Therapy With Purpose
From the very first day Laura Gatien opened the doors to her therapy practice, she had a vision that went beyond one-on-one counselling. She believed mental health care should be easier to access, easier to talk about and free from unnecessary stigma. At the heart of that belief was a simple truth: we all struggle at times—and no one should have to face those struggles alone.
What began as a solo practice in Saint John quickly grew—because the need was real, and the vision resonated. Within seven years, the practice expanded to a team of more than 55 clinicians across two locations including a virtual team serving the entire province. Today, Laura Gatien & Associates is a trusted mental health therapy practice serving individuals, couples and families in Saint John, Fredericton, and across New Brunswick through virtual care.
Access Isn’t a Slogan. It’s Our Model.
This dual structure—private practice alongside a charitable arm—is intentional. It allows us to deliver high-quality, evidence-based therapy while actively reducing financial and systemic barriers to care. And it does something else that matters: it challenges stigma by making support feel normal—when people from all walks of life sit in the same waiting room, it quietly reminds us that struggle is human. This isn’t an add-on or side initiative. It’s who we are.
We also believe that changing mental-health culture requires openness. Through social media, blogging and community engagement, Laura and our team speak honestly about mental health—sharing real experiences to normalize therapy and reduce stigma.
From the beginning, access was central to the model. Laura and her first counselling intern started offering low cost counselling and free drop-in sessions every Friday in her first Waterloo Street office—creating space for people who couldn’t afford private care.
In 2022, Laura and her team formally expanded this work by founding Just Us; We All Struggle Inc., a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to delivering free and low-cost mental health counselling across the province, and never turning anyone away from the support they deserve. Since inception, Just Us has delivered over 5,000 sessions to people in need.
Our Approach: We’re Real So You Can Be Too
High-quality therapy, without the clinical vibe—relationship-based, attachment-informed and tailored to the person in front of us. We work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, trauma and everyday stress—meeting people where they are, without judgment.
We take a human-first approach to therapy. We’re not here to label you, “fix” you or reduce your experience to a diagnosis. Instead, we focus on understanding what you’ve been through, what you needed, and how your mind and body learned to cope. Much of our work is rooted in attachment—because healing happens best in a relationship where you feel safe, seen, and understood.
We also believe that reducing stigma starts with honesty. As therapists, we know that everyone struggles, ourselves included. If you are human, you will struggle at one point or another—and there is nothing wrong with you. We don’t position ourselves as “above” the people we support. We’re human too—living real lives, facing challenges, and learning along the way.
Our philosophy is reflected in our message: “We’re real so you can be too.” By showing up authentically and speaking openly about mental health, we create space for clients to do the same.
Why Choose Us
Support mental-health access for others
Our model is designed so private care helps strengthen community-based counselling programs—reducing barriers and expanding access across New Brunswick.
No-wait (or limited-wait) appointments
We prioritize accessibility and availability, including limited wait times and evening appointments—so support is available when you’re ready, not after things escalate.
The right fit, faster
You’re not choosing from a list and hoping for the best. We’re a collaborative team with diverse specialties and our clinicians learn from one another and refer internally—so you can get matched well and make progress sooner.
Simple online booking
Use our Jane portal to book or cancel appointments, update payment info and print receipts—easy, secure and on your terms.
High-quality, evidence-based care
Quality isn’t a tagline here—it’s a practice standard. We maintain it through regular clinical meetings, ongoing training, and evidence-based frameworks, and we actively ask for feedback so we keep improving.
Admin support that makes it easy
Our admin team helps with scheduling, billing and payment issues—plus we direct bill 45 different third-party companies to reduce friction and paperwork.
Real care. Real people. Real impact.
Every session—whether private or subsidized—represents meaningful support for someone navigating real life challenges. Our work translates directly into care delivered, barriers reduced, and people supported across New Brunswick.
Mission, Vision & Values
Mental Health Care is valued, understood, accepted and accessible to all people.
Our Vision
To enhance the health and lives of all individuals, couples, and families through barrier-free and proactive mental health care services.
Our Mission
What you can expect from us, from the first call to every session.
LGA Core Values©
Warmth
A safe, welcoming space—without judgment. You’ll be met with genuine care, respect, and humanity.
Dedication
Reliable support you can count on. We follow through, stay prepared, and take your care seriously.
Vulnerability
You don’t have to have it all together. We normalize struggle and make room for honest, real-life healing.
Equality
Care should be accessible—not exclusive. We work to reduce barriers and treat every person with dignity.
Growth
We keep learning so you keep progressing. We invest in training, feedback, and continuously improving care
Bring Accessible Mental Health Care to Your Region
As part of Laura’s continued mission to make mental health care accessible to everyone, she’s now helping other private practice owners bring their own charitable arm to life.
We All Struggle is a proven dual-entity access model that helps established private practice owners build a charitable nonprofit teaching clinic that operates alongside their for-profit practice. The model expands access to mental healthcare for everyone—while maintaining clinical quality, operational sustainability, and long-term business health.