Dr. David Buttross III is the founder of Lake Area Psychiatry and is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. A graduate of McNeese State University, he earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University in Shreveport and completed his psychiatric training at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. Dr. Buttross has been practicing in Lake Charles since 1996 and currently serves as the Medical Director of Adult Psychiatry at Christus St. Patrick Hospital.
Erica Hessifer, APRN, PMHNP
Erica Hessifer boasts an illustrious background in psychiatric nursing. Graduating with honors from McNeese State University, she holds both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing, specializing in Family Psychiatric Mental Health. Erica's commitment to excellence is evident through her membership in prestigious honor societies like Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Theta Tau, showcasing her dedication to academic and professional achievements.
Since 2015, Erica has been an integral part of Lake Area Psychiatry, where she offers a wide range of services, including psychiatric evaluations and medication management tailored to individual needs. Her approach to patient care is marked by compassion, aiming to enhance her clients' quality of life.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Erica finds joy in her family life, being married to her high school sweetheart and raising three boys. She values time spent with loved ones and actively supports her children by attending their sporting events. Through her multifaceted roles as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, devoted spouse, and loving parent, Erica exemplifies a holistic approach to both work and life.
Bethanne Carson, APRN, PMHNP
Bethanne Carson is the owner and CEO of Lake Area Psychiatry in Lake Charles, LA. With experience in Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana, she has built a strong reputation in adult psychiatric mental health. Carson holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas Medical Branch and a Master of Science in Nursing specializing in Adult Psychiatric Mental Health from McNeese State University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2012.
Carson's clinical expertise encompasses mood disorders, anxiety, and psychotic disorders, with a special focus on women's behavioral health issues across their lifespan, including postpartum depression and menopausal symptoms. Her professional involvement includes active membership in the American Psychiatric Nurse Association (APNA), and in Texas, she was a founding member and past president of the Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of Southeast Texas (PAPNSETX).
As owner of Lake Area Psychiatry, Carson combines clinical skill, compassionate care, and ongoing professional development to provide exceptional mental health services to the Lake Charles community.
Candyce Brown, APRN, PMHNP
Candyce Brown has a remarkable background and dedication to mental health care. Graduating from McNeese State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2006, she gained valuable experience as a registered nurse across various specialties before pursuing further education. Candyce earned her master's degree from the University of South Alabama and became board-certified as a family psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (FPMHNP).
Her commitment to excellence is evident through her memberships in prestigious nursing societies such as the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the Golden Key International Honour Society. Additionally, her involvement in professional organizations like the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), American Nurses Association (ANA), and Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA) highlights her dedication to staying abreast of industry advancements and networking with fellow professionals.
Latonya Woods, APRN, PMHNP
Latonya Woods brings over 21 years of invaluable healthcare experience spanning various clinical settings, both medical and psychiatric. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2017 and later attaining her Master of Science in Nursing from McNeese State University, specializing in Family Psychiatric Mental Health in 2021, Latonya is deeply committed to her profession.
She prioritizes the establishment of trusting and therapeutic relationships with her clients, focusing on developing evidence-based treatment plans tailored to their individual needs and aspirations. Latonya's dedication to her clients' well-being is underscored by her compassionate approach to care.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Latonya finds solace in her faith, describing herself as God-fearing. She also enjoys dancing and cherishes moments spent with her family and friends.
Latonya is an active member of several professional associations, including the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), American Nurses Association (ANA), and the Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA), further demonstrating her commitment to ongoing professional development and collaboration within the healthcare community
Eric Rachal, APRN, PMHNP
Eric Rachal is a dedicated healthcare professional with a strong educational background and a commitment to holistic care. Graduating from McNeese State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2007 and later obtaining his Master of Science in Nursing from the same institution in 2022, Eric has continually pursued excellence in his field.
As a member of the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners and various other professional organizations, including the American Psychiatric Nurses Association and Sigma Theta Tau-Honor Society of Nursing, Eric actively contributes to the advancement of nursing practice and community well-being. During his academic journey, he served as the student liaison for the SWLA LANP and led initiatives such as the Suicide Prevention walk, demonstrating his dedication to mental health advocacy and suicide prevention efforts.
