Meet Laura Picard of Laura Picard Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Picard.

Hi Laura, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
How I Became a Therapist

I grew up in a small Massachusetts town where dreams often felt bigger than the map. To put myself through college, I worked as a nanny—learning how to balance responsibility, grit, and heart. After graduation from Suffolk University in Boston, I traded the familiar for the unknown and booked a one-way ticket to Los Angeles. I had never been, didn’t know a soul, but I was determined to build a life.

I broke into entertainment marketing, hustling in a fast-paced world that looked glamorous from the outside in both entertainment public relations and branded entertainment for high profile creatives and global brands. But beneath the surface, I felt restless and unfulfilled. I eventually went back to nannying, and it was there—in the quiet, honest moments of caretaking—that I heard the call I couldn’t ignore: I was meant to be a therapist.

That calling led me to Pepperdine University, and from day one, I knew I was exactly where I belonged. My first job was at the Sandy Segal Youth Center/Venice Family Clinic, a free clinic serving Culver City High School students, followed by Counseling Partners of Los Angeles, where I worked with underserved Catholic school communities. Both experiences showed me the power of showing up for people who need it most.

When I finally became licensed, I didn’t wait—I opened my private practice the very next day. What started as a leap of faith from a small town has turned into my life’s work: creating a space where people feel seen, supported, and free to heal. I now own my own private practice specializing in trauma and anxiety.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all—and honestly, I wouldn’t want it to have been. Every twist and setback shaped the therapist I am today. Working my way through college as a nanny was anything but easy; I was constantly balancing exhaustion, finances, and the fear of falling behind. Moving to Los Angeles without a safety net pushed me into survival mode. I worked in entertainment marketing, but the grind left me burnt out and questioning my purpose. People doubted me based on where I was from…my high school guidance counselor even told me I shouldn’t go to college… but it was my path to a better life and I hope she sees my success.

Even when I followed my calling and entered the mental health field, it wasn’t simple. Therapy training is intense—you’re not only holding space for others but constantly being asked to look inward. Early jobs at free clinics and underserved schools were humbling. I loved the work, but I also saw the heartbreaking gaps in mental health access, and at times it felt overwhelming. And the hours… everyone basically does a year of pro-bono work and has to reach 3000 hours before sitting for the exam. We are often battling unfair systems ourselves on both sides of the chair.

And then, of course, there was the leap into private practice. Opening my doors the day after getting licensed sounds bold (and it was), but it also meant facing every fear about whether I could make it on my own. There were moments of doubt, financial strain, and plenty of imposter syndrome.

But every struggle brought me back to the same truth: I absolutely love this work. The road wasn’t smooth, but it was worth every step.

We’ve been impressed with Laura Picard Therapy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
About My Practice

I own Laura Picard Therapy, a private practice in Los Angeles + Orange County that focuses on helping teens and young adults find their way through some of life’s toughest seasons. A lot of my clients come to me feeling anxious, stuck, or weighed down by expectations and together we figure out how to get them feeling more grounded, confident, and connected to themselves.

What makes my work different is the way I approach it. I’m not the kind of therapist who just nods and says “how does that make you feel?” I show up real, engaged, and ready to walk alongside my clients. I believe therapy should feel like a safe conversation and I am happy to see my clients when I am there. I truly feel in my soul- that my purpose is to serve others as a therapist.

I started my practice the day after I became licensed, and I’m proud that it’s grown into a space where people feel comfortable being fully themselves—no judgment, no shame, just support. At the core of my brand is this idea: you don’t need to be “fixed.” You just need the right space and tools to understand yourself better, and from there, everything else gets lighter.

What I want readers to know is this: my practice is about more than therapy—it’s about giving people a place to breathe, heal, and figure out who they are without all the noise.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that timelines don’t exist. We’re taught to believe there’s a “right” age to figure it out, land the dream job, or have life neatly mapped out—but that’s an illusion. My path has been anything but linear, and I’m grateful for that.

I worked my way through college as a nanny, jumped into entertainment marketing, left to follow a calling, went back to school, and opened my practice the day after I got licensed. None of it followed a traditional timeline, but every step gave me exactly what I needed.

Now, when clients feel behind or “late,” I remind them: you’re not late to your own life. There’s no universal clock. Your journey unfolds at the pace it’s meant to, and comparison only steals the joy of what’s happening right now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.laurapicardtherapy.com
• Instagram: @laurapicardtherapy
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Laura-Picard-Therapy-61574858154569/
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/laurapicard