Hello, and welcome! My name is Rataucha Heard (pronounced Ra-tasha), and I serve as the Therapist Coordinator here at Westlake. I’m a CAADC (Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor), LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), and a CFTC (Certified Forensic Trauma Clinician).
My therapeutic approach is primarily Person-Centered, which means I believe in honoring each person’s unique journey, needs, and goals. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. Instead, I tailor my approach to fit you—your story, your strengths, and your pace.
With experience using evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I work with individuals facing a range of challenges, including Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders (AUD/SUD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Bipolar Disorder (BD), and more. I also support children, adolescents, families, and couples through life’s complexities.
My goal is to meet you exactly where you are—not where anyone thinks you should be. I bring unconditional positive regard, respect, and patience into every session, because I believe that healing begins in a space of trust and acceptance.
Taking a biopsychosocial approach, I aim to treat the whole person, addressing the interconnected layers of mental, emotional, and physical well-being. My mission is to help you build lasting mental health and sustainable sobriety.
Above all, I believe everyone deserves a safe and confidential space where they can grow. As I often say:
“If you can help someone toward a change of heart, then they can have a change of mind— which activates a desire for a change of life.”