You have taken a critical step in enhancing your life by seeking support. The journey won't always be easy, but it will definitely be worth it, which is why "It's Talk that Counts."
The mission of Small Talk Counseling & Consulting Services is to provide quality therapeutic, educational, and social support services to individual adults, couples, families, and organizations through genuine, interpersonal and collaborative relationships and detailed personalized care.
Meet Dr. LaKeitha
Founder & CEO
Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor | Mental Performance Consultant
A New Orleans native, Dr. LaKeitha Poole opened her Baton Rouge-based private practice, Small Talk Counseling & Consulting, in August 2015. Her calm demeanor, delicate and informative clinical approach, and engaging personality creates a safe environment for clients where trust and growth can develop. She is passionate about the work of counseling, mental performance, and equitable clinical care and views her role as a therapist and consultant as an opportunity to serve and empower others.
Dr. Poole earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. Upon graduating, she moved to Baton Rouge, LA where she learned the intricacies of working with diverse populations and gained invaluable experience working with young adults on transitional life issues. Inspired by her experience, LaKeitha pursued a career in counseling while attending Louisiana State University where she earned a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health. During her graduate studies, she interned at LSU Mental Health Services in the university’s Student Health Center and worked as a Program Coordinator and Assistant Director in the LSU Office of Multicultural Affairs, focusing on a variety of clinical issues with clients, including life transitions, career development, interpersonal relationships, sexual trauma, substance use & addiction, grief & loss, and identity development & personal growth.
She completed her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Counselor Education & Supervision at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA with her advanced clinical training including practicums and internships at the HIV/AIDS Alliance for Region Two, Inc. (HAART) and the LSU Olinde Career Center. She also currently serves as Assistant Athletic Director of Sport Psychology and Counseling for the LSU athletic department and as an adjunct instructor and an affiliate in the College of Human Sciences & Education and the department of African & African American Studies, respectively.
Dr. Poole' s clinical and consultative specialties include cognitive and behavioral modifications, identity development, mental & sport performance, and organizational & environmental wellness. As a Licensed Professional Counselor - Supervisor (LPC-S) and Board Certified Telemental Health (BC-TMH) provider, she has served individuals, corporate & professional organizations, universities, and atheltic sports teams across the world, including Brown University, the NCAA, Women Leaders in College Sports, as well as professional leagues and clubs, including the NFL, Team USA and, most recently, the 2022 World Champion Golden State Warriors. In 2018, Poole was honored as a Notable ‘Nole, an award that recognizes FSU alumni ages 35 or younger for their significant contributions to their professions, communities or alma mater, and she received the 2018 Outstanding Alumni Award from the Black Alumni Association in recognition of her achievements and contributions as a graduate of Florida State University. Prior to these individual acknowledgements, Small Talk Counseling & Consulting was recognized as a 2016 Black Mental Health Resource by Ebony Magazine. Dr. Poole’s theoretical and philosophical practice is built upon professionalism, authenticity, and personalized care.
When not at Small Talk, LaKeitha enjoys reading, traveling, studying therapeutic interior decor, and spending time with family and friends. Whether through volunteer work or at her practice, Dr. Poole enjoys the opportunity to help improve the lives of others and considers it a privilege to work with and for every single patient and client.
Meet Lance
Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor
Lance received a master’s degree in Counselor Education from Louisiana State University. As a PLPC, he has experience working with diverse populations including international clients, LGBTQ+ clients, and college students. Lance approaches counseling by creating a safe and empathetic therapeutic environment that fosters open communication and trust. His specialty areas include anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. Lance is committed to promoting wellness, self-actualization, advocacy, equity, and social justice.
