Is this practice only for Black women?

No, our practice is not only for Black women; we welcome all people seeking a safe, affirming, and trauma-informed space. We intentionally center Black mothers and birthing people, whose needs have long been ignored in maternal health care — even as Black women continue to face the highest maternal mortality rates in the U.S.

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Our specialization in Black maternal mental health simply means we have deep expertise and cultural understanding in this area. We’re here for anyone who resonates with our mission, values culturally competent care, or is seeking a therapist who understands the intersection of motherhood, mental health, and identity.

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Whether you're a woman of color, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, or simply seeking a therapist who leads with empathy and equity — you are welcome here.

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Whether you're navigating motherhood for the first time or healing from a past experience, Changing Lanes Counseling Services is here to walk beside you. You are strong. You are seen. And you are not alone.

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How much do sessions cost?

My private pay rate is $135 per session. Sessions typically last approximately 50 minutes.

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What do you specialize in?

At Changing Lanes Counseling Services, we specialize in Black maternal mental health — supporting women during pregnancy, postpartum, fertility struggles, loss, and the transition to motherhood. Our culturally attuned approach honors the unique experiences of Black mothers, offering a safe space to process stress, trauma, and identity.

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Do you accept insurance?

Yes! We accept several major insurances in both Colorado and Ohio, including: 

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Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Aetna (including Cleveland Clinic Employee Insurance)

Carelon

Cigna

Medical Mutual

Oscar/Optum

Oxford/Optum

Quest Behavioral Health

UnitedHealthcare/Optum

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Being in-network helps us make therapy more accessible to Black mothers who often face financial barriers to care. Please continue to check the website for additional accepted insurance carriers. 

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What if I don’t have insurance or prefer to pay privately?

You can choose private pay sessions, typically $135/session. If you have insurance but prefer not to use it, you can sign an insurance opt-out form. We also offer limited sliding scale slots to support affordability. Please reach out if you have any questions or have financial need for sliding scale. 

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Is therapy available online?

Absolutely! All sessions are offered via HIPAA-compliant video through Simple Practice for your convenience and safety. We serve clients across Ohio and Colorado, with flexible hours. 

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I’m a new mom. How do I know if I need therapy or I’m just overwhelmed?

Many new mothers feel exhausted, emotional, or anxious, but if those feelings don’t go away or make it hard to function, it may be more than the “baby blues.” Therapy can help you feel grounded, understood, and not alone. 

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Do you offer group therapy?

We will in the future!

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Are your therapists culturally competent?

Yes. Our founder, LaKendra Johnson, is a licensed clinician with a Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C). Additional education within the perinatal field includes intensive training on grief and loss and paternal mental health. As a Black mother herself, she deeply understands your journey. We offer trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care grounded in lived experience and clinical excellence.

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What do you mean by "paternal mental health?" Fathers can have postpartum depression, too?

Yes — fathers can absolutely experience postpartum depression (PPD) and other mental health challenges during the transition to parenthood.

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Paternal mental health refers to the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of fathers (or partners) during the perinatal period — from pregnancy through the first year after birth. While often overlooked, research shows that up to 1 in 10 new dads experience postpartum depression, and even more report anxiety, overwhelm, or emotional distress.

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Common signs include:

• Irritability or anger

• Withdrawal or disconnection from the baby or partner

• Fatigue or sleep issues

• Feelings of failure, sadness, or numbness

• Increased substance use

 

These struggles can be intensified by lack of support, financial stress, cultural expectations, or witnessing a partner’s difficult birth or postpartum recovery.

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At Changing Lanes Counseling Services, we recognize that mental health support is important for all parents. While we center Black maternal wellness, we welcome and affirm fathers and non-birthing partners who are navigating this transition too. Healthy fathers help build healthy families.

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Can therapy help with birth trauma or anxiety about delivery?

Yes. Therapy can help you process traumatic birth experiences, fears about labor, or medical mistreatment. LaKendra is trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), which is an evidence-based practice known to reduce the impact of trauma, as well as other mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression. 

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Are you accepting new clients?

Yes! Our website will be updated to reflect if our capacity changes.

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What ages do you work with?

I work with adults only, aged 18 and over.

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How do I start?

It’s easy! You can:

• Fill out our secure Contact Form

• Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if it’s the right fit

• Choose your day and time for sessions, or send a message if you have questions about availability