Clients are asked to complete a phone intake prior to the first visit so that you can be placed with an appropriate provider given your initial concern. During the first visit with that provider, you will be asked many questions so that we can have a chance to get to know you and especially the issue that caused you to come in. We want to be able to efficiently but also compassionately address the most pressing concern while also making you feel comfortable and understood. While we are not in-network providers for any insurance companies, there is potential for reimbursement.
Services
Family Focus was conceived as a multidisciplinary clinic that would serve all ages and potentially all members of a family in order to effectively and efficiently address whatever the primary or identified issue is. So often we notice when working with one family member, that the relationships in the family are affected and or part of the issue.
Psychiatric evaluations consist of an assessment of symptoms via interview and/or screening tools, obtaining a personal mental health history along with family and medical history, formulating a diagnosis, providing medication intervention, . Depression is a mental illness, which one should not confuse with the short-term emotional distress, anxiety attacks or feeling low, which also are constituents of depression.
Reviews (10)
Misty Kirkland
Jun 18, 2022
Judith Graffeo
Jun 26, 2021
We were referred to one of the Dr's at Family Focus when my son went to college. Fortunately, the Dr. we were referred too was no longer taking patients, but Janell Soileau was. I can honestly say That was the best thing that ever happened. Janell has been a Godsend to my family. I have never had such a positive experience with a Therapist/Dr, who I trust 100% with my child's health. She truly has a gift and honestly cares about her patients. I can't say enough good things about her. So happy we found her!
Kaci Atwood
Jun 25, 2021
My initial visit with Suzanne Jones was pleasant. I was made to feel like I was a priority and that she really wanted to help me get to a good place. I suffered with, according to Suzanne, was the worst OCD she'd ever treated. I guess looking back, that made sense because she wanted me to come back at two weeks for a while and then once a month, which, if you aren't accepting insurance, means she's making a decent amount for a quick 20 min appointment.
My first red flag with the practice was that they scheduled appointments 3 and 4 months in advance and when asked they would say "yes we can send you a reminder" but NEVER did. Not once since I started going there, which I went to them for almost 2 years. Now if you miss an appointment they charge you 140$ and they don't forget or make an exception for you.
If you have a problem paying the late fee, they will sick one of their other therapist on you, not an office worker who would be use to speaking with you about finances, but a totally random therapist you've never spoken to before, I believe the woman I spoke withs name was Dr. Ferguson (I'm probably off on the spelling) Dont ask for the receptionist you spoke with in the past to verify that they said they'd wave the absurd 140$ fee, they don't keep receptionist for very long.
When Dr. Ferguson called me, she was incredibly rude, raised her voice a few times, telling me she didn't care about my personal situation and everyone has problems (my husband and I just separated the week before and I was literally in the negatives in my account, along with having my three little ones full time) she then hung up on me. After having that encounter I spoke with Suzanne, thinking, surely she'd be mortified to hear one of her coworkers spoke to her patient in this manner. Nope.
She said maybe it was time I looked for another doctor. Guys, these people aren't interested in helping you. They only see $$. Hence the not taking insurance in the first place. When I asked for a recommendation for a different dr she supposedly emailed me some names, which i just happened to never receive. (obviously I wasn't a paying customer anymore so helping me wasn't a priority).
My first red flag with the practice was that they scheduled appointments 3 and 4 months in advance and when asked they would say "yes we can send you a reminder" but NEVER did. Not once since I started going there, which I went to them for almost 2 years. Now if you miss an appointment they charge you 140$ and they don't forget or make an exception for you.
If you have a problem paying the late fee, they will sick one of their other therapist on you, not an office worker who would be use to speaking with you about finances, but a totally random therapist you've never spoken to before, I believe the woman I spoke withs name was Dr. Ferguson (I'm probably off on the spelling) Dont ask for the receptionist you spoke with in the past to verify that they said they'd wave the absurd 140$ fee, they don't keep receptionist for very long.
