About Lara Neely, DBH, MEd, LPC

I believe healing begins with feeling truly seen, heard, and valued. As a Doctor of Behavioral Health and Licensed Professional Counselor, I help people navigate difficult experiences and work toward greater balance in mind, body, and spirit. My approach begins with understanding you, your experiences, your strengths, and what you want to change.

My academic path began at the University of Houston, where I earned a Bachelor of Science, followed by a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. During my graduate studies, I was honored to be named Graduate Student of the Year. I later earned my Doctor of Behavioral Health at Arizona State University, deepening my understanding of integrated care and the relationship between physical and emotional health.

I am currently completing my first year in the Master of Business Administration program at Rice University. Pursuing an MBA grows out of questions I’ve encountered throughout my clinical career: How can we make care easier to access? How can practices support their clinicians while remaining financially sustainable? And how can good ideas become lasting improvements in people’s lives?

My business education is expanding how I think about strategy, operations, finance, and leadership. I’m especially interested in bringing clinical insight into organizational decisions, improving coordination between behavioral and medical care, reducing unnecessary administrative work, and supporting the professionals who care for others. My longer-term goals include healthcare leadership, professional education, and curriculum development, with an emphasis on making care more effective, humane, and sustainable.

Connecting Physical and Emotional Health

Integrated behavioral healthcare is an important part of my work. Living with a chronic illness can affect your mood, relationships, sense of identity, and daily routines. At the same time, emotional distress can make it harder to manage appointments, follow treatment recommendations, or make changes that support your health.

I collaborate with physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals to help people navigate these overlapping challenges. My experience includes supporting individuals managing diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic pain, weight-related concerns, and adjustment before and after bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass.

Together, we can explore the emotional side of your health journey, build manageable routines, and address barriers to caring for yourself. With your permission, I can coordinate with your medical providers so your behavioral healthcare supports your broader treatment goals.