Donna Aucoin

With a compassionate approach and a keen ear for understanding, Dr. Donna Aucoin, PhD, MP, stands at the forefront of psychological care in Lafayette, Louisiana. Her practice is built on a foundation of creating tailored solutions that enhance lives, reflecting her commitment to individualized care and meaningful progress for each client.

Dr. Aucoin's educational journey is as impressive as it is comprehensive. A native of Lafayette, she began her academic pursuit with a Bachelor's degree in psychology and a minor in biology from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette). Her thirst for knowledge led her to Louisiana State University, where she earned a Master's degree in Social Work. Not content to stop there, Dr. Aucoin went on to complete both an additional Master's degree and a Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi. Her training culminated in a one-year internship at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Most recently, Dr. Aucoin has added another feather to her cap with a Post-Doctoral Master's degree in Psychopharmacology, enabling her to prescribe psychotropic medications as a licensed Medical Psychologist.

Dr. Aucoin's expertise spans a wide range of psychological issues, with a particular focus on children and adolescents. She specializes in the assessment and treatment of emotional, behavioral, and academic concerns in young people. Her comprehensive approach includes providing psychological evaluations to determine relevant diagnoses and develop thorough treatment plans. Dr. Aucoin offers individual, family, and group therapy, as well as consultation services for teachers and other professionals. Her experience covers a broad spectrum of issues including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety, depression, oppositional/defiant behavior, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, learning difficulties, Asperger's, Autism, anger control difficulties, and aggression.

In addition to her work with young people, Dr. Aucoin conducts adult ADHD evaluations and provides consultation for adults with developmental disabilities. Her ability to work in conjunction with family physicians and pediatricians to prescribe psychotropic medications when necessary adds another layer to her comprehensive care approach.

Dr. Aucoin's impact extends beyond her private practice. She previously served as the Regional Psychologist for the Office of Mental Health for six years, during which time she spearheaded the development of multiple community-based programs for youth throughout the state, region, and parish. Her dedication to improving mental health services in her community is further evidenced by her successful acquisition of a federally funded 3-year grant for $1,050,000 through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This grant facilitated the provision of mental health services, training, and consultation for students and educators within the Lafayette Parish School system, demonstrating Dr. Aucoin's commitment to expanding access to mental health resources.

At the heart of Dr. Aucoin's practice is a deep-seated commitment to compassionate, individualized care. Clients describe her as caring, kind, and attentive, noting her ability to truly listen and provide helpful feedback. This patient-centered approach, combined with her extensive expertise and qualifications, makes Dr. Aucoin a trusted and respected figure in the field of psychology in Lafayette and the broader Acadiana area.