Flourish Counseling

Written by Betsy O’Leary | Photos by Riyen Helg

To Flourish…that’s precisely what Marisa Truitt, BS, MS, LPC, the owner/director of Flourish Counseling, LLC wants to promote to the patients who seek help with stumbling blocks in life.

In just a year and a half, Flourish Counseling has established itself as a rising cornerstone of well-being, thriving with two locations: the charming 114 SW Railroad Avenue in downtown Hammond and the equally inviting 154 West Pine Street in Ponchatoula. This swift expansion speaks not only to their commitment to care but also to the community’s embrace of their vision for mental health and wellness.

Truitt is keenly aware of the "so, so great" need for mental health practitioners in Tangipahoa Parish. Yet, she remains steadfast in her commitment to quality, carefully vetting every member of Flourish Counseling’s team. From nurse practitioners to counselors and even the medical assistant, each staff member undergoes rigorous background checks and personality assessments to ensure they are well-suited to guide those seeking care. Today, Flourish proudly employs a dedicated team of 10 counselors, two nurse practitioners, a medical assistant, and an operations manager—together forming a robust network of support for the community’s mental health needs.

Flourish Counseling provides the community with a diverse team of counselors, each offering specialized expertise to meet a variety of needs. Currently, their youngest client is just eight years old, though Truitt envisions expanding services to include even younger children that are navigating trauma.

One counselor focuses exclusively on teens, addressing the unique challenges of adolescence, while another specializes in helping couples overcome marital difficulties. One team member is a dedicated practitioner who champions female empowerment, fostering growth and confidence. Together, these specialties create a holistic approach to mental health, ensuring tailored care for every stage of life.

Truitt recognized a critical gap in care when some clients failed to improve after being referred to outside practitioners for psychiatric medications. Determined to uphold Flourish Counseling's high standards, she recruited nurse practitioners to provide these services in-house. This approach ensures continuity of care and offers a more integrated and cost-conscious model. Before prescribing any medication, the client’s mental health needs are thoroughly assessed, followed by a collaborative effort between the counselor and the nurse practitioner to craft a personalized treatment plan tailored to the client’s unique circumstances.

One team member, Nurse Practitioner Christy Hutchinson, is described by Truitt as “the most understanding and knowledgeable person,” a sentiment that underscores their collaborative approach to client care. Together, they explore innovative ways to invest in their clients’ well-being. Christy also specializes in GeneSight testing, a cutting-edge tool that analyzes how an individual’s genetic makeup can influence their medication response. This personalized approach helps guide treatment decisions, ensuring clients receive the most effective and tailored care possible.

Flourish Counseling is committed to accessibility and personalized care, accepting Blue Cross Blue Shield and United Healthcare. Some counselors on the team even take on privately paid clients. Understanding that the therapeutic relationship is deeply personal, Truitt acknowledges that not every counselor will be the perfect fit for every client. To address this, Flourish provides a free 15-minute online initial consultation, allowing potential clients to connect with a counselor who aligns with their needs and offers a comfortable space to navigate their challenges.

Flourish Counseling prides itself on fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere—a true haven for its clients. Fresh coffee, cold drinks, and snacks are always available in the safe, comforting space designed to put patients at ease. Truitt’s vision and determination have been bolstered by her biggest cheerleaders: her mother, sister, and husband. Their unwavering belief in her dream and encouragement during moments of doubt played a pivotal role in Flourish’s successful expansion, making it a place of hope and healing for the community.

Are you ready for your journey to flourish? Visit flourishcounselingllc.org to book an appointment online or visit their Facebook and Instagram pages.