Counselors

Deborah Marasa, UCumberlands Counselor-in-Training

**Currently accepting new clients, in-person (Louisville) and telehealth to KY residents**

With more than 36 years of law enforcement experience, I bring a unique and compassionate understanding of the challenges faced by those who serve. As a former police officer and detective, I’ve seen firsthand how the demands of public safety, military, and other high-stress professions can take a toll on mental health,
relationships, and overall well-being.

Now, as I transition into clinical mental health counseling, my mission is to help others find healing, strength, and balance through trauma-informed, culturally competent care. I provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where individual adult (age 18+) clients can process their experiences, rediscover resilience, and learn practical strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and trauma. My goal is to walk beside you as you heal and reconnect with your sense of purpose, resilience, and hope.

I am currently completing my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of the Cumberlands. I have completed EMDRIA basic training in Eye
Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). My clinical areas of interest are:
 First Responders and Military Personnel
 Trauma Recovery and Resilience
 Stress, Anxiety, and Emotional Wellness
 Occupational Burnout and Compassion Fatigue

I can’t accept insurance as a student. However, I charge just $25/session, and I provide in-person (Louisville location) and telehealth services to Kentucky residents. I see individual adults (age 18+) only. To schedule an appointment, email info@acadiacounseling or call (502) 825-1375.

Christa-Lauran Hopper, LPCA

**Currently accepting new clients, in-person (Murray) and telehealth to KY residents**

Hello everyone! My name is Christa-Lauran Hopper and I am a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate (KY LPCA #301436). I earned my Ed.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Murray State University. I have experience counseling children, teenagers, and adults, and have experience working with clients through anxiety, depression, disordered eating, unprocessed trauma, ASD, LGBTQIA+ issues, and unresolved grief.

My primary goal as your counselor is to view you as a whole person, rather than merely a sum of your presenting symptoms. For me, counseling is not merely a career; it is my calling in life. I am passionate about fostering a positive therapeutic relationship with you, one that is grounded in your own life experiences and unique set of needs. I utilize CBT(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) as well as a Person-Centered approach with my clients. I work with you to challenge negative core beliefs and irrational thought patterns, help you to discover the root of the presenting problem, and facilitate a judgment-free, safe space where you can be heard, seen, and accepted for who you are. It is my goal to walk beside you as you empower yourself and work towards becoming the happiest, healthiest version of yourself. I look forward to starting this journey with you!

I accept many common insurances, including all forms of KY Medicaid as well as Anthem, Aetna, and Cigna commercial policies. Or, if you wish to pay without insurance, I charge $50/hour for individual, couple, or family sessions. I provide in-person (Murray location) and telehealth services across Kentucky. To schedule with me, use the Request Appointment button at the top of this page, email me at christa@acadiacounseling.com, or text/call me directly at (502) 536-8068.

John Bush, LCADC, LPCC

**Currently accepting new clients, in-person (Louisville) and telehealth to KY residents**

Hello everyone! My name is John Bush, and I am a dual-licensed LCADC and LPCC in Kentucky.  I see individuals in-person or via telehealth (KY residents only) and utilize person-centered, trauma-focused approaches to reduce the effects your thoughts and past have on your life.

I am a United States Army veteran and have extensive experience working with substance abuse disorders. Since most individuals have underlying mental health issues that cause addiction, I am fully equipped to handle your care utilizing evidence-based approaches from both sides. I meet you where you are and treat you as a human being first, and everything else is secondary.

I’m looking forward to meeting you!

I accept many common insurances, including all forms of KY Medicaid as well as Anthem, Aetna, and Cigna commercial policies. I also accept Medicare.  If you wish to pay without insurance, I charge $75/hour for sessions. I provide in-person (Louisville location) and telehealth services to Kentucky residents. To schedule with me, use the Request Appointment button at the top of this page, email me at john@acadiacounseling.com, or leave me a voicemail at (502) 825-1375.

Ariana Payne, LPCA (they/them/theirs)

**Currently accepting new clients in the Louisville office or via telehealth for KY residents**

Hello, my name is Ariana, and I’m a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate (KY LPCA #303698). I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands and my BFA in Acting from Stephens College. I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ folks who are transitioning, navigating neurodivergence (ADHD, ASD, etc.), chronic illness, or those who are seeking support in a world full of heaviness.  I see people aged 14 and older.

I’m a Black, queer, neurodivergent clinician who is committed to being a safe space for those who need it. I strive to offer a decolonized approach that recognizes the impacts of generational trauma, systemic oppression, and the erasure of queer and neurodiverse folks of all backgrounds. Together, we can work towards empowerment and healing.

