Lastenia Francis Psychotherapy, LMFT

Not Taking New Clients

Lastenia Francis is a marriage and family therapist who specializes in working with Black families and people of color. She has worked in the mental health field for several years and strives to be compassionate and understanding while addressing trauma and relational problems. Using a solution-focused perspective, she draws on your strengths to help you become your best self.

Specialties

Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Depression
General relationship challenges (family, friends, co-workers)
Marriage and Partnerships
Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Pay with insurance

UnitedHealthcare
Oxford Health Plans
Cigna
Aetna
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield
including BlueCard Network access

Have coverage through another Blue Cross Blue Shield plan? You may be eligible to see this provider if you have BlueCard Network access. Check if this applies to your plan
UMR
Oscar
UHC Student Resources
AllSavers UHC
Harvard Pilgrim
Meritain
Nippon
United Healthcare Shared Services
Allied Benefit Systems - Aetna
Surest (Formerly Bind)
Health Plans Inc.
UnitedHealthcare Global
Christian Brothers Services - Aetna
Trustmark Health Benefits - Aetna
Trustmark Health Benefits - Cigna
Trustmark Small Business Benefits - Aetna
Health Scope - Aetna

Pay with a program

Optum Live & Work Well (EAP)

Pay out-of-pocket

$ $ $ $ $

$200-260

Locations

Offers virtual sessions

Licensed in

New York
North Carolina

“I became a therapist because of my desire to understand my family of origin and how race showed up in our relationships and expectations of ourselves.”

What was your path to becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist?

I became a therapist because of my desire to understand my family of origin and how race showed up in our relationships and expectations of ourselves. This desire to understand made me passionate about helping communities of color build strong families and healthy relationships. I completed my PhD in marriage and family therapy and my research took a look at the reintegration experiences of Black veterans and their families. The combination of my LMFT and my extensive background in trauma theories allows me to help individuals who are seeking therapy for matters unrelated to relationships. It also gives me the expertise to help individuals, families, and couples who seek therapy for their relationships, especially when they've experienced racial, sexual, physical, or emotional trauma.

What should someone know about working with you?

I provide a free phone call consultation. If we are a good match, I will send you intake paperwork for you to fill out before your first session.

What do you do to continue learning and building competencies as a provider?

I hold a PhD in marriage and family therapy, I am part of several professional organizations (including AFTA and AAMFT), and I frequently complete certifications to strengthen my clinical skills related to family, couples therapy, and trauma.

Have you done any research-based work that you found particularly exciting? How does it inform your practice today?

My dissertation taught me the importance of the family in the reintegration process of Black veterans. Particularly, it reminded me that traumatic experiences should not be dealt with alone. Black people benefit from teaching their families how they build trust, communicate around trauma, and readjust after traumatic experiences. As a result, I do my best to prepare my clients for incorporating their family members in the process of their trauma recovery so that they can repair themselves and their relationships.

“This desire to understand made me passionate about helping communities of color build strong families and healthy relationships.”