Founded by six survivors of  the Pánfilo de Narváez expedition of 1520, Penitas, Texas, claims to be the oldest European settlement in the United States. This quaint city is a place where 16 th -century Spanish explorers and Native Americans were able to work together to create a village based on mutual respect and sharing.

Unfortunately, not all the situations or relationships in our lives go as smoothly as the ones between the Calero and the Spaniards. This can have a huge impact on mental health, leading to depression, anxiety and a host of other issues. Thankfully, the area around Texas’s oldest city has something very special—mental health professionals who can help you find balance and stability like the founders of Penitas found so long ago.

Psychologist Norma Jean Salinas providing different types of therapy in Penitas

Norma Jean Salinas

Clinician
License Type(s): MS,LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
8 years offering treatment

Hello and welcome! I am so glad you are here. It takes great courage to take the first step in seeking help. My name is Norma Jean Salinas, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. I earned my bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from The University of Texas at Austin, and my master’s degree in mental health counseling with "high distinction" from the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, New Mexico. As a mid-life career changer loving my second act, I have accumulated extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in multiple therapeutic settings. I have also successfully treated individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds who were struggling with a variety of issues and challenges. My style is very warm, empathetic, relaxed, and non-judgmental. At times, I may even use humor if the situation is appropriate. I like to use a client-centered approach because it allows you, the client, to direct your treatment. After all, the client knows himself/herself best and is the expert on his/her own life. My job is to collaborate with you, gently guide you, walk beside you, and hold space for you. I will always meet you where you are at and never force anything upon you. I utilize an eclectic and integrative approach in working with my clients which means I pull from different evidence-based theories, modalities, and techniques so that I can tailor a treatment plan specific to your goals and needs because there is a no one-size-fits-all approach. This allows me to give you the various tools and skills that will best benefit you in meeting your goals and needs. Equally important is that you choose the right therapist who’s a good fit for you because building a good and solid therapeutic alliance between you (the client) and your therapist is crucial to a successful outcome. I know that the unknown can be really scary sometimes, but you deserve to feel better and live a full and complete life, so if you are ready to take the next step, and you feel that we would be a good fit, let’s get started. I am here to support, encourage, and empower you, and I would be honored to walk alongside you in your journey. Thank you so much for your consideration. Norma Jean

Psychologist Claudia Leyton-De la Torre providing different types of therapy in Penitas

Claudia Leyton-De la Torre

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years offering treatment

I am a licensed professional counselor in Texas with six years of experience as a mental health clinician. I have worked with clients with a range of concerns, such as depression, anxiety, divorce, and also young adult issues. My counseling approach focuses on reality therapy and person-centered, humanistic, and rational-emotive approaches. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in any societal labels. My counseling style is warm and interactive. Although I have many counseling styles, I will tailor my treatment plan to meet your specific and unique needs. Being here takes courage, and I applaud you for seeking a more fulfilling and happy life. These are the first steps toward positive change! If you are ready to take that big step, I am here to empower and support you. I look forward to working with you to create a better you!

Psychologist Mary Acosta-Granger providing different types of therapy in Penitas

Mary Acosta-Granger

Clinician
License Type(s): MSSW,LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
39 years offering treatment

I am an LCSW licensed in Texas with over 35 years of experience as a psychotherapist/counselor. I have a wide range of experience working with clients who have serious mental illness to people with concerns about daily life problems. I have worked with children as well, but my preference is adults who are struggling and motivated to make some change in their lives that will lead to a more personally fulfilling life and overall satisfaction. Many of my clients have trouble communicating with others, so that is one of my specialties, in addition to treating depression, anxiety, PtSD, phobias, and other impairing conditions. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, compassion, and a nonjudgmental attitude. I individualize treatment to suit the needs of my clients and we establish a treatment plan together. I have many years or positive experience, but I also stay current on newer modalities and well-researched outcomes. I use Cognitive-Behavioral therapy combined with client-centered, interactive, and goal-directed therapy models. I am Bilingual in Spanish at a native speaker level, and am comfortable with European as well as Latin American Spanish.. I look forward to working with you.

Psychologist Shonda Harris providing different types of therapy in Penitas

Shonda Harris

Clinician
License Type(s): LPC-S
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
18 years offering treatment

I am an LPC-S, trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with wide range of experience. I have many years of experience working with those with mental health issues such as depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety, and ADHD. I will help you to understand your diagnosis and how to build coping skills. I also work with individuals experiencing relationship problems, struggling to reach goals, or seeking behavioral changes. I will help you understand the relationship of your thoughts, actions, and feelings. We will work to find what changes you want to make and how to best make that happen. I enjoy working with diverse populations and have a non-judgmental approach. It is important to me that you feel safe and free to express yourself.