I accept many common insurances, including all forms of KY Medicaid as well as Anthem, Aetna, and Cigna commercial policies. If you don’t have insurance (or don’t want to use it), my self-pay rate is $50/hour for individual, couple, or family sessions. I provide in-person (Louisville location) and telehealth services to Kentucky residents. To schedule with me, use the Request Appointment button at the top of this page, email me at ariana@acadiacounseling.com, or text/call me directly at (502) 694-2482.

Michelle Benver, LPCC

**Currently accepting new clients, in-person (Louisville) and telehealth to KY residents**

We can all use someone to talk to when things become overwhelming. Whether the need is to process a traumatic experience, help navigate your anxiety and depression, or empathetically listen and help, I am here in a non-judgmental, safe, and comforting environment. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (KY LPCC #301004) who enjoys working with diverse adults across all ages (18+) and populations.

As a mental health professional, I am trained in treating anxiety, depression, grief, BPD, and PTSD. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, trauma resolution therapy, and other empirically validated models to treat the needs of each client.

My goal as a therapist is to help you reach your greatest potential by creating a safe space and a person-centered approach to counseling.

I accept all forms of Kentucky Medicaid, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield commercial, Aetna commercial, and Cigna insurance. I also have a cash-pay rate of $75/hour. I provide in-person (Louisville location) and telehealth services throughout Kentucky. To schedule with me, use the Request Appointment button on the home page, email me at michelle@acadiacounseling.com, or call/text (502) 709-8797.

Eric Rudd, LPCC

**Currently accepting new clients in Murray or via telehealth to KY residents**

Hello! My name is Eric. I’m 36 years old and I’m currently a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (KY Lic# 294457) . Throughout my career, I’ve worked with a wide variety of clients, including children and adults. I try to develop a personal treatment plan with each client based on their goals. I work hard to understand your unique worldview and how it devolved. I tend to focus on understanding the roots of behaviors and beliefs, challenging thought processes that are harmful, developing a healthy  perception of self, and learning skills to regulate emotions and interact with the world effectively.

My main specialty is trauma processing. I have advanced training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), considered the most effective and researched treatment for trauma-related symptoms. I have experience working with unresolved grief, survivors of abuse,  medical trauma, veterans’ issues, LGBTQIA issues, foster care, and ASD issues. Like most clinicians, I’ve spent time as a client myself, so I know how impactful effective therapy can be on living a full and happy life. Let’s work together to grow the version of your life you hope for!

I accept all forms of Kentucky Medicaid, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield commercial, Aetna commercial, and Cigna insurances. I also have a cash-pay rate of $75/hour. I provide in-person and telehealth services. To schedule with me, use the Request Appointment button on the home page, email me at eric@acadiacounseling.com, or call/text (812) 777-5789.

Brittany Elkins, LPCC

**Currently accepting new adult clients via telehealth to KY residents**

I accept all forms of Kentucky Medicaid, Traditional Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield commercial, Aetna commercial, and Cigna insurances. I also have a cash-pay rate of $90/hour. I provide in-person and telehealth services. To schedule with me, use the Request Appointment button on the home page, call (502) 825-1375, or email me at brittany@acadiacounseling.com

Morgan Pippin, LPCA

**Accepting new clients in-person (Louisville) and telehealth to KY residents**

I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and received my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Kentucky University. I am a firm believer in naturalistic healing with medication being a last resort or a supplemental support with the goal of short-term use. Of course, that depends entirely on the issue of concern and the individual. I practice many naturalistic remedies for anxiety: yoga, meditation, mindfulness, expressive arts (particularly art therapy), physical activity, breathing techniques, herbal remedies, and aromatherapy.

I am open to meeting with children, adolescents, adults, or couples. I excel with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, compulsive behaviors/thoughts, ADHD, and mood disorders. I like meeting my clients where they are and providing the tools and guidance to lead them toward accomplishing their goals. I strive to adapt my counseling approaches to meet the needs and goals of each client so that the therapeutic process is as effective as possible.

I can accept all forms of Kentucky Medicaid, Anthem BCBS, Aetna, and Cigna insurance policies. My cash-pay rate is $80/session for individuals and $80/session for couples. To schedule with me, use the Request Appointment button on the home page, email me at morgan@acadiacounseling.com, or call 502-825-1375.

