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Leigha Ward(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Psychologist, PsyDRegistered Nurse, RN
MarylandAlabamaArizonaArkansasColorado
Anxiety - LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics-Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health- Relationship issues- Sexual health & dysfunction-Nonmonogamy, polyamory, and kink-

See Leigha's Details for:

Many health insurance plans reimburse 50-80% of session fees with out-of-network therapists. Learn if your plan qualifies.

AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & FeesTestimonials

Professional statement

Dr. Leigha Ward is a Licensed Psychologist and sex therapist in Austin, Texas. She works primarily with adult and adolescent clients who would like to feel empowered to improve their mental health and relationships. In addition to general mental health care for presentations such as anxiety and depression, Dr. Ward specializes in sex therapy and reproductive psychology, assisting clients presenting with challenges in their sex lives, relationships, and pregnancy- or fertility-related concerns. In addition to her psychological training, Dr. Ward practiced as a labor and delivery nurse for 20 years, providing her with unique medical knowledge and insight into birth complications and trauma.

Dr. Ward is trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, which assists clients in identifying the origins of emotional challenges and processing these challenges with empathic insight through a new lens. In session, Dr. Ward focuses on helping clients to utilize self-compassion as they navigate difficulties with their mental health and relationship concerns, empowering them to find strength and healing in learning about their desires for their own lives, work, and relationships. This approach supports clients to believe in their ability to accept their limitations and thrive using their unique gifts and strengths.

Dr. Ward utilizes humor and storytelling to help clients to feel comfortable and "normal." Clients will find that they can absolutely navigate their lives with newfound strength, hope and acceptance. Dr. Ward strives to provide a relaxed atmosphere of collaboration and a therapeutic relationship that allows clients to feel comfortable and safe.

Dr. Ward received her doctoral degree in clinical psychology from Argosy University - San Francisco Bay Area Campus, and she received predoctoral training in community mental health and postdoctoral experience in the private practice setting. Her nursing and therapy backgrounds combine to provide a unique therapy experience for her clients.


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 10 years

Desired Connections Psychotherapy, PLLC (self-employed), Licensed Psychologist, Owner
Integrative Psychological Services, PLLC, Provisionally Licensed Psychologist, Postdoctoral Intern
St. David's Healthcare, Registered Nurse, Labor & Delivery
Seton Ascension, Seton Southwest Hospital, Registered Nurse, Labor & Delivery
St. David's Fertility Surgery Center, Registered Nurse, Perioperative
Dublin Methodist Hospital, Dublin, OH, Registered Nurse, Labor & Delivery
Mid-Ohio Psychological Services, Columbus, OH, Predoctoral Intern, Psychological Assistant
Cananda College Psychological Services, Redwood City, CA, Practicum Student, Clinical Psychology
Sharper Future, San Francisco, CA, Practicum Student, Clinical Psychology

The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University - San Francisco Bay Area Campus, Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD), 2014
New Mexico State University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2000

Licensure

Texas: 37596 - Alabama: APIT #6799 - Arizona: APIT #6799 - Arkansas: APIT #6799 - Colorado: APIT #6799 - Connecticut: APIT #6799 - Delaware: APIT #6799 - Washington DC: APIT #6799 - Florida: APIT #6799 - Georgia: APIT #6799 - Idaho: APIT #6799 - Illinois: APIT #6799 - Indiana: APIT #6799 - Kansas: APIT #6799 - Kentucky: APIT #6799 - Maine: APIT #6799 - Maryland: APIT #6799 - Michigan: APIT #6799 - Minnesota: APIT #6799 - Missouri: APIT #6799 - Nebraska: APIT #6799 - Nevada: APIT #6799 - New Hampshire: APIT #6799 - New Jersey: APIT #6799 - North Carolina: APIT #6799 - North Dakota: APIT #6799 - Ohio: APIT #6799 - Oklahoma: APIT #6799 - Pennsylvania: APIT #6799 - Rhode Island: APIT #6799 - South Carolina: APIT #6799 - Tennessee: APIT #6799 - Utah: APIT #6799 - Virginia: APIT #6799 - Washington: APIT #6799 - West Virginia: APIT #6799 - Wisconsin: APIT #6799 - Wyoming: APIT #6799 - Mississippi: APIT #6799

Languages

English

Specialties

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

LGBTQIA, gender, & sexuality topics - Exploring topics of sexuality, gender, and identity; coping with discrimination and oppression; navigating relationship, family, and cultural challenges

Pregnancy, perinatal, postpartum mental health - Addressing issues specific to women and families during the pregnancy and postpartum period, including postpartum depression and anxiety

Relationship issues - Understanding one’s wants and needs in relationships; exploring patterns of interaction, addressing concerns, and strengthening satisfaction in relationships and dating

Sexual health & dysfunction - Addressing emotional, physical, and biological concerns related to sexual intimacy and functioning; education and skill building around topics such as erectile dysfunction, orgasms, low libido, shame, and history of abuse; improving communication to realize a fulfilling sex life

Nonmonogamy, polyamory, and kink - Exploring one’s values in and beliefs about relationships; practicing boundary-setting, conflict resolution, and romantic or sexual relationship bonding with partners




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Teenagers (13-18)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours

Beginning April 1, 2024, Dr. Ward will move to a completely virtual practice model. In-person sessions may be possible twice a month upon request, but these sessions will likely fill up quickly.


Insurance

  • Aetna International
  • Aetna Student Health Insurance
  • American University Student Health Insurance (CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield)
  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island BCBS RI
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Blue Choice
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois HMO
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO
  • Blue Cross of MN
  • Brown University Student Health Insurance (United Healthcare)
  • Colorado State University Student Health Insurance (Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield)
  • Georgetown University Student Health Insurance (UnitedHealthcare)
  • Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
  • Howard University Student Health Insurance (UnitedHealthcare)
  • Johnson and Wales University Student Health Insurance (United Healthcare)
  • Loyola University Chicago Student Health Insurance (UnitedHealthcare)
  • Premera Blue Cross
  • RISD Student Health Insurance (United Healthcare)
  • Regence Blue Shield
  • Texas A&M University Student Health Insurance (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas)
  • United Healthcare
  • United Healthcare Student Health Plan
  • University of Chicago Student Health Insurance (UnitedHealthcare)
  • University of Colorado Boulder Student Health Insurance (Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield)
  • University of Houston Student Health Insurance (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas)
  • University of Illinois Student Health Insurance (UnitedHealthcare)
  • University of Rhode Island (URI) Student Insurance (United Healthcare)
  • University of Texas at Austin Student Health Insurance (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas)

Out-of-pocket fees

Get reimbursed for sessions with Leigha Ward

Many health insurance plans reimburse 50-80% of session fees with out-of-network therapists. Learn if your health insurance plan qualifies.

  • Individual sessions:$180 (55min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing
Payment options
  • Credit Card
  • PayPal
  • Zelle
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly
  • Monthly
  • Every other week

Client testimonials

"She was a great listener"
- Zencare client June 2024