Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Bastrop, TX

"As a woman, mother, and counselor living in today's modern society, I understand the difficulties of navigating the ever-changing and challenging world in which we live."

Melissa Stevens is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 9 years of experience in the mental health field. She is dedicated and passionate when it comes to helping children, teens, adults, and families work through issues related to self-harm, suicidal tendencies and thoughts, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, trauma, relationship issues, and major life transitions.

Melissa completed her Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Melissa has spent several years of her life working as an LPC within the school setting serving youth ages 6-19. She truly enjoys working with students and their families. Melissa uses an integrative approach to working with her clients that focuses on using what best fits each client. The modalities she often uses consist of person-centered (PCT, Rogerian) methods, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), solutions-focused (SFT) therapy, art and music therapy, relational, faith-based, and family systems therapy (FST).

We could all use someone to help us talk through and navigate these difficult and challenging situations and feelings. If you, your child, or your family are ready to move towards a stronger sense of self-actualization and self-determination in a comfortable, safe, and judgment-free zone, schedule your appointment with Melissa today.

"We all have a story to tell. Let me be the one to help you navigate through your story, in a therapeutic, compassionate, and empathetic way."

Valerie Posas, PsyD, is a highly dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has over 10 years of extensive experience in counseling people from diverse backgrounds, and in various settings. Dr. Posas is a native of Texas, but she spent 13 years in California and in traveling the world to complete various mental health trainings. She worked for the California Department State Hospital, as a Senior Psychologist Specialist, from 2015-2021. While at the State Hospital, Dr. Posas completed various trainings required for the forensic work setting, including extensive trauma-informed care trainings, and she utilized her trainings to train other staff members about the importance of trauma-informed care. Therefore, Dr. Posas has a great passion for trauma work and helping individuals heal their trauma. Her professional background includes education and clinical experiences that have focused on mental health, behavior, and learning.

Dr. Posas completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communication Studies at the University of Texas. She completed both her Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology, with an emphasis in Child and Adolescent Psychology, and her Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Applied Clinical Psychology at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Prior to making the decision to enter the field of psychology, Dr. Posas completed the Post Baccalaureate course requirements in Special Education and Bilingual Education at the University of Texas-Austin. Although she was initially looking forward to a career in the field of education, Dr. Posas's personal and professional experiences, during that time and prior, led to the desire and ultimately the outcome of furthering her education in the field of psychology.

Dr. Posas specializes in trauma work and her primary goal is to help people heal their bodies, minds, and souls. She is aware of the importance of knowing what trauma is, knowing how trauma impacts individuals differently, knowing about the biological responses to trauma, and knowing how trauma can lead to various behaviors. With a greater understanding of trauma, Dr. Posas approaches each individual client with compassion and empathy, and she takes on a more eclectic approach to therapy, which allows her to utilize various theoretical orientations and techniques to address each individual client’s needs.

"I am a very compassionate therapist with the gift and ability to connect very quickly to clients so that they can begin the changes they desire to reach their immediate goals."

Susan Farris is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in helping clients with trauma, grief, depression, anxiety, life transition, and relationship issues. 

Some of Susan's skills include working with sexual abuse survivors who are now in a caring relationship and navigating some of those difficulties that arise from past traumas. She is curious about power imbalances and control and how to repair that in a relationship. Susan works with same-sex couples, too. She likes to work around divorce issues for couples and families. Susan has empathy and works with grief and loss, focusing on finding the hidden strengths that a person has acquired and focusing on positivity and growth.

Susan is a graduate of the University of Texas School of Social Work. She is a very compassionate therapist with the gift and ability to connect very quickly to clients so that they can begin the changes they desire to reach their immediate goals.

"Whether you have a serious issue, specific challenge, or are just looking to increase happiness and improve your quality of life, I can help."

Katherine Hyer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of experience working with individuals in the mental health field. Katherine has particular expertise working with all types of individuals 15 years old and older who have multiple mental health concerns or substance use. Katherine has had the privilege of working with diverse individuals from all walks of life. Regardless of what you are facing, Katherine believes that therapy can support healing as well as positive and healthy change. Katherine’s counseling experience has been centered around teenagers and adults surviving trauma, PTSD, depression, and anxiety, and puts a high value on building self-care and resilience in all her clients. She is a strengths-based therapist with a strong cognitive behavioral background and enjoys incorporating a wide variety of evidence-based modalities to meet the needs of her clients. Everyone is different, Katherine will work closely with you to tailor an approach that best fits your needs and helps you meet your goals.

Katherine Hyer received her Master's in Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2016. Katherine's therapeutic style is down-to-earth, practical, and collaborative. Katherine uses evidence-based modalities, such as DBT, motivational interviewing, solution-focused, and CBT, and maintains a strengths-based perspective with all of her clients.

Katherine believes that it is never too early or too late for change. Katherine strives to provide effective therapy in a safe and compassionate environment. If you are ready for help, make an appointment with Katherine.

"My goal as a therapist is to create an environment for people to feel safe enough to be vulnerable and feel they can show up as their authentic selves. "

Gina Carlino is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who works with clients who need support while they or their family member has either a dual diagnosis, or is struggling with an addiction such as drug or alcohol abuse. Gina is passionate about working with families and helping to rebuild trust in relationships. She has specialized training in working with couples to enhance their communications.

Gina completed her master's degree in Counseling Education at Texas State University. Her work with clients spans a variety of issues, ranging from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, grief and loss, and family/relationship issues. She has a special affinity for working with the elderly and their end-of-life issues. If your loved one has Alzheimer's and you need support, then contact Gina Carlino for a consultation.