
Derek Durst
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor / Licensed Mental Health Counselor licensed in the states of Texas, Colorado, and Washington. I graduated in 2016 from Angelo State University with a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology. I have been providing counseling services for the past three years. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, mania, audio/visual hallucinations, and substance abuse. I have also worked with many clients who have experienced past trauma and including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm, energetic, inviting, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect, as well as approaching issues with sensitivity and compassion . It is my goal to create a safe place for people to feel comfortable in sharing their life's story. My counseling approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy with attributes of psychotherapy and person-centered therapy. I will tailor our treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I have a passion for working along side people in their journey of life. It takes courage to reach out for help and assistance, but it is the first step toward making a change. I am here to provide the support and empower you if you are ready to take that step. I look forward to working with you!

Claudia Burns
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology (1971) and a master’s degree in Psychology (2005). I went back to school after many years during which I raised three sons and worked mostly at Baylor College of Medicine in the departments of Surgery and later Psychiatry. I attended school while working fulltime for three years to complete my master’s and had great support and encouragement from the Psychiatry department. During my practicum, I worked in the psychiatric ward of a county hospital which was an eye opening experience! We also worked with people in the Astrodome after Hurricane Katrina. During my internship, I worked with clients with eating disorders and gained an understanding of the great difficulties that they face. For the last 15 years, I have worked in neuropsychological testing which involved a thorough evaluation of the mental, cognitive, and emotional condition of the client. I spent most of a day with a client and developed insight into their emotional problems which included PTSD, depression, and anxiety due to a traumatic injury or experience and the necessity of adjusting to life changing events such as accidents or illnesses. I have also worked with clients who were attempting to get disability benefits for chronic illnesses and with clients with disabilities who were trying to return to work. I have learned to meet diverse clients where they are, and I always find ways to connect and feel empathy for them in their struggles. I believe that a good therapeutic relationship is integral to the success of any counseling experience. Humor is good too! I have also experienced counseling myself, and I led an online Panic Disorder Support Group on AOL for six years before I went back to school. My treatment approach is focused on emotional support, education, helping you gain insight into yourself and others, and giving you the tools to help yourself. I use cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic principles as well as other appropriate methods in order to help you meet your therapeutic goals. I am ready to help you with whatever you are experiencing and look forward to talking to you!

Lauren Hawkins
Hello! My name is Lauren and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, licensed in Texas. I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Sam Houston State University. I have over 8 years of experience in working with mental health and substance use concerns. I have worked with individuals ages four to adult with a variety of mental health/behavioral presenting issues such as: addictions, anxiety, depression, trauma, phase-of-life problems, relationship and family issues, career challenges, and many more. I have also worked with many clients who have experienced physical trauma, psychological or emotional abuse. My experience is varied and across a wide array of settings, as I have provided individual and group therapy in community mental health agencies, inpatient and outpatient behavioral health hospitals, transitional living programs, and schools. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating individuals with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My counseling approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and client-centered counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Mental health is a journey, and while you may feel lost now, that is not an indication of how your life will continue. It takes courage to identify that there may be steps to take in order to strive for a more fulfilling and happier life, and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and encourage you. Wherever you're at on your journey, I'm willing to meet you there and support you in reaching your desired destination. I look forward to working with you!

Kirsten Jackson
Life is complex! Everyone goes through struggles, experience difficulties, and face setbacks. Sometimes emotions and circumstances can feel overwhelming. Therapy encourages open and honest dialogue about issues that are causing distress in an individual’s life. In a therapeutic relationship, clients work to identify and understand how these stressors impact their life, plus develop strategies to manage the symptoms. If you long to live more fully, connect with others more authentically, and accept yourself, flaws and all, you are in the right place! My name is Kirsten, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of experience. I received my Master’s in Social Work from Texas A&M University-Commerce and have experience across a variety of treatment settings. My work with clients is supportive, goal-oriented, and rooted in proven methods. I am passionate about creating a space for anyone who chooses to boldly take control of their lives and has the desire to be mentally and emotionally healthy. It is my goal to provide a positive, non-judgmental, and supportive environment in which you feel both seen and heard. I work collaboratively with you to identify your strengths, areas for growth and help you move along the path to change. I draw from various therapeutic modalities to create a tailored approach based on your presenting concerns, goals, and motivation. Sometimes we need additional support to reach our potential and navigate change, and it is my honor to be a helping hand in your life. I am committed to assisting individuals in building on their existing strengths and exploring, setting, and meeting achievable goals. Let's take this journey together!

Dr. Mary Cotten
My goal in working with clients is to address client concerns by identifying issues and developing strategies to reach goals. I am a licensed psychologist in Texas and have many years of experience working with a wide range of technical issues. Much of my experience involves working with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, family of origin issues, career issues, and/or adjusting to life transitions. I primarily use a cognitive-behavioral approach in therapy to assist clients recognize ineffective thought patterns that sabotage acting in their best interest. My goal as a therapist is to interact with individuals in a relaxed and non-judgmental manner. I often receive feedback but I am a good listener and that I am easy to talk to. We can connect in whatever manner is most comfortable for you. I prefer we have video sessions in order to get to know each other better and can interact both visually and verbally. I am also available by phone if that is more convenient for you. I am available during business hours and evening appointments can be arranged.

Camilo Avila
I am licensed in Texas with over 7 years of experience. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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. 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!

Cecilia Andrews
I am licensed in Texas with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

krystle Himmelberger
I am licensed in Texas with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Georgia Carey
I am licensed in Texas as an LPC, with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe people are the experts of their own stories and that the therapist helps clients work through the bumps in the road, through talk therapy, skills building, and behavior modification. Having support through the client's path can make the overwhelming challenges of life bearable. Reaching out for guidance and support is the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life. I am here to support clients in the process.

Ivette Rodriguez
I am licensed in Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!
Find a therapist serving clients in Texas
What types of therapists are available to clients in Pleasant Valley?
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 Pleasant Valley 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 Pleasant Valley available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Pleasant Valley 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, Pleasant Valley therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Pleasant Valley 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 Pleasant Valley 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 Pleasant Valley 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 Pleasant Valley 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.