Psychologist Ethel Richard-Peterson providing different types of therapy in Penitas

Ethel Richard-Peterson

Clinician
License Type(s): MSW, LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
6 years offering treatment

Hello! If you are exploring Better Help, it is likely that you are struggling with something significant in your life. Finding the right person to help you through these challenges is very important. If you don't have a good relationship with your counselor, you won't make the progress you are hoping to achieve. I want to provide you with some information about me in order to help you decide if my experience and style is the right match for you. I have been a social worker for more than 25 years and have experience working with people from all different backgrounds who are struggling with a wide variety of challenges. Much of my experience has been working with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, , substance abuse, grief and loss, and the challenges of parenting. The feedback I receive from clients is that they find me to be caring and nonjudgmental, and they appreciate that I am honest and direct with them. You can expect me to walk with you through whatever difficulties you are facing and help you learn more about yourself and the way you interact with the world. I can interact with you in whatever manner you are most comfortable. I find it helpful to participate in video sessions , via phone ,and text which ever is more comfortable to you. I know how hard it can be to find a counselor who you feel a connection with and I would be honored to work with you through this stage of your life. SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Grief Career difficulties Family Relationships Also experienced in: Addictions , Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Intimacy-related issues , Parenting issues , Anger management , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Bipolar disorder , Coping with life changes , Compassion fatigue , Abandonment , Depression, Read more... Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, , Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy Years of Experience: 25 SERVICES OFFERED MESSAGING PHONE VIDEO LICENSING LCSW #65529 (Expires: 2021-09-31)

Psychologist NaToya Cook providing different types of therapy in Penitas

NaToya Cook

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAnger managementDepression
4 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 2 years of experience in providing therapy services. As a therapist, I believe in the inherent resilience and strength of each person, and I would be honored to be a part of your journey towards self-discovery and healing. I am passionate about mental health and committed to providing quality, ethical, and compassionate care to all of my clients.

Psychologist Carol Mendoza providing different types of therapy in Penitas

Carol Mendoza

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
14 years offering treatment

Hi, I’m Carol Mendoza, MA, LPC-S. I am a licensed therapist based in Texas, bringing more than 20 years of dedicated professional counseling experience to my practice. My journey into counseling began during my time in the military, where I spent my over a decade on active duty serving as a counselor. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working in various settings, including three psychiatric hospitals, a private practice specializing in psychiatric testing for social security benefits, and in outpatient mental health services (catering to both children and adults). I've also had the honor of working closely with veterans who have bravely served our country overseas and here at home. My therapeutic expertise encompasses anxiety, depression, anger management, mood disorders, motivation, self-esteem, and trauma, and my counseling philosophy is very much aligned with Solution-Focused Therapy. I firmly believe in approaching each individual with the utmost respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Together, we'll tailor our sessions to align with your unique goals and needs. Taking the step towards therapy requires courage — it's the first step towards transforming your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I’m so proud you’ve taken the first step, and you should be, too! I'm here to walk alongside you, offering support, encouragement, and empowerment throughout your journey. Outside of my professional life, I cherish spending time with my husband, our two dogs, and our large extended family. I find joy in activities like reading, biking, camping, fishing, and embracing the beauty of the outdoors —especially butterflies. Currently, I only offer evening hours and some availability on Saturdays.

Psychologist Nastasia  Freeman providing different types of therapy in Penitas

Nastasia Freeman

Clinician
License Type(s): MA, LMHC
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment

Hello, I'm Nastasia! I’m a Licensed Psychotherapist with an edge, unapologetically doing what it takes to feel well, and help others do the same. Based out of San Diego, I provide individual and relationship therapy throughout the state of California, Florida, and Texas. I specialize in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma, anxiety, and attachment. Providing individual and relationship trauma therapy, I’m one of the few providers in the San Diego and Riverside area, specializing in relationship trauma therapy—helping those in committed relationships that are affected by interpersonal symptoms associated with past trauma and PTSD. I have received professional training and certification in Neuropsychotherapy and Clinical Trauma to promote brain change for the management of post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. Candidly, I value authenticity and transparency. I’m a survivor of trauma, and I believe connection and transparency are a large part of healing. I understand what it's like to be the one sitting on the couch, and not in the chair. Trauma is complex and therapy does heal. While I have the credentials and expertise in the treatment of trauma, I want people to know that I'm someone that really sees the person in front of me. For me, it’s about seeing people past a diagnosis or a symptom. I want people to feel seen, heard, and believed. I’m convinced there is no greater technique or practice than humanity—the collectiveness of humankind, and living amongst, and connecting with others empathetically and with compassion. —Nastasia Freeman, LMHC, LPCC, LPC, NPT-C Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul be just another human soul. - C. G. Jung

Psychologist Thomas Wynne providing different types of therapy in Penitas

Thomas Wynne

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
37 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Texas with 37 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Initially, I will want to listen carefully to your life story and clarify with you the issues that have brought you tom seek help. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy requires courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to our time together.

Psychologist Reynaldo Garcia providing different types of therapy in Penitas

Reynaldo Garcia

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Texas with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma, abuse, parenting issues, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. In the past I have worked with teens, young adults, and adults. I have also counseled couples and helped them work through and/or resolve their relationship/marital conflict. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Types of therapists available to clients in Penitas

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 Penitas that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), 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 Penitas available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Penitas 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, Penitas therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Penitas region and in the state of Texas.

How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want 

Therapists in Penitas 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 Penitas may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 

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