Louisiana has a large military presence. This made a partnership between the Louisiana National Guard and the Louisiana Counseling Association a natural fit. Over the past ten years with the two ongoing wars and other natural and man-made disasters, the Louisiana National Guard has deployed all over the world. Service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and the families left behind during these deployments are experiencing increased mental health needs. Both clinicians and Professional School Counselors have seen this increased need.

The goals of the National Guard Partnership are to connect counselors with the members of the National Guard and also to provide resources for those counselors working with them.

The LCA Liaison is Cindy Escandell, PsyD, LPC. Dr. Escandell is the Director of Psychological Health for the Louisiana National Guard and also serves on the LCA Executive Board.

LCA has been involved in the following additional projects:

Military OneSource (EAP)
Yellow Ribbon events
Operation Christmas Angel

LCA won the 2011 ACA Branch Award for Best Leadership Development for the partnership project.

LCA members interested in being included on the Referral List should contact the LCA office.