Our counselors offer counseling for teens in Waco, TX

James Atkison is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 12 years experience in the mental health field. He has experiences with trauma, PTSD, suicidal and non-suicidal self injury, as well as depression and anxiety. He works with children, adolescents, adults to help them achieve the success they are desiring.

James completed his Master's degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Central Oklahoma. He is a combat veteran from the Army and understands the stresses of transitioning to civilian life. This, in addition to his professional experience, enables him to provide the guidance and support his clients are seeking. James utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and motivational interviewing (MI).

Life is like a river with calm waters and rapids. James is confident that he would be able to provide you will the tools to navigate the river of Life. If you are ready to gain the tools and knowledge you need to navigate the rapids in your life, schedule an appointment with him today.

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.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with 27 years of experience helping clients navigate emotional, behavioral, and relational challenges. I work with individuals across all ages, supporting those experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and self-esteem issues. My goal is to provide a safe, collaborative environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes that improve their quality of life.

I earned a Master’s in Psychology from Regis University. My therapeutic approach is integrative and client-centered, combining evidence-based techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. I focus on helping clients build resilience, self-awareness, and healthy coping strategies for lasting growth.

I understand that seeking help takes courage, and I aim to make that step feel safe and supported. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for change, I’m here to walk alongside you. Together, we can explore what’s holding you back and create a path toward healing, balance, and renewed confidence.

Shaun Richardson is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 2 years of experience. He specializes in helping others deal with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and other challenges. Adopting a humanistic point of view, Shaun recognizes that all clients have unique stories, issues, and concerns. He provides individual, family, and couples counseling to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Shaun received his Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Amberton University. He utilizes existential therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, Christian counseling, and mindfulness techniques, depending on individual needs and goals.

If you are looking for someone who will listen to, understand, and support you on your journey to your best self, don't hesitate to reach out. Shaun would be honored to work with you!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 13 years of experience in clinical assessment, case management, and therapy services. I specialize in working with children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, behavioral challenges, depression, and anxiety. I am passionate about enhancing client outcomes through innovative therapy techniques and compassionate care, while creating safe and supportive spaces for healing and growth.

I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Memphis. I use a blend of thought-provoking rapport, strong internal work, and humor to help clients build resilience, strengthen coping skills, and develop healthier relationships.

I welcome clients to work with me as they move beyond hardship and self-doubt. My goal is to help you navigate the weeds of negativity and step into a space of personal growth, well-being, and renewal. Together, we will work toward rediscovering joy, confidence, and inner peace.

Meghan Paravi is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with 5 years of experience. She treats clients of all ages who are struggling with life transitions, ADHD, depression, anxiety, and grief, among other concerns. Meghan strives to look at each client individually, as they are the expert on their life. Her practice is rooted in the belief that individuals possess inherent strength and resilience. Meghan is committed to creating a collaborative and empathetic therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives.

Meghan earned her Master’s in Counseling from Loma Linda University. She collaborates with clients to develop effective strategies and techniques tailored to their unique needs, promoting personal growth and positive change. Meghan uses approaches including exposure response prevention, experiential therapy, expressive arts, and psychoanalysis.

Meghan partners with clients to discover life beyond “existing” or “surviving” in broken relationships, impaired thinking, painful behavior patterns, and debilitating intense emotions. She will walk alongside you, empowering you to discover hope, healing, and happiness to reach your fullest potential.

I am a licensed professional counselor associate, LPC Associate who is under the supervision of John Joslin LPC-S, with 2 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, life transitions, and the stress of uncertainty. I work with individuals who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves and are seeking greater clarity, balance, and emotional understanding. I tailor sessions to each client, creating space for reflection, curiosity, and practical tools that support growth and emotional awareness.

I earned my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Louisiana. My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, incorporating mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, existential therapy, and child-centered play therapy.

If you’re feeling uncertain, stuck, or navigating a season of change, you don’t have to do it alone. Counseling can provide a space to slow down, reflect, and move forward with intention. I strive to create a supportive environment where you feel heard and empowered as we work together toward meaningful and lasting change.