Eric's approach to patient care is characterized by integration, holism, spirituality, compassion, and evidence-based practice. A Lake Charles native, he is deeply rooted in his community and finds solace in prayer. Outside of work, Eric treasures quality time with his wife and their pug dogs, highlighting his commitment to both personal and professional fulfillment.
Russell V. Richard, LCSW
Russell V. Richard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Anger Resolution Therapist, and Certified Shadow Work® Coach. He earned his Master's Degree from Louisiana State University in 1996 and completed a fellowship in Clinical Social Work at Baylor College of Medicine in 1997. Areas of expertise include midlife and other major life transitions, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship and couples distress, recurring emotional and behavioral patterns, anger management and resolution, and men's issues.
Allyson Warshaw, LCSW-BACS
Allyson Warshaw is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Board Appointed Clinical Supervisor with a Master's degree in Social Work from Baylor University. With experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings, she provides individual and family therapy. Allyson uses an eclectic therapeutic approach to address depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and various everyday stressors. She works with both adolescents and adults, tailoring her treatment to meet the unique needs of each client.
Cindy Nassar, LPC, LMFT
Cynthia Nassar has been in private practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Qualified Child Custody Dispute Mediator. Her treatment approach is to provide support and practical feedback drawing from a variety of methodologies and techniques to help clients address current and long-standing life challenges and achieve life goals. Her counseling practice specializes in issues of divorce and family transition with parents and children. As a Qualified Parenting Coordinator she provides expert witness testimony in complex cases of child custody and parental access. She serves as a Member of Family Law Committee for Louisiana State Law Institute, is past president of Family Mediation Counsel, and enjoys teaching Psychology at McNeese State University.
Morgan Unser, APRN, PMHNP
Morgan Unser is a highly skilled and compassionate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. A proud resident of the Lake Area, Morgan is a three-time graduate of McNeese State University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science in 2009, followed by a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2012. During her time working as a registered nurse in various psychiatric settings, Morgan discovered her passion for providing more comprehensive care to those seeking mental health treatment.
Motivated by this calling, she returned to McNeese to pursue a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in psychiatric mental health across the lifespan. Graduating with honors, she was inducted into the prestigious Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Morgan is also an active member of the Southwest Louisiana chapter of the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners (LANP) and the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA).
Morgan's empathetic, patient-centered approach fosters trust and strong connections with her patients, allowing her to deliver evidence-based, personalized care. She is deeply committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and educating her patients about their mental health conditions. In her free time, Morgan enjoys outdoor activities, gardening, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Dr. Jon A. Guidry, MD
Dr. Jon A. Guidry is a board-certified psychiatrist with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in 1987 and completed his psychiatry residency in 1991. From 2002 to 2004, he was a postdoctoral research fellow in neuropharmacology at UTMB's Department of Pharmacology. Dr. Guidry's career in Texas included roles as Medical Director at Rusk State Hospital, Assistant Professor at UTMB, and Residency Training Director at UT Tyler Health Science Center. He is currently the Medical Director of Geriatric Psychiatry at Christus St. Patrick Hospital in Lake Charles, where he continues to apply his extensive expertise in psychiatric care and medical education.
Melissa Brown, PMHNP-BC
With 17 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Melissa is a dedicated and
compassionate Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Melissa earned a
Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2008 from McNeese State University where she
graduated with honors and was inducted into the prestigious Sigma Theta Tau
International Honor Society of Nursing. Following her passion to help others, she
returned to McNeese State University to earn a Master of Science in Nursing,
specializing in Psychiatric-Mental Health, in 2023.
Throughout her career, Melissa has honed a deep understanding of patient care
across diverse healthcare settings, including both medical and psychiatric. She has
a strong background in providing comprehensive mental health services, including
assessments, diagnoses, and the development of individualized treatment plans.
Melissa's clinical approach is rooted in evidence-based practices, compassionate
patient care, and a holistic view of mental health. She is committed to supporting
patients in their mental health journeys, utilizing a combination of therapeutic
interventions, medication management, and collaborative care.
Melissa continues to stay current with the latest advancements in psychiatric care,
ensuring that her practice evolves alongside new evidence and methodologies in
the field of mental health. She is an active member of several professional
associations, including the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) and
the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). With a passion for mental
health advocacy and a focus on the mental wellness of individuals, she is a trusted
provider in the community. Outside of work she enjoys cooking, baking, fishing, and
spending time with her friends and family.