When Dr. Ferguson called me, she was incredibly rude, raised her voice a few times, telling me she didn't care about my personal situation and everyone has problems (my husband and I just separated the week before and I was literally in the negatives in my account, along with having my three little ones full time) she then hung up on me. After having that encounter I spoke with Suzanne, thinking, surely she'd be mortified to hear one of her coworkers spoke to her patient in this manner. Nope.
She said maybe it was time I looked for another doctor. Guys, these people aren't interested in helping you. They only see $$. Hence the not taking insurance in the first place. When I asked for a recommendation for a different dr she supposedly emailed me some names, which i just happened to never receive. (obviously I wasn't a paying customer anymore so helping me wasn't a priority).
Steven Fox
Apr 10, 2021
I have been working closely with Suzanne Jones for the last six years. She has a blend of both counseling (as an LPC) and medical experience that is unique and exceptional. She is my "go to" Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner when I feel that medication would help one of my clients. Unlike many in the medical field, Suzanne's interest is not just in making a patient "feel better, " but in helping them to experience a full, productive, and enjoyable life.
I depend on Suzanne as both a colleague in the counseling field and as resource in the medical field. She has helped dozens of my clients when talk therapy or EMDR was not sufficient and mediation was required or at least helpful in the short-term. Steve Fox BChE, MA, LPC, NCC
I depend on Suzanne as both a colleague in the counseling field and as resource in the medical field. She has helped dozens of my clients when talk therapy or EMDR was not sufficient and mediation was required or at least helpful in the short-term. Steve Fox BChE, MA, LPC, NCC
An Non
Jan 20, 2021
I have been receiving care from the staff at Family Focus in one manner or another since I was six-teen. I am now nearly thirty-three years old now and am still receiving the care that I believe not many others could have provided me with to be able to cope with the conditions I live with. Through the staff a Family Focus I have been able to learn, live, and cope with some of the most severe conditions in chronic depression, debilitating anxiety, and PTSD.
Through them, and over the years of their care, I have been able to live with these conditions in a more positive way. A way I never thought possible. I do not know if my conditions will ever cease to exist. I believe I may live with them for the rest of my life, but I do know one thing; and that is the care I received at Family Focus, starting as a young adolescent, has allowed me to live and cope with these major conditions in ways I never thought imaginable.
Through proper mental health care and medical management, Family Focus has allowed me to lead a better life than I previously lived early on with these conditions I live with now. It takes times and effort, but with the help of Family Focus, it has been worth the journey to a better life. Family Focus helped me survive. I hope anyone reading this will consider seeking their aid, and to not give up on them in the long run, as they have never given up on me. I am eternally grateful for everyone that I have come across at Family Focus and the guidance and aid they been able to provide me.
Through them, and over the years of their care, I have been able to live with these conditions in a more positive way. A way I never thought possible. I do not know if my conditions will ever cease to exist. I believe I may live with them for the rest of my life, but I do know one thing; and that is the care I received at Family Focus, starting as a young adolescent, has allowed me to live and cope with these major conditions in ways I never thought imaginable.
Through proper mental health care and medical management, Family Focus has allowed me to lead a better life than I previously lived early on with these conditions I live with now. It takes times and effort, but with the help of Family Focus, it has been worth the journey to a better life. Family Focus helped me survive. I hope anyone reading this will consider seeking their aid, and to not give up on them in the long run, as they have never given up on me. I am eternally grateful for everyone that I have come across at Family Focus and the guidance and aid they been able to provide me.
Anne Hays
Dec 27, 2020
I can speak about Family Focus from two vantage points-parent of a patient and as a therapist in Baton Rouge who routinely refers clients to Family Focus. First is that of a parent, as one of my grown kids was seen by Rhonda Browning. I chose Rhonda b/c she was so highly recommended as an excellent clinician to help my daughter manage her meds. Rhonda was amazing.
And the medicine piece was tricky. She advised my daughter as she needed to be advised. The other way that I can review FF is as a therapist in the community. I went to Graduate School with Suzanne Jones. I've know her as a student counselor in training then as a counselor intern then as a fully licensed professional counselor and now as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Every single step of the way, Suzanne has combined her keen intellect with practical wisdom she just has. You put Suzanne in a room full of people and before long a group will be listening to her b/c she's knowledgeable, practical and compelling. Before her life as a therapist and NP, she was/is a Mom to 5 kids! They broke her in well to give her that practical wisdom!