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 4 years of experience working with individuals ages 12 through 40+ who are navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered as they work toward meaningful and lasting change.

I earned my master’s degree in counseling from the University of Texas Permian Basin. My work is practical and skills-focused, incorporating dialectical behavior therapy, internal family systems, and EMDR to address underlying emotional patterns, trauma, and somatic symptoms. I integrate psychoeducation to help clients better understand their experiences.

Therapy with me is a collaborative process where you can feel safe, supported, and understood. We will work at a pace that feels right for you, building insight and practical tools to help you feel more grounded, confident, and capable in your daily life.

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) with 4 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults through anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, and stress related to health or family dynamics. I have experience in both medical and therapy settings and offer compassionate, culturally responsive care that honors each client’s values and lived experiences.

I earned my master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. My approach is collaborative and strength-based, grounded in acceptance and commitment therapy. I help clients better understand their thoughts and emotions while building practical coping skills that support meaningful, values-driven change.

If you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, therapy can be a supportive next step. I strive to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard and accepted. Together, we will move at a pace that feels right for you and work toward greater balance, resilience, and growth.

John Alvarez is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years of experience in the mental health field. John specializes in working with adults, seniors, teens, and adolescents with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, grief/loss, parenting issues, relationship issues, stress and anger management, behavioral issues, work and school issues, and change of life challenges. He also works with couples and families to improve communication dynamics.

John earned his Master's Degree in Community Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He likes to help clients understand the root of their problems through open, informal conversation. He takes an eclectic approach and specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy for addressing changes to behaviors and person-centered therapy for gentle bereavement support.

John is an empathic clinician who takes time to understand each client as an individual. With a wealth of varied experience as a mental health practitioner, John is adept at assessing the needs of each client to help create a personalized path to their goals. With a supportive and listening ear, John is ready to meet you as you take your next steps.

Elizabeth (Beth) Farr is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with 5 years of experience. She specializes in grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, gender identity concerns, self-esteem, life transitions, and relationship issues. Her past work rehabilitating youth in a juvenile detention center and with adults in crisis embodies her core competencies: cultural sensitivity, empathic communication, and advocacy. Beth believes that the foundation of successful therapy is establishing a client-counselor relationship based on genuine caring, respect, and understanding.

Beth earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Our Lady of the Lake University. She utilizes techniques from person-centered therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, existential therapy, and other evidence-based practices, tailoring each session to support your unique needs.

Looking for a supportive space to navigate life’s challenges? Beth is passionate about helping you develop coping skills and build resilience. Healing and growth are within reach, and she is ready to explore your unique journey together. Please schedule an appointment today to discuss how Beth can support you.

Dwight Newell is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. He has worked in outpatient, inpatient, and intensive outpatient settings to offer quality mental healthcare to assist those in need. He has worked with individuals, families, and couples to assist them in learning the steps necessary to reach their greatest level of happiness. Dwight has worked with all age ranges needing to learn skills to reach higher levels of life satisfaction. Dwight has worked with parents to help them learn ways to guide their children to attain a greater level of emotional health. Dwight has worked to assist children to have healthier relationships with peers and their families. Additionally, Dwight has worked with adults of all ages to help them reach greater levels of work/life balance and happiness. Dwight has worked with persons of all ages to assist them with situations that trigger increased anxiety, depression, and decreased functioning. Dwight specializes in mood issues, anger, anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues which contribute to problems in functioning.

Dwight completed a Master of Counseling Psychology Degree at Mississippi College. During his career, he has worked with all kinds of people struggling with a variety of psychological conditions that impeded their daily functioning. Dwight has worked with military families and helped them learn ways to deal with the unique challenges they face. Dwight has worked with people from all walks of life who simply lack confidence and motivation to reach their greatest potential as a member of society, their families, and as an individual. Dwight utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and Christian counseling to help individuals and families learn the skills necessary to grow. Dwight's experiences in numerous settings with people from all walks of life coupled with extensive experience with the counseling approaches mentioned above allow him to assist clients wherever they may be in life and assist them in reaching their goals.

