Our Therapists

LPC-S

Casey Sommers

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor with over fifteen years of experience in clinical mental health settings. I currently split my time at Integrated Behavioral Health between performing the duties of the Associate Clinical Director and seeing clients for therapy sessions. I graduated with my Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Louisiana State University in 2009 and with my Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Louisiana State University in 2007. I obtained my Professional Counselor license in 2015 as well as my Supervisor status in 2023, and I maintain an active status as a member of the Louisiana Counseling Association. I work primarily with adult clients who present with mood disorders, personality disorders, anxiety disorders, self-esteem deficits, relationship discord, past/present trauma, grief and loss, and emotional dysregulation issues. I am well versed in several therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy.

As your therapist, I will work at a pace that is comfortable for you while empowering, educating, and encouraging you to utilize coping skills that promote health, wellness, and stability.

M.S., LPC

Daja Williams

My name is Daja Williams and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (#6956). My therapy style varies in that I prioritize the needs of my clients when choosing the best mode of therapy. Some of the therapies I provide include: CBT, EMDR, and Solution-Focused Therapy.  I work to help people through issues including but not limited to: trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions and spiritual issues. I am currently offering services via telehealth and will soon be offering appointments in-person.

On an initial visit with me, you can expect a session in which we sit down to identify and discuss the different factors contributing to difficulties you’re experiencing that have prompted you to seek counseling services. We then discuss what your hopes and goals are for the therapy process and talk about scheduling regular visits in order to help you achieve those goals. I look forward to helping you along your journey!

LCSW

Elizabeth Standifer

Walking together on the journey to better health is a sacred honor.  I have worked successfully with adults and teens on issues of abuse, anxiety, depression, anger, disability, gender identity, spirituality, cultural and racial equity, grief, trauma, domestic violence, and psychosis for 9 years. I have special therapy experience with adults with disabilities and their families, including issues of ability, access, and inclusion.  

My approach is centered around Family Systems Theory, and I use Strengths-Based Therapy to incorporate tools to support empowerment, insight, mindfulness, emotional awareness, clarity, cultural identity, and understanding your truest self.  I believe in community connections and supports and use these as assets in our work.                     

I am a seasoned social worker of over 20 years, and graduated from Portland State University with a Master’s in Social Work. I worked in community social work for many years as an advocate, network specialist, and resource developer both in Oregon and Louisiana.  I completed my clinical licensure in 2012, and have worked as an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) ever since.  I am versed in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Therapy, and use aspects of Mindfulness, Jungian Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Internal Family Systems in my approach. I have studied Dance Therapy and am in pursuit of clinical certification in that field.  

LCSW

Jonathan Nierman

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker focused on helping adolescents, adults, couples, and families through life’s challenges. While I use an eclectic approach that includes a variety of therapeutic interventions, I believe that the greatest vehicles for changes are the relationship between client and therapist and helping clients recognize and utilize their own inner strengths. Prior to joining IBH, I spent three and a half years working with children and adolescents – and their families – through acute crisis situations at Children’s Hospital’s Behavioral Health Center. I also have experience as a school social worker, having spent two years providing in-school therapeutic services to the special education population at Belle Chasse Academy, a charter school on the joint military base on the West Bank. I earned my Masters in Social Work from Tulane University in 2014 and my Bachelor of Arts in communications from American University in Washington, D.C., in 2003. Prior to becoming a therapist, I spent nine years working in corporate communications and public relations in New York City.

Areas of Focus: Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, Mood Disorders, Relationship Issues, Grief and Loss, Trauma Processing and Recovery

LCSW

Jordan Johnson

Jordan is a licensed clinical social worker in Louisiana (16328) and her home state of Alabama (5594C). She graduated from Auburn University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Business, and later received her Masters in Social Work from Tulane University in December of 2020. While living in New Orleans, she developed a passion for working with and within the local community to provide direct care services. Following her graduation, she has continued to develop her clinical skills in various settings including adult and geriatric inpatient psychiatric care, discharge planning, and outpatient individual (child, adolescent, and adult) and family therapy services. Jordan also holds a certificate in Disaster and Collective Trauma from Tulane University, and has completed additional training relating to the psychological and somatic impacts of trauma and how to address these in a clinical setting. Jordan primarily specializes in treatment of anxiety and trauma/stressor related disorders using a variety of evidence-based models tailored to individual client needs. She seeks to foster a therapeutic environment that is anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and affirming of LGBTQ+ experiences.

PLMFT

Valeria Rodriguez

My name is Valeria Rodriguez, and I am a Provisionally Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I graduated with a Master of Arts in Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 2023 and a Bachelor of Science in Education in 2020. My practice is to provide compassionate care for individuals 15 years and older, couples, and families navigating with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, relationship misalignment, and PTSD. My therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

I am also fluent in both English and Spanish and offer my services to the Spanish-speaking community. As a counselor, my mission is to deeply understand each client’s journey, walking alongside them to provide support throughout their therapeutic process.

LPC

Vanessa Batiste-Leal

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have been a practicing mental health professional since 2015. I specialize in counseling individuals (adolescents to adults) who are challenged with everyday life stressors and traumatic events that knock them off course. I work with folks to guide them through their self-care journey and believe that everyone deserves a chance to live a healthy quality of life. I am typically sought out by athletes and folks at all levels – student-athletes, amateur/professional athletes, as well as former athletes, in balancing mind, body, and sport for optimal mental health and well-being; however, I welcome anyone who is motivated to committing to the life they want. Additionally, those who seek to improve performance in their field, such as business executives, medical professionals, actors, dancers, and our BIPOC as well LGBTIA+ communities.

As a mental health professional, my modalities focus on establishing goals and developing a plan to build a strong mindset for achieving peak performance in life. I work from an educational and strength-based approach that assists individuals in developing the knowledge and tools for enhancing mental strength and emotional regulation. Common topics addressed in sessions include anxiety, depression, PTSD, confidence, focus, motivation, relaxation, general emotional health, mindfulness, physical health, and goal setting.

I earned my master’s degree from the LSU Health Science Center – New Orleans and my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Louisiana – Monroe where I was a member and four-year scholarship recipient of the Division 1 Women’s Basketball team. My lifelong work and background as a former High School State All-American; gives me a unique perspective of what pressures life exposes us to with work, family, friends, and social expectations. Simply put, I want to help people.