Tension and worry can lead to overwhelming anxiety. Loss and pain can lead to depression. Without knowing how to improve your life, you’re powerless to make a change. You fight endlessly to manage your feelings, but the turmoil fills your mind with dread.
The “Mr. Cowboy” sculpture in Pleasanton honors the city’s cowboy heritage. If the herd of your emotions stampedes over your mental wellbeing, you feel like a cowboy without a horse. You need the tools to get back in control over your life. Talk to a counselor in the Pleasanton area to round up a better life.

Bryan Young
Welcome to BetterHelp. In person, I offer a cup of water before we begin. We're built for the give-and-take of human connection and genuine concern, not clinical intakes. I work with active military personnel, first responders, men, and couples. My approach is logical, philosophical, flexible, and dynamic. I offer tools and principles that promote mindfulness based on the nature of perception, situational, and relational awareness in sessions and outside our time together. As a humanistic psychodynamic therapist, I believe that growth begins when a therapist and a client are willing to adjust their assumptions and seek balance in therapy for walking well and with others outside of therapy. That’s how we build a more hopeful, grounded, peaceful relationship with ourselves, others, and the general culture that encourages us to be unhealthy, do it by ourselves, mentally. On BetterHelp, I equip men navigating ADHD, anger, and relationship issues. I also work with individuals exploring bipolar tendencies, personality dynamics, trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, and emotional regulation. But none of these words define a person. Therapy works best when it’s built on mutual trust, honestly and a shared commitment to understanding how we impact each other and how we are doing in relationship to ourselves and others, as well as coping with stressors of everyday life, no matter the circumstances. I look forward to working with and for you when you're ready lean into thearpy I'd be honored to help. Warmly, Bryan Young, LPC

Stacy Reynolds
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” is a metaphor used to encourage optimism and a positive can-do attitude in the face of adversity. Lemons represent adversity or difficulty in life and making lemonade is turning those difficulties into something sweet or positive. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health disorder at one point in their lives. Consequently, nearly two-thirds of those people living with a mental disorder never seek help from a health professional. Reaching out for help, demonstrates strength and courage and a willingness to persevere! Stacy Reynolds strives to bring an integrated approach, within her experience, expertise, clarity, goal - setting, and has the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively navigate difficult life issues. She possesses a genuine concern for the client and their pain. Stacy earned a Master of Arts Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Sociology and Psychology from Michigan State University. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in The State of Texas and is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Stacy has over 3 years counseling experience with diverse populations with varying mental health and physical disabilities in a variety of settings. She has provided evidenced based counseling practices and skills group trainings in a residential treatment facility, private rehabilitation, a program serving clients with varying mental health disorders and physical disabilities and a program that provides educational, employment and independent living services. Stacy brings a wholistic approach with use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness Training Therapy. Specialty areas include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, self-esteem, schizophrenia and psychosis. Stacy also has significant experience working with adults who have experienced varying degrees of trauma, various types of physical and/or sexual abuse, abandonment and/or neglect, dysfunctional family systems, as well as issues related to mental health and physical disabilities. Help me, help you to effectively deal with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, anger, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, psychosis, trauma or other interrelated disorders or phobias.

Cassandra Hemphill
Cassandra Hemphill is a Licensed Professional Counselor and State Board Approved Supervisor in the state of Texas. She received her graduate degree in Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1998. Cassandra has worked in various setting, including mental health treatment centers, non-profits and in middle and high school settings. Cassandra has experience in working with children and teens in the foster care system, as well as working with families.

Mary Shands
About Me: Mary is a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in the State of Missouri and Texas with over 12 years experience in working with clients from pre-K through late adulthood. Mary has worked in the school districts as a Counselor in Special Education and General Education, an insurance company, Veterans, substance abuse treatment center and a sexual offender treatment center. Mary has helped client’s with a wide range of concerns including trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues and parenting problems. Assistance has also included working with clients experiencing emotional abuse, as well as separation issues related to adoption. Mary uses several types of therapy including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Client- Centered Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Therapy. Mary brings exceptional listening skills, caring and most of all energetic personality. Mary is licensed in two states and is current on all required trainings. Mary also does presentations at various venues and provides training. Also experienced in assisting those with mental health issues related to COVID-19 and diagnosis, Codependency, Women’s and Teen Issues and Self Esteem. Mary has a very warm and caring demeanor and enjoys talking and listening to others. SPECIALTIES • Veterans • Stress, Anxiety • Trauma and Abuse • Parenting issues • Addictions • Family Conflict Clinical Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Client Centered Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Ana Ortiz
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Texas with over 12 years of experience working as a rehab counselor, advocate, and therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including brain injury, depression, anxiety, domestic violence, relationship issues, parenting problems, career/vocational challenges, and chronic pain. I have also worked with many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, person centered, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your specific needs. My therapy style is warm and interactive and you will always be met with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. It takes courage to seek help and I very much enjoy helping people find a more fulfilling and happier life. Thank you for allowing me to help you make those changes. I look forward to working with you!

Vicki Packheiser
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Texas with 35+ years of professional clinical experience working successfully with individuals, couples, families, and groups. I have also been a professor at the University of Texas teaching clinical skills to graduate social work students. My experience has been with a broad range of client issues across the life span. I have additional training in creative intuitive painting and the expressive arts and enjoy supporting clients in expressing their creativity to support their healing and personal growth. I strongly believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My clients have often commented on my “natural warmth and compassionate presence” and my “caring and accepting style”. I believe you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming the challenges you are facing. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. I look forward to supporting and empowering you on that journey.

Daniel Alvarez
I am licensed in Texas with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, & 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!

Sally Rye
I am licensed in Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Jasmine Taylor
I am licensed in Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and parenting issues. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in the journey to increasing your self-awareness and becoming the best you!

Karen Kavaloski
Hello, my name is Karen Kavaloski and I am a LPC in New Mexico, North Carolina and in Missouri. I was originally licensed as a counselor in 2009 while working in Arizona by the State of North Carolina after making a career change from a almost 30 year history in nursing. My passion since I was a young adult was counseling and it took me almost 30 years to achieve my goal of becoming a counselor. I was a Marine wife for almost 30 years and have traveled allot, I have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. My youngest, a son, and one of my grandchildren are severely autistic so I can identify with the stress and struggles some families have with managing special needs within their family. I am also a cancer survivor. I believe we all have an ability to heal the body, mind and soul and I consciously strive daily to be an active participant in my life and support and encourage others to do the same. My education beyond my nursing and counseling includes a Masters in Business Administration and a Doctorate in (Christian) Ministries. I have worked primarily over this past 15 years with trauma and substance abuse in the adult population with about 3 years working with the teenage population in these areas. I also have worked about 5 years total with prison reentry and counseling individuals and families with histories of incarceration in state and federal prison. I believe in working with individuals and families to achieve their highest goals. I believe the client is the expert in his/her own life and I fully encourage one to strive to work towards building a strong foundation within themselves and their families whatever that looks like to them, to that end I use focused solution therapy, internal systems therapy, mindfulness/compassion therapy, cognitive and cognitive behavioral, dialectical therapy, emotional freedom techniques and/or neurolinguistic techniques . Outside my therapy practice, I spend my leisure time reading. meditation/praying and gardening. I do light exercise daily.
Find a therapist serving clients in Texas
What types of therapists are available to clients in Pleasanton?
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 Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Pleasanton 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, Pleasanton therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton 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 Pleasanton 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.