Dwight has learned some things about people throughout his career to this point. The fact is that everyone needs help figuring out the next step in life sometimes. We all have difficult experiences that we have to learn to navigate. Getting experienced, thoughtful advice can assist one at a critical crossroads in life. If you are willing to put in the effort to implement new strategies that will promote mental, physical, and spiritual growth, schedule an appointment with Dwight today!

Ragan Cantrell is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with 3 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, relationship conflicts, and self-esteem concerns. She is particularly dedicated to partnering with highly motivated clients looking for a safe, supportive environment to achieve their personal goals and provides valuable insight and support for individuals seeking positive change in their lives.

Ragan has a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School. In her practice, she employs evidence-based approaches tailored to meet each client's needs including cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, and person-centered therapy to develop adaptive coping skills.

Reaching out for support can be challenging, but Ragan is committed to providing patience and understanding throughout your healing journey. If you are ready to embark on the path toward becoming your best self, you are in the right place. Ragan looks forward to connecting with you and collaborating to achieve your mental health goals.

Dominica Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has 5 years of experience working with all different populations, including adults, children/adolescents, and geriatric, while providing individual, family, couples, and group counseling. Dominica has also worked with clients who suffer from drug/alcohol addiction, depression, anxiety, family/relationship issues, anger problems, communication problems, and severe mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), etc. She has helped many people who have experienced physical trauma, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse.

Dominica completed her Master of Science (MS) in Mental Health Counseling at Capella University. She is easygoing, open, accepting, and flexible. Her counseling style is warm, collaborative, and welcoming. Dominica’s approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), humanistic, psychodynamic, solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, and rational-emotive counseling. She will tailor your dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs/goals. Seeking counseling can be a hard step for anyone to take. Dominica is here to support and empower you in your time of need, and she looks forward to working with you!

Safyah Alam is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 8 years of experiencing working with adolescents and adults to address anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship conflicts, and personality disorders. She is passionate about social justice, redefining cultural and gender roles, and being true to self without sacrificing personal integrity and core values. Safyah is kind, patient, and understanding with all of her clients regardless of cultural, religious, and racial identities. Her open demeanor helps people lower the walls they have built to protect themselves and share their stories in a non-judgmental space.

Safyah received her Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Univeristy of Houston Clear Lake. She draws on elements from humanistic therapy, culturally-sensitive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and compassion-focused therapy to create a customized treatment plan for her clients.

Safyah can help you become a healthier version of yourself and is committed to providing you a warm and welcoming environment in your healing journey. She is eager to learn more about you, what makes you who you are, and how best to guide you through the struggles you are experiencing. Please reach out today and see if she is a good fit for your needs.

Sara Wolf is a Licensed Professional Counseling Associate, being supervised by Christopher Hansen LPC-S, with a year’s worth of experience working with victims of crime, helping them work through PTSD, anxiety, depression, and grief. She is passionate about assisting children, adolescents, adults, and couples to navigate changes in life, self-esteem, and mental stress.

Sara received her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Texas A&M University - Kingsville. She utilizes integrative therapy, narrative therapy, and person-centered therapy. Sara likes to use activities to help clients see the growth and changes that they have made.

Sara creates a safe space for individuals seeking support. With a focus on empathy and personal growth, she invites you to embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Reach out to explore the possibilities of a brighter tomorrow.

Alec Leerburger-Mahl is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 7 years of experience. He is a supportive therapist helping individuals struggling with anxiety, overthinking, or self-doubt, especially in the Queer community. He offers a safe space to process emotions, tackle challenges, and build confidence. Whether it’s relationships, career stress, or self-advocacy, Alec works with clients to develop strategies for growth and resilience.

Alec earned his Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation and Counseling from Louisiana State University. He prioritizes authentic connections with clients, blending cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, Gestalt, and solution-focused therapy. He collaborates to create tailored strategies that inspire growth and meaningful change.

Alec helps those struggling with many modalities, especially when self-advocacy feels difficult. He offers a supportive space to explore these challenges and build confidence. Reach out today!

