WeHelp NOLA is a New Orleans–based nonprofit dedicated to providing accessible, no-cost mental healthcare to hospitality workers across the Greater New Orleans area. Founded in 2019 by longtime hospitality worker Olivia McCoy, WeHelp was created to support the people who keep our city running — servers, bartenders, cooks, dishwashers, and all those who make New Orleans hospitality possible.

Through our programs, hospitality workers receive no-cost, confidential psychotherapy sessions with a diverse network of local, licensed clinicians. We also connect clients with low-cost psychiatric care, substance use treatment, and specialized mental health services, ensuring they receive the comprehensive support they deserve.

To date, WeHelp has partnered with more than 75 hospitality venues and provided over 7,800 free therapy sessions to workers in need. More than 30 licensed clinicians actively provide services through our platform, and we continue to expand our reach each month as demand grows.

Our flagship membership program operates through partnerships with hospitality venues that pay an affordable monthly subscription based on employee count. Through this venue membership, the entire staff gains access to our services at no cost to employees. Membership fees support operational expenses and make therapy and wellness programming possible.

In response to local emergencies, WeHelp also operates a crisis counseling program aligned with our membership model. This initiative provides the same therapy services but is open to all hospitality workers, regardless of venue membership. The program is situational and sustained through grant funding and external donations. Past emergency initiatives have supported workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Ida, and the New Year’s Day Bourbon Street attack.

The need is urgent. Hospitality workers experience disproportionately high rates of depression, anxiety, burnout, and substance use, often without access to traditional healthcare or employer-sponsored benefits. Many are women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who already face barriers to care. For countless workers, WeHelp is the only accessible mental health resource available.

With two decades of industry experience, founder Olivia McCoy understands firsthand the emotional demands of hospitality work and the lack of accessible mental health resources within it. WeHelp exists to change that reality by removing barriers, reducing stigma, and ensuring that those who care for our city are cared for in return.

WeHelp is devoted to serving those who serve everyone else.

Email olivia@wehelpnola.com to get your venue no-cost access to mental healthcare today!