There’s no place more patriotic than Gainesville, Texas many would say. The apple pie is sweeter, the people are friendlier, and the skies are bigger in this small town. But not everyone in Gainesville is enjoying a life full of sweet things. Many of us, no matter where we live in the U.S. struggle with our mental health.
If you’re in need of a little support so that you can start enjoying all wonderful things life has to offer, please reach out to a Gainesville-area mental health professional today. They will be able to assess your needs and provide the services that will help you most.

Andrew Mercer
I'm so happy you're here and so happy that you're taking an important step towards positive change in your life. Nothing brings me more joy than to be able to be a part of your journey while we work towards your goals. I've been partnering with adults for the past 8 years in private practice as a licensed therapist and 3 years as a life coach working with college-aged adults. Former and current clients appreciate my honest straightforward approach to counseling as well as my ability to patiently and compassionately hold space for answers to emerge. The struggles of life are not meant to be all-consuming or overwhelming and as self-sufficient as most of us are, we all need help at some point. I know I've benefitted from being able to talk through my worries and concerns with the help of a trained therapist and know what the experience is like in either seat. I was trained in pastoral counseling and at Loyola University in Chicago and can assist if your concerns are more spiritual in nature and when they are not take a more traditional approach. I draw from relational schools of thought- psychodynamic, humanistic and Adlerian but apply them in a straightforward pragmatic fashion to keep the process brief and effective. Having been trained and educated in diverse settings, I have experience working with many different types of people with many different concerns. In particular, spiritual and religious questions, LGBT issues, anxiety and coping with grief and loss are areas that I can support you the most. I look forward to working with you as we take the next steps in your journey together.

Shannon Davis
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I hold a Baccalaureate degree (BA) in Humanities and a Master’s degree (MS) in Counseling. My formal education and professional experience have prepared me to counsel individuals, couples, families and groups My primary theoretical approach is cognitive behavior therapy. This is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that takes a hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving. My goal is to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind client’s difficulties, and so change the way they feel. I am committed to helping all individuals. I understand asking for help can be challenging and uncomfortable for some. My goal is to create a space where the client can be open, vulnerable, and communicate their feelings without judgment. I work with clients from all backgrounds and cultural settings. I personally invite you to experience finding hope within yourself to navigate through life. I invite clients to my office. It’s warm and welcoming. Our first session is a Consultation. During this session we will discuss why you have chosen to seek counseling as a solution to your needs. The next few sessions will involve an evaluation of your needs. I will be able to offer you some first impressions of what our work will include and a treatment plan to follow, if you decide to continue with therapy. Therapy involves a large commitment of time and resources such as money and mental and emotional energy, so it is important to select the right therapist to work with you and your family.

Susan Sullivan
I have been a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for over 11 years, with experience conducting individual and group therapy. I work with clients who are dealing with a wide range of challenges including anxiety, depression, addiction, abuse, relationship issues, adjustment issues, grief and loss, and compassion fatigue . I use a person centered approach when in a therapeutic relationship with clients. This means I make a consistent effort to meet each client "where they are" as they progress through the process of self exploration. I use evidence based modalities that include Cognitive Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy as well as Psychoeducation. I approach my sessions as a team, addressing challenges together, as the client is the expert of his/her story. I create a space where we can work on resolving issues and where we can collaborate on treatment plans that are tailored to each client's personal needs and experiences. When working with clients I strive to make the therapy experience genuine, positive, respectful and safe. Through a humanistic approach I assist clients in creating and meeting their goals, to address difficult life issues and challenges, and to regain a new perspective on life.

Kaitlin Taylor
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas who has worked in private practice for 3 years and has worked, full time, as a crisis counselor for 2 years. In 2019, I graduated with a Master’s degree in Education through Lamar University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. During my education at Lamar University I was awarded a grant for my research and was awarded scholarships for my academics. My treatment approach is client centered, based on identifying, processing, and treating symptoms that are negatively effecting the client. Clients could expect to speak with a counselor who values individuals for their uniqueness. It is my goal to help every client better themselves and find peace in their lives.

Rebecca Phillips
I am licensed in Texas and Arizona with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with LGBT-related issues, depression, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I believe you are the expert of your life and story. I’m here to help guide you to find your own answers and to support you in that process. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I’m happy you decided to take the step.

Brenda Acevedo
I am licensed in Texas with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Sara Kamalipour
I am licensed in Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Elizabeth Holt
I am licensed in Texas with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Haley Anderson
I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Dr. Lauren Pitts-Bounds
Dr. Lauren Pitts-Bounds is a Christian Licensed Therapist, Inspirational Speaker, and Personal & Professional Development Coach. Dr. Pitts-Bounds’ life serves as a compass to aid her in turning the adversities of her life into transformative opportunities for others. Dr. Pitts-Bounds’ work is purposed to help clients and audiences to develop in all areas of their lives: emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually which is paramount to the integrity, health and strength of relationships, mental wellness, personal and professional development, and performance enhancement. Dr. Pitts-Bounds provides counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups in the states of Texas and Delaware. Speaking and coaching services are provided locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally to a culturally and economically diverse clientele virtually and in-person. Dr. Pitts-Bounds strives to be an integral part of the healing and hope trajectory providing a holistic and Solution-Focused approach to improved mental health and relationship wellness. A native of Salem, New Jersey – Dr. Pitts-Bounds is a firsthand witness of the multi-generational, systemic loss and devastation caused to families because of domestic violence, mental illness, substance abuse, gun violence, poverty, and the overall breakdown of the nuclear family. Dr. Pitts-Bounds earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Management and a master’s degree in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy, each from Drexel University. She earned a bachelor’s in organizational management from HBCU Edward Waters University and an associate degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Johnson & Wales University. Dr. Pitts-Bounds is a Fulbright Alumni Ambassador, a former Fulbright Scholar to Barbados, and member of the Fulbright Specialist roster. Dr. Pitts-Bounds has received numerous awards and recognition for her work in the areas of clinical excellence, empowerment, education, community activism, social justice, and equality. Dr. Pitts-Bounds is the host of “Dr. Pitts-Bounds Tips LIVE!”, a weekly information packed event Thursday evenings on Facebook and Instagram where the focus is on providing powerful, albeit raw life, relationship, and mental health information that listeners may choose to utilize to make well-informed life-transforming decisions!
Find a therapist serving clients in Texas
What types of therapists are available to clients in Gainesville?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Gainesville that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Gainesville available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Gainesville therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Gainesville therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Gainesville region and in the state of Texas.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Gainesville can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Gainesville may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Gainesville offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.