Meet Robyn
Licensed Professional Counselor
Robyn is a graduate of Louisiana State University and Southeastern Louisiana University. She completed her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2017. She enjoys working with adults from a variety of backgrounds (LGBTQ+, international, college age). Robyn has worked with all types of clients, including those with severe and chronic mental illness, college students struggling with phase of life concerns, and those struggling with grief. From working in an inpatient psychiatric facility to conducting individual counseling with students at Louisiana State University, and every level of care in between, there is no therapeutic setting that is unfamiliar. Robyn’s primary therapeutic approach incorporates CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy). Robyn believes that self-compassion is key when navigating difficult times and approaches therapy with the belief that being human means making mistakes while trying your best to live a fulfilling life.
Meet Caila
Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor
Caila, a proud native of New Orleans, Louisiana earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Louisiana State University and currently specializes in working with adolescents, young adults, and adults. She has practiced in many different settings, including inpatient care facilities specializing in substance abuse, career and college readiness programs, and intensive outpatient care programs with community mental health agencies. Therapeutic services have included individual, group, and family counseling treating areas of concern focused on anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, behavior issues, trauma, and family & relationship issues. Guided by the principles of community, commitment, and autonomy, Caila’s mission is to equip individuals with the tools needed to navigate their distinct life journeys, overcome challenges, and pursue their aspirations. She specializes in employing a client-centered approach that draws upon diverse theoretical backgrounds. Central to her methodology is a dedication to identifying and amplifying clients' strengths, cultivating a positive perspective on life and its challenges through psychoeducation, resilience building, and the exploration of varied coping strategies.
* Telehealth Services Only
Meet Alexis
Mental Performance Consultant
Alexis Harris is a native of Washington, Louisiana. Alexis is in her first year (2023-24) at Southern Methodist University as an Athletic Mental Health Counselor. She competed for 4 years of collegiate basketball at LSU – Shreveport and LSU – Alexandria. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Louisiana State University - Alexandria and a Master's in Counselor Education from Louisiana State University. Prior to her move to the Hilltop, Harris was a Sport Psychology & Counseling Intern at LSU and an Athletic Mental Health Counselor at The University of Missouri. Alexis conducts individual clinical therapy sessions with SMU student-athletes, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, other disorders covered by the DSM-IV, and sport-related stressors.
Alexis has a passion for unlocking human potential and enhancing performance. She is dedicated to empowering athletes to achieve their peak performance both on and off the field. As a Mental Performance Consultant in Training, she specializes in equipping athletes with the mental tools and strategies necessary to excel under pressure, overcome obstacles, maximize their athletic potential, and discover their identity outside of sport.
Meet Tayler
Administrative Specialist & Clinical Care Coordinator
Tayler is a native of Minden, Louisiana. She graduated from Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. During undergrad, Tayler served as a student-coach for the Dillard University Women’s Basketball Team as well as a representative for the Athletic Council. She was also a member of the Beta Kappa Chi, The National Institute of Science National Honor Society, and served as treasurer for Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology.
Tayler is currently attending graduate school with hopes to become a sport psychologist working with collegiate and professional athletes. Her goal is to create a better, more welcoming environment for athletes who face mental challenges. She is determined to help athletes develop healthy coping methods without being ashamed.
In her role at Small Talk, Tayler is responsible for welcoming clients, staff, and the community to the Small Talk Counseling & Consulting offices. Additional duties include managing new patient registration, referrals, and provider schedules, coordinating company events and programs, and overseeing external/community relations.
Meet Amanda
Executive Assistant to the CEO
An educator of 30+ years, Amanda is passionate about encouraging others to live their best lives and achieve their goals. Her background in education and business, providers her with the skills and capacity to understand consultation and educational services that meet the needs of schools, community agencies, and business organizations.
A native of New Orleans, LA, Amanda attended Dillard University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. With over two decades of experience in the classroom, her analytical and forthright approach, produces accurate and high quality results in assisting our CEO. In her role, she provides executive support in a one-on-one working relationship and serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on all matters pertaining to the CEO. This includes serving as a liaison to the Administrative Specialist & Clinical Care Coordinator and senior management team, organizing and coordinating executive outreach and external relations efforts, as well as overseeing special projects.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and spending time with family.
