Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners

Erica Hessifer, APRN, PMHNP graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2006 from McNeese State University.  She graduated with honors, Cum Laude. She since has been a member of the Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi, as well as, the Nursing Honor Society, Sigma Theta Tau.  She received her Master of Science in Nursing from McNeese State University, specializing in Family Psychiatric/Mental Health in 2015. Erica is married to her high school sweetheart and they have three boys together. She enjoys football season and camping with family and friends.

Bethanne Carson, APRN, PMHNP has worked as an Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Southeast Texas since 2012 and has now relocated to Lake Charles. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas Medical Branch in 1990 and a Master of Science in Nursing specializing in Adult Psychiatric Mental Health from McNeese State University graduating with honors, Magna Cum Laude, in 2012.

She is a member of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of Texas (PAPN Texas), Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses of Southeast Texas – past president (PAPNSETX) and American Psychiatric Nurse Association (APNA). 

She has clinical expertise in the management of mood disorders, anxiety and psychotic disorders. She has a special interest in women’s behavioral health issues across the lifespan, including postpartum depression, menopausal and peri menopausal symptoms. 

Candyce Brown, APRN, PMHNP, is a lifelong resident of the lake area dedicated to providing individualized, holistic care to those seeking mental health services. In 2006, she graduated from McNeese State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

After working for over ten years as a registered nurse in a variety of specialties, she made the decision to further her education. Candyce obtained a master’s degree from the University of South Alabama and is board-certified as a family psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (FPMHNP). She was awarded an induction into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing and the Golden Key International Honour Society.

Candyce is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), American Nurses Association (ANA), as well as the Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA).

Latonya Woods, APRN, PMHNP is a competent and compassionate professional with more than 21 years of healthcare experience in a wide variety of clinical areas in both medical and psychiatric settings. She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2017 from University of Louisiana at Lafayette and a Master of Science in Nursing from McNeese State University, specializing in Family Psychiatric Mental Health in 2021.

She is dedicated to establishing a trusting, therapeutic client-provider relationship and developing safe, effective evidence-based treatment plans that align with a client’s personal goals. She is God-fearing and enjoys dancing and spending time with family and friends.

Latonya is a member of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA), American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), American Nurses Association (ANA), as well as the Louisiana State Nurses Association (LSNA).

Eric Rachal, APRN, PMHNP obtained his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McNeese State University in 2007. In 2022, he obtained his Master of Science in Nursing also from McNeese State University.

Eric is a member of the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitioners. While obtaining his master’s degree, he was the student liaison for the SWLA LANP and was chosen to be the team captain for the walk for Suicide Prevention, which helped raise funds for Suicide Prevention. He is also a member of the Sigma Theta Tau-Honor Society of Nursing, American Psychiatric Nurses Association, and McNeese State University Alumni: The Black Alumni Chapter.

He is dedicated to providing an integrated, holistic, spiritual, compassionate, and evidenced-based approach to caring for his clients. He was born and raised in Lake Charles, LA. He enjoys spending time in prayer and also enjoys spending quality time with his wife and pug dogs.