Elizabeth Janca is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 9 years of experience who specializes in depression, stress and anxiety, child therapy and parenting, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. She also works with those with concerns around autism, LGBTQ+-related issues, polyamory/ENM, trauma, grief, chronic pain, and ADHD. Elizabeth offers play therapy for children, activity and group therapy for adolescents, and talk therapy for adults. Before becoming a counselor, she spent 5 years in middle school education as an Academic Counselor and Assistant Principal.

Elizabeth holds a Master’s in Counseling and Development from Texas Woman's University. She supports a person-centered approach with techniques and psychoeducation from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to challenge and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, improve emotional regulation, and develop coping strategies.

Elizabeth believes counseling is a collaborative process to support and guide individuals to reach their goals. She lets clients set the focus of sessions and encourages them to take an active role in treatment planning. If you are ready to begin, book an appointment with Elizabeth today.

Mia Stallworth is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 2 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping adolescents, adults, and couples address their unique challenges and live more fulfilled lives. Mia specializes in depression, anxiety, attachment, trauma, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions.

Mia is a dedicated professional with ample experience in providing compassionate care using evidence-based interventions. This, coupled with her professional experience, enables her to provide the guidance and support her clients are seeking. Mia utilizes multiple treatment approaches including CBT, REBT, and person-centered therapy.

Mia believes in the importance of feeling heard, seen, and understood through establishing a safe and non-judgmental space. As your therapist, Mia will always advocate for your personal growth. She believes everyone has the strength to overcome the challenges they face and would be honored to help guide you through your journey.

Njideka Obi is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Nationally Certified Counselor with 7 years of experience in mental health. She has extensive experience helping clients from all walks of life, including from working in private practice and community health settings. Njideka is dedicated to helping people of all ages, including children, adolescents, teens, and adults, to overcome the challenges of life and lead healthy, functional lives. She specializes in treating various conditions like anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, anger, grief and loss, adjustment, trauma, and more.

Njideka has a Master's in Professional Counseling from Argosy University. She is committed to helping her clients grow, creating a safe space for effective problem-solving. She uses various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational Interviewing, and solution-focused therapy, and adapts them to each client.

Njideka believes that challenges can be viewed as opportunities for growth. She can help you overcome challenges by exploring your goals, strengths, and aspirations. Reflecting on yourself and your interactions with others can help you gain a better understanding of who you are. Schedule a session with Njideka and begin your journey together.

Brian Milton is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with 6 years of experience working with addiction and substance use issues. Brian has experience working with adolescents and adults and specializes in anxiety, depression, life changes and difficulties, trauma, men's issues, ADHD issues, helping those find purpose, coping skills for stress, and communication skills. Prior to being a counselor, Brian spent time working in various drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers with teens and adults.

Brian holds a Master’s in counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary. Brian can offer Christian-based counseling upon request but also tailors evidence-based theories and techniques to the needs of the client to meet them where they are. He uses humanistic and person-centered techniques with CBT and DBT to challenge beliefs and thoughts and foster change.

Brian believes therapy is a collaborative effort to guide folks toward their goals. Brian helps the individual set the focus of the session and has them actively participate in the planning of treatment to achieve these goals and desired outcomes. If you're ready to begin your journey for change and improvement, book your session with Brian.

Victoria Whitmire is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 5 years of experience working with teens and families, including in crisis intervention counseling and emergency psychiatric services. She is passionate about helping youth and their families navigate past trauma, self-harm, behavioral issues, substance abuse, depression, and anxiety—or simply offering extra support in managing stress.

Victoria earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Oklahoma State University, and her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Texas-Arlington, with a direct practice in Mental Health and Substance Abuse. She can offer guidance during difficult times, challenges, and life transitions. She believes in an eclectic counseling approach, providing a supportive and safe space for individuals who would like to explore experiences, achieve their goals, and build skills to help them thrive.

Victoria believes in providing client-centered treatment individually tailored to the client where she collaborates with them in working towards their goals in a fun and unique way while using evidence-based practices and highly researched therapeutic methods. If you are an adolescent, young adult, or concerned guardian looking for someone to help, Victoria is confident she can assist you in meeting your goals. She looks forward to you scheduling your first session.

