandria who work with children, teens, adults, couples, and families. Whether you’re coming in for the first time or returning to therapy after a long break, you’ll find a space that feels warm, welcoming, and free of judgment.
More Than Four Decades of Caring for Our Community
Alexandria Counseling was founded in 2017 by Shirley Ryland, LCSW, but her work in Central Louisiana began long before that.
Shirley earned her Master’s in Social Work from Louisiana State University in 1982 and started her career at Central Louisiana State Hospital, working with mental health patients. She went on to treat individuals struggling with chemical dependency, and to support their families, at Rapides Chemical Dependency Services. In 1990, she moved into full-time private practice in Alexandria.
After years of sharpening her clinical skills and serving her neighbors, Shirley opened Alexandria Counseling with one clear mission: to support and develop highly trained clinicians who offer therapeutic services to individuals and families in a warm, welcoming, and inviting environment, for clients and clinicians alike.
That mission still shapes every session today.
Hard Seasons Can Become Turning Points
We believe difficulty can be transformative. Like the mighty oak, you can grow stronger through the storms you weather. You don’t have to do that alone. We’re here to walk alongside you.
Our approach helps you look at your life in three ways:
- Your past. By acknowledging where you’ve been, you can understand who you are by accepting who you’ve been.
- Your present. By learning to live in the moment, you can feel more grounded and experience life more fully.
- Your future. By looking ahead, you can take control of your own path and build the life you’ve always wanted.
No matter what brought you here, your therapist will meet you where you are and move at a pace that feels right for you.
Support for Every Stage of Life, From Age 3 and Up
Our clinicians work with clients as young as 3, so your whole family can find care under one roof. Our team brings a wide range of specialties and evidence-based approaches, including:
- Counseling for anxiety
- Depression counseling
- Counseling for trauma and PTSD
- Addiction counseling and relapse prevention
- Support for friends and family of those affected by addiction
- Bipolar disorder
- Life adjustments and transitions
- Women’s issues
- Marriage counseling and couples therapy
- Grief counseling
- Child and play therapy
- Expressive arts therapy
- Faith-based counseling
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma
- Telehealth counseling
Most of our therapists offer both in-person and online sessions, so you can choose what works best for your schedule and comfort level.
Meet the Seasoned Clinicians Who Make Up Our Team
When you work with Alexandria Counseling, you’re working with a team of 10 clinicians who share a commitment to excellent care and to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for every person who walks through our door. Our team includes Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs), Licensed Addiction Counselors (LACs), and Provisional Licensed Professional Counselors (PLPCs).
- Shirley Ryland, LCSW, Founder
- Abby Webb, PLPC
- Alice Harper, LCSW
- Dani Carter, LPC, LAC
- Hope Hopkins, PLPC
- Janice Miller, LPC
- Jennifer Riche, LPC-S, LAC
- Lauren Arnold, LCSW
- Tina Alexander, PLPC
- Von Vallery, LCSW
Quality Care That Fits Your Coverage
Cost shouldn’t stand between you and the help you need. We’re an insurance-based practice, and we work with:
- Commercial insurance
- Medicare
- Louisiana Medicaid (LHCC and Healthy Blue) through select clinicians
- Private pay
- Reduced rates with some of our counselors
Not sure what your plan covers? Reach out and we’ll help you sort it out.
Visit Us on Government Street or Meet From Home
Address: 3636 Government Street, Alexandria, LA 71302
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Phone: (318) 704-6157
Email: alexandriacounseling@gmail.com
We proudly serve Alexandria and the surrounding Central Louisiana communities. If getting to our office isn’t easy, telehealth lets you meet with your therapist from the comfort of home.
Your First Step Can Be a Small One
Reaching out is often the hardest part. We’re here to make it a little easier. Book a session online or give us a call, and we’ll help you find the therapist who fits you best.
If you’re in crisis, call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.