Restaurant and hospitality industry related jobs are found to be, in the high stress low control career categories, the most physically and emotionally taxing jobs within the marketplace. Couple these staggering statistics with an industry plagued with substance abuse issues, financial insecurity, and general lack of full time health benefits, and you find yourself in the reality of restaurant industry life in New Orleans. WeHelp NOLA is working to not only address these common struggles, but open up the discussion surrounding mental health, bring awareness, and end the stigma which creates barriers to treatment.

As a long time service industry veteran here in New Orleans, I saw an immense need for financially accessible mental health services within our restaurant community and industry. In order to combat the lack of mental health based resources and support, I founded WeHelp NOLA in February of 2020. Currently, WeHelp NOLA is partnered with over 50 hospitality venues in New Orleans and has provided over 6,000 free therapy sessions to hospitality workers in need since inception.