Rachel Brohammer is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 6 years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about helping children, adolescents, and adults work through their stressors and challenges and discover their own inner strength. Rachel specializes in trauma, anxiety, anger, child therapy, and stress management. 

Rachel graduated from The University of Texas-Tyler, earning her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and has worked in a variety of settings at multiple levels of care since then. Rachel's approach to therapy is person-centered (PCT) and she combines cognitive-behavioral (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and trauma-focused therapy (T-FC) elements to best meet each individual's needs.

Life is full of challenges and struggles and sometimes everyone needs help. Rachel would love to be able to help and support you on your journey toward healing and overcoming challenges. If you're ready to start your journey, please reach out and schedule your appointment today.

Christian Hudson-Wallis is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas with over 5 years of professional experience assisting clients of all ages to cope with the effects of anxiety, depression, anger, bipolar disorder, trauma, and PTSD. Christian is skilled in using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), humanistic techniques, Rogerian methods, existential therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), the Gottman Method, and acceptance and commitment (ACT) approaches.

Christian earned her Master's degree in Family Psychology from Hardin-Simmons University.  One of the main areas she usually touches on with clients is trauma, and how any trauma or negative life events may be holding them back from where they hope to be. Christian's main concern is making sure clients feel respected, safe, listened to, and trusting so they feel comfortable in opening up about what they are going through. She recognizes what a personal and scary process therapy can be.

Empathetic listening and compassion help Christian to delve into a client's world and be in the moment with them. Christian is there to remind you that whatever you are struggling with, you are not alone. No matter how frightening or embarrassing it may be to open up to a new person about personal things, she hopes to help you gain the skills and peace of mind you need to get through difficult times.

Tawnie Putignano is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has over 15 years of diverse experience in the field of social work, including working with adolescent youth in juvenile probation centers, adults and families with disabilities, older adults in healthcare centers and skilled nursing facilities, hospital social work, and in providing therapeutic counseling to children, adolescents, families, couples and individuals in both school, home and clinical based settings.

Tawnie completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at California State Long Beach University. She enjoys working with adolescent youth and helping to bridge communication gaps with parents. She has an excellent ability to quickly gain trust and build rapport with her clients to aid in meeting counseling goals. Tawnie enjoys working with individuals, and enjoys helping couples improve their communication skills to enhance their quality of life with themselves and with each other.

Tawnie will work with you to identify your goals, and will provide you with the skills and support that you need to meet them. She brings a humanistic, solution-focused, client-centered approach to her therapeutic counseling. Tawnie will create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs, utilizing narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Cherese Kelley is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 2 years of experience. She specializes in supporting individuals ages 6 through 45 who are experiencing behavioral issues, mental stress, ADHD, adoption, depression, anxiety, domestic abuse, complex trauma, narcissism, and women’s issues. Cherese’s ideal client is open and ready to journey through healing and shows up even on the hard days!

Cherese holds a Master of Arts in Christian Counseling from Houston Baptism University and a Bachelor of Science from Florida A&M University. She uses Christ-centered therapy, attachment theory, Christian counseling, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, theraplay techniques, and trust-based relational intervention.

If you are looking for a chance to experience real healing through a partnership that will change your feelings of being stuck, anxious, confused, embarrassed, insecure, or lost, Cherese is waiting for you! Reach out to schedule your first appointment today.

*Appointments for children 10 and under will need to be scheduled for in-person only

Ruby Adjei is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Texas who has over 6 years of experience partnering with children, adults, and families who are seeking help with addiction, anger, depression, anxiety, life transitions, and trauma. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Texas-Tyler and received her Master's degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University.

Ruby utilizes a variety of treatment modalities that include cognitive-behavioral (CBT), mindfulness-based approaches, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), strengths-based approaches, and trauma-informed care. All of her therapy modalities will be designed to meet the unique and individual needs of the client and/or family.

Ruby seeks to establish a partnership with every client. She will assist each client in creating more meaningful experiences that will generate success in every area of life. Ruby's empathic and compassionate approach allows every client to experience, develop and gain strategies for better living.