My selling point to my clients for Suzanne is that she's is the only one in town who is a therapist and knows the medications b/c of her NP training. So she will not push meds. She values counseling b/c part of her brain is a therapist. But she also knows when the meds are needed and so helpful. She's a consummate professional and Baton Rouge is fortunate to have her. I hope this review doesn't make her too widely popular! I need space for my clients who need medication!
And the medicine piece was tricky. She advised my daughter as she needed to be advised. The other way that I can review FF is as a therapist in the community. I went to Graduate School with Suzanne Jones. I've know her as a student counselor in training then as a counselor intern then as a fully licensed professional counselor and now as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Every single step of the way, Suzanne has combined her keen intellect with practical wisdom she just has. You put Suzanne in a room full of people and before long a group will be listening to her b/c she's knowledgeable, practical and compelling. Before her life as a therapist and NP, she was/is a Mom to 5 kids! They broke her in well to give her that practical wisdom!
My selling point to my clients for Suzanne is that she's is the only one in town who is a therapist and knows the medications b/c of her NP training. So she will not push meds. She values counseling b/c part of her brain is a therapist. But she also knows when the meds are needed and so helpful. She's a consummate professional and Baton Rouge is fortunate to have her. I hope this review doesn't make her too widely popular! I need space for my clients who need medication!
Thomas Menuet
Nov 15, 2020
Dr. Fargason has been treating our family for over sixteen years through some of the most extremely difficult times we have ever experienced. This is a testament of the compassion and commitment of Dr. Fargason and her staff to go to any depths to heal not only our mental health, but also the human spirit of our family. Family Focus has guided use on a path that is in harmony with eternal well-being. We are forever grateful for this Godsend.
Paula Papajohn
Dec 23, 2018
My experience was very supportive with Family Focus. Felt taken care of. I would recommend this wonderful caring center to anyone looking to help for support and direction in mental health and well-being. Felt there were many ways to tackle life's issues. I personally liked that they had a thearpy service with horses. Many informative pamphlets available privately. Felt very safe and private.
Mackie Cathey
Jun 17, 2018
Family Focus and Associates is not focused on the families of their patients. Their only focus is on making sure they receive $140 per visit at all cost. The practice has a 48 hour cancellation policy which is absolutely punitive especially when dealing with school age patients. One time my child was not feeling well and I had to cancel the day of our appointment.
I was warned that they would have to charge the $140 for missing the appointment. Although not happy, I totally understood that calling on the day of to cancel is not fair to a business owner. I get that. This morning I realized that there is a schedule conflict during my daughter's appointment time scheduled for the next day at 3pm. I called to reschedule for the next available appointment and was told that I would be charged $140.
Mind you I would still need to pay $140 for the rescheduled appointment. They don't even offer a reminder phone call, text or email. Unacceptable, considering the punitive nature of their cancellation policy. Their only FOCUS is banking on cancellations to increase their bottomline.
I was warned that they would have to charge the $140 for missing the appointment. Although not happy, I totally understood that calling on the day of to cancel is not fair to a business owner. I get that. This morning I realized that there is a schedule conflict during my daughter's appointment time scheduled for the next day at 3pm. I called to reschedule for the next available appointment and was told that I would be charged $140.
Mind you I would still need to pay $140 for the rescheduled appointment. They don't even offer a reminder phone call, text or email. Unacceptable, considering the punitive nature of their cancellation policy. Their only FOCUS is banking on cancellations to increase their bottomline.
Leigh Cotham
Nov 15, 2017
Dr. Fargason has been seeing my son and I for 10 years. I could not be happier with the services provided by all the staff at Family Focus. I was at my wit's end but found a compassionate, helpful group willing to assist in any way possible. The issues that were behind me seeking help are years behind us now and we both look forward to our visits to see Dr. Donna for our regular follow ups. I am forever grateful to Family Focus for helping my family.
