geometry-shapes iconInfidelity, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Marital & Premarital, Spirituality, Grief
In Person & Online in Irving, TX
7 years in practice
Ages served: 11-65+
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Chandrika accepts 6 insurers
Aetna
Cigna | Evernorth
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$200
first session
$170
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About Chandrika

I am a licensed professional counselor associate (LPCA) with 7 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and families through emotional and relational challenges. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, communication difficulties, eating disorders, and life stressors. I am passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths, gain new perspectives, and feel more empowered in their daily lives.


I earned my master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Abilene Christian University. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and individualized, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solution-focused therapy, narrative therapy, and motivational interviewing to help clients build practical tools for lasting change.


I understand that reaching out for support can be a vulnerable and overwhelming experience. I create a safe, compassionate space where you feel respected and heard. Together, we’ll identify root concerns, strengthen coping skills, and work toward meaningful growth. When you’re ready, I invite you to schedule a session and begin your journey forward.

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Chandrika Watts's profile image

"As a woman of color who has experienced trauma, I deeply understand how life can sometimes hand you situations that feel overwhelming and hard to navigate, and I will walk this journey with you."

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Get to know Chandrika

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

I became a counselor for the ones who have been bullied, teased, or made to feel “different.” For the neurodivergent minds who see and experience the world in unique ways. For the people who feel unheard, overlooked, or misunderstood. For those who have started to believe there is no hope—and especially for those who have been written off by others.


I do this work to create a space where you are not too much, not too complicated, and not beyond help. A space where your story matters, your voice is valued, and hope can be rebuilt—one step at a time.

What types of clients do you work best with?

I work best with individuals who are carrying more than they feel able to manage on their own—those experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, or low self-esteem. I am especially drawn to walking alongside people who feel overwhelmed internally but still show up every day trying their best.


I also support couples navigating the pain of infidelity or the frustration of ongoing communication issues, helping them rebuild trust, strengthen understanding, and reconnect in meaningful ways. And I have a heart for teens who are struggling to fit in—whether at school, at home, or within themselves—creating a safe space where they can feel accepted, understood, and empowered to grow into who they are meant to be.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

One thing I wish all clients knew is that healing is not linear—and that doesn’t mean you’re failing. Growth often looks like progress, pause, setback, insight, and breakthrough all mixed together. The hard days do not erase the work you’ve done.


I also wish more people understood that you don’t have to be in crisis to come to therapy. You don’t have to have the “right words,” a clear diagnosis, or everything figured out. Therapy is simply a space to be human—to unpack, to process, to learn, and to grow at your own pace.


Most importantly, healing is possible. Even if it feels distant right now.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

In the initial session you can expect to have a conversation and not be interrogated. I want to create a space where you feel like you are respected, heard and safe. So we will spend time where I get to know you, why you came in and what has been weighing on you. There will also be some usual things like reviewing confidentiality, discussing how therapy works and I can answer any questions you might have for me. I may ask about your history, relationships, and current stressors—but you are always in control of what you share and at what pace.


Most importantly, you can expect warmth, curiosity, and collaboration. The first session is about beginning to build trust and making sure you feel comfortable moving forward together.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?

My practice is deeply informed by my spirituality, the traumatic experiences I have endured, and the growth that came from healing through them. Those experiences allow me to sit with others in their pain with genuine empathy and understanding. I value authenticity—showing up as my full, real self—and I create space for my clients to do the same without fear of judgment. My ability to accept people as they are, along with my own comfort in being a little eccentric and not needing to fit into a mold, helps foster a safe, open environment where individuality is honored and healing can unfold naturally.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

Tailoring therapy to meet a client's unique needs starts with talking to the client. Forming a therapeutic alliance that is informed with information straight from the person is very helpful. Since I use collaborative and person centered this opens up the opportunity for me to have the client's input on what they feel would be a good method to use with them since they are the expert in their own life. Once I feel I have a good grasp on them, then we come up with a therapy style that will be best for the particular person or persons.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesInfidelity, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Marital & Premarital, Spirituality, Grief, Domestic Abuse, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Autism, ADHD, Eating Disorder, Life Transition, Relationships, Self-Harming, Antisocial Personality, Developmental Disorders, Domestic Violence, Dual Diagnosis, Mood Disorders, Neurodiversity, Panic Attack, Peer Relationships, Personality Disorders, Social Anxiety, Step-Family / Blended Family Issues, Suicidal Ideation, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Career Counseling, Alcohol Use, Substance Use, Parenting, Racial Identity, School Issues, Divorce
ApproachesChristian Counseling, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative, Existential Therapy, Any / Eclectic, Family / Marital, Psychotherapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Person-Centered Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Strength-Based Therapy, Faith-Based Counseling
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Education and training

Years in practice
7 years
Graduating institute
Abilene Christian University
Graduating degree
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1437045523
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State of practiceTX
Practice location

Practice information

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Chandrika Watts

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate (LPCA)she/her