Alyxander Clifford, LPCC

**Currently on Waitlist for New Clients**

Starting therapy can be a daunting task, between the fear of being judged and the dread of spending half your session explaining terms or acronyms that make up an integral part of your identity. All
you want is to talk to someone who gets you. Maybe you’re navigating the process of coming out; maybe you’re on the cusp of a major transition; or maybe you’re tired of trying to fit yourself in a box that doesn’t seem made for people like you. It can feel lonely, frustrating, and even scary sometimes. I understand.

As a queer, neurodivergent counselor, I know that, while our individual stories are unique, there are shared histories and experiences within each community. These commonalities give me a perspective and understanding of certain issues you might be going through. Together, we can face these issues in an environment that is safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental—a space where you can have the freedom to be yourself. You deserve the chance to be your authentic self, to learn how to work with your brain instead of against it, and to achieve the goals and life changes you wish to make. It would be an honor to be part of your journey.

My approach to counseling is a holistic one, looking not only at you as a person but your family, support system, community, and culture. While I am rooted in person-centered, motivational interviewing, and dialectical behavioral therapies, I work with every client to find the approaches and techniques that work best for you. If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m happy to meet for a free consultation to see if we would be a good fit and to answer any questions you might have.

I accept all forms of Kentucky Medicaid, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna insurance policies. I also have a cash-pay rate of $75/hour. I provide in-person and telehealth services. To schedule with me, use the Request Appointment button on the home page, email me at alyx@acadiacounseling.com, or call (502) 825-1375.

Nicole Davis, LPCC-S, NCC

**Currently accepting clients; virtual to KY residents and in-person in Louisville.**

You are not alone. Life is full of changes, both big and small. For many people, seeking outside assistance to navigate a specific set of challenges while incredibly courageous can be scary. Whether you are new to counseling or starting up again, this is a big step towards growing yourself. I understand how difficult seeking guidance and support can be, and I am so glad you are here.

I can help you find an outlet to explore aspects of your life that are causing distress. I am here to listen and meet you with compassion and understanding by providing a safe place to grow and cultivate the changes you would like to make in your life through a collaborative process. If you are willing to reach out, I am here to listen.

I work with adults, kids (13 and up), and teenagers. I specialize in working with clients who have challenges with ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, grief, heartbreak, low self-esteem, and OCD.

I accept all forms of Kentucky Medicaid, Traditional Medicare, and commercial insurance from Anthem, Aetna, United HealthCare, and Cigna, and offer a cash-pay rate of $125/session.  Daytime, evenings, and weekends available.  Telehealth and in-person appointments are available. For an appointment, email me at nicole@acadiacounseling.com, call/text (502) 709-8639, or click the “Request Appointment” button above to schedule online.

Charlene McDonald, LPCC

**Currently accepting new clients via telehealth only for KY residents**

Do you feel stuck and just can’t seem to move forward? Have you experienced trauma? Do you feel weighed down with stress, guilt, anger, depression, or anxiety? What if you were able to identify where some of your problematic emotions, beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors began? I can help you make sense of the past and how it impacts you now. I am ready to walk with you on this journey to not only cope but to heal and lead the healthy and fulfilling life you want to achieve.

I am a Certified Trauma-Responsive therapist who understands how trauma affects the body, mind, and behavior. The combination of specialized certification and training has equipped me with valuable tools and insight that I am eager to share.

I provide a non-judgmental and compassionate space where healing can occur. I can help you on this journey to make sense of your emotions, thoughts, and behavior to learn healthy ways to move forward and achieve your goals in life. You are important and I would be honored to support you. I offer the convenience of teletherapy.

I accept all KY Medicaid programs, Traditional Medicare, Aetna, United HealthCare, Anthem, and Cigna commercial insurance.  My cash-pay rate is $75/session. Telehealth appointments only! Contact me at (513) 580-7390 or click the “Request Appointment” button above to schedule online. You can also email me at charlene@acadiacounseling.com.

Denise Hutchins, LPCC-S, Owner

*Currently not accepting new clients; available for ESA Evaluations and LPCA Supervision*

I provide Clinical Supervision (virtual and in-person) for LPCAs licensed in Kentucky.  I have been a Board-approved clinical supervisor for 13 years and use a developmental approach during meetings.  I charge $75 per hour.  If you’d like to meet to see if we might be a match, email me at denise@acadiacounseling.com.

If you need an emotional support animal (ESA) evaluation, please email me to consult about your situation. I do bill commercial and Medicaid insurance for the service; if you wish to self-pay, the cost for the evaluation is $150.00  Please email me at denise@acadiacounseling.com

As the owner of Acadia Counseling, LLC, I want to ensure you have a quality experience as a client with any of my wonderful counselors.  I welcome any constructive feedback via email at info@acadiacounseling.com.