Meet the Counselors
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New clients must complete their TherapyAppointment client portal before their first visit with their counselor. This also applies for all new clients scheduling telecounseling appointments.
To complete your TherapyAppointment portal:
Choose a counselor below and click "Book an Appointment." (If you would like guidance on choosing a counselor, please contact us).
Once you are on the counselor’s TherapyAppointment page, click the button to register as a new client.
Please follow the prompts to register.
Within your client portal, you must complete all of the documents under “My Docs & Forms”, input a credit card, upload a photo ID, and submit your insurance information. (You should be prompted to input your credit card, insurance info, and photo ID, but please check under “My Profile” to see if everything is in the system.) This should take 10-15 minutes.
Once everything in Step 4 is completed, you will be contacted by your counselor to set up your appointment.
Gabriella DeMatteo, PLPC
Gabriella DeMatteo, PLPC
Gabriella graduated with a master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Holy Cross. As a New Orleans native, Gabriella earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Sociology from Louisiana State University. She is dedicated to supporting clients through their life journey by providing a nonjudgmental space to process thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Gabriella takes a person-centered approach, viewing the therapeutic relationship as collaborative and focusing on creating a safe space for clients to talk and process. She utilizes various theories and methods tailored to each client's unique needs, as she believes that counseling is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. With experience working with individuals from various ages and backgrounds, Gabriella helps clients navigate challenges across the lifespan. Her expertise includes assisting clients through life transitions, relationship issues, anxiety, grief, and depression. By developing coping strategies, fostering self-understanding, and appreciating clients’ strengths, Gabriella aims to empower individuals to achieve personal growth and well-being.
Click here to book an appointment with Gabriella DeMatteo, PLPC
Sally Johns, M.Ed., LPC-S, CCHT
Clinical Coordinator for NOCHC, Sally obtained her Master of Education degree in Counselor Education at the University of New Orleans. In 2011, she became a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Her focus areas include: anxiety, grief recovery, relationship/couples counseling (Level 2 Gottman trained), anger management, stress management, teacher support, parent support, career counseling, developmental education, and emotional awareness. She became board approved supervisor (LPC-S) in 2019 for other provisional counselors and recently in 2021, is certified in Clinical Hypnotherapy (CCHT). In the past, she has worked in schools, the community, and mental health centers providing counseling to most populations. She is an LGBTQ+ ally and has worked in the Orleans private and public school system providing counseling and alcohol/drug prevention.
Click here to book an appointment with Sally Johns, M.Ed.,LPC-S, CCHT
James M. McGinn, Ph.D., LPC, NCC
James graduated from Fairfield University with a Master of Arts degree in School Counseling in 2011 and obtained a doctoral degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans in 2020. He is a state Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and he is trained and certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). His areas of expertise include depressive and anxiety disorders, family conflict and divorce, loss and grief, and trauma. He provides counseling to adolescents and adults – particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community – from a predominantly cognitive-behavioral therapeutic orientation but also draws from solution-focused, strengths-based, and creative approaches to join with and support clients in their journey to life improvement and contentment. He is only offering telehealth sessions through a video conferencing platform.
Click here to book an appointment with James M. McGinn, Ph.D., LPC, NCC
Joy Taylor, MS, LPC
She graduated with her Masters of Science in Mental Health counseling from Capella University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has experience working with individuals, couples and families in all stages of life. She supports clients through their life journey by providing a nonjudgmental and safe space to process thoughts, feelings, and experiences. She believes therapy should be collaborative with clients, and focuses on helping clients develop coping strategies, a better understanding of themselves, and an appreciation of their strengths. Her expertise is with clients who are having difficulties with life transitions, relationships, anxiety, grief, and depression. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support, and practical feedback through Person Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.