Therapists for college students near Rice University
New Beginning Solutions
You're an adult who grew up without the emotional nurturing you needed by having a distant parent, inconsistent caregiving, or years spent being the strong one. You desired love, but received mental and emotional pain from people you trusted. Now, these early wounds are showing up as anxiety, self-doubt, depression, overthinking, trauma-responses, relationship struggles, low self-esteem, or feeling disconnected and lost. You want peace, clarity, wholeness, and the ability to break generational patterns so you can show up fully, with purpose, and thrive in life as an adult, a partner, a parent, and/or a professional. I help adults heal from the impact of childhood emotional wounds using a trauma-informed, faith-integrated approach. I work towards guiding adults to rebuild self-trust, regulate emotions, strengthen relationships, and create an inner safety they've always deserved. I provide a therapeutic and transformational frame through individual, couples, and group work. You don't have to keep carrying these wounds alone. Healing is possible. It is time to experience a safe space where your story is honored without judgment. If you're ready for supportive work that helps you to feel whole again, I'd be honored to walk with you on this journey. Let's take the next step together.
Be Free Therapeutic Services
You’ve worked hard to get where you are. You’re successful, capable, and admired — yet inside you might feel anxious, overwhelmed, or like you’re barely holding it together. I often work with high-functioning students, student athletes, graduate students and new graduates and professionals who look put together on the outside but struggle with self-doubt, hidden stress, and emotions that feel out of control. You may be tired of carrying it all alone or feel like something has to change but don’t know where to start. I provide a grounded, supportive space where your experience is taken seriously and your goals matter. Together, we’ll explore the patterns that keep you feeling stuck and develop practical, personalized strategies that help you feel more confident, centered, and in charge of your life again. I help you strengthen internal resilience, deepen self-awareness, and build habits that align with the person you want to be. Many clients find greater clarity, calm, and self-trust as they learn to respond to life rather than just react. You can expect honest conversation, real support, and tools that actually work — so you can step into your strengths, lead with intention, and feel more fulfilled both personally and professionally.
BRANDI STARKS
I offer patient-centered, trauma-informed, evidence-based care to guide you on your journey to mental wellness. With a collaborative and personalized approach, I cater to individuals of all ages and various mental health conditions. If these experiences resonate with you and you're ready for positive change, don't hesitate to reach out. Taking the first step towards healing is commendable, and it's always the right time to work towards a better version of yourself. Available in person in Houston, TX and virtually in Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Texas, Kansas, Arizona, Delaware, and Montana.
Sharon Heath, MBS, LPC
Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.
Cura Meadows Mental Health
Finding Balance and Support in College College can be exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Between managing classes, relationships, future plans, and daily responsibilities, it’s easy to feel stressed, anxious, or emotionally drained. Maybe you’re struggling with focus, motivation, or perfectionism. Maybe you’re dealing with self-doubt, past experiences, or mental health challenges that make it hard to keep up. At Cura Meadows, I specialize in helping college students who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next steps. Many of my clients are thoughtful, ambitious individuals who want to do well but feel weighed down by stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, or burnout. Some are navigating family expectations or healing from past trauma, while others just need support in managing the pressures of college life. I offer therapy and medication management in a space where you can process what you’re going through and find real solutions. Whether it’s learning new coping strategies, addressing underlying patterns, or exploring whether medication could help with focus, mood, or anxiety, our work is personalized to fit your needs. You don’t have to figure this all out on your own. If you’re looking for support that meets you where you are, I’d love to help.
Kerry Adamek, LPC
I am licensed in Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & bipolar disorder. 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!
Karl P. Nielsen
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or academic stress, feeling lonely or homesick, navigating new relationships, choosing a career path, or simply having difficulty adjusting to college life and becoming more independent? This is where counseling can help with a counselor who’s been there. My first experience with professional counseling occurred when I walked into my school’s counseling center after an unexpected personal loss during my freshman year that greatly impacted the rest of my time in college. I had no idea that years later I would become a professional counselor myself seeing college students in my office. College can be simultaneously one of the most exciting and stressful times of a young adult’s life with little to no preparation beforehand. Moving to a different city or state (already one of the most stressful experiences we can have), trying to make new friends, and pick a major can all be an incredibly overwhelming transition to make. To change our present and future, we must understand our past and can do so by resolving emotionally wounded parts of ourselves that influence our thoughts and behaviors and hinder our health and relationships. I approach therapy holistically and use a combination of Internal Family Systems, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in the State of Texas. I believe counseling is a place where you can be authentic and share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with validation and compassion. By putting in time, effort, and consistency we can work together to help you reach your goals. I also offer faith-based counseling and will strive to understand and respect your particular religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds, and personal values. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be a part of every client's unique journey of healing, change, and growth and invite you to reach out if you would like to begin that process with me today.
Maven Psychiatry
Do you feel overwhelmed, burnout, mentally or physically exhausted? Are you struggling with anxiety and can’t seem to manage mood swings? Unable to achieve your goals due to lack of attention span and decreased motivation? There may be many contributing factors complicating your situation such as unresolved conflicts from childhood, substance abuse and interpersonal relationships. It may also be quite scary to seek medications and treatment for things you can feel but not see. But let me tell you- we are not our brains! Rather we are affected by the way how our brain functions and we all depend on the healthy flow of neurotransmitters to function and to thrive. Some brains produce these naturally, while others require some assistance and that’s nobody’s fault- same way that it is not an individuals fault for producing less insulin or thyroid hormone. So let’s aim to resolve these mental health issues together with holistic and integrative methods. As a board certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, graduate of Vanderbilt University and with over a decade of experience, I am well versed in evaluating, diagnosing and treating mental health disorders for children, adolescents and adults. I am truly committed to provide exceptional and high-quality psychiatric care. Utilizing extensive expertise and evidence-based practices to enhance mental health across the lifespan and eliminate disparities. Passionate about making a positive impact on individuals’ well-being.
Maria Dsouza
Welcome! Life is a journey and sometimes we just feel stuck. We encounter stress with work, relationships, school and life. Sometimes we are not sure what will help. I can teach you tools to help navigate through life's stressors so it does not feel so overwhelming.
Laney Bassham
Do you notice an increase in anxiety, fear, irritability, poor concentration, self-doubt, and/or struggle to navigate a loss? Are your ways of coping ineffective or maybe adding to your struggles? Is it hard to make sense of why your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and body are responding as they do, and even more confusing as to how to make it stop? Have you sought medical and pharmaceutical support but want to address the underlying ‘why’, not just numb out the symptoms? You want connection, a sense of belonging within yourself and with others, meaning, and wellness to thrive not just survive. I have been providing anxiety, grief, stress, and trauma-informed psychotherapy to individual adults since 2013 starting in a residential addiction treatment setting before private practice and now teletherapy to men and women across the state of Texas. I continue to grow my knowledge base through involvement with organizations such as Trauma Support Services of North Texas, the Trauma Research Foundation, and ongoing self-study. Yet only you are the expert of you and I serve as a facilitator of healing through adaptive coping skills to regulate the mind/body connection, evidence-based processing interventions, and collaborating on creative new approaches to challenging thoughts, feelings, relationships, and experiences. The path to healing is often challenging but with encouragement, support, and maybe even a bit of humor, growth can be an adventure that is well worth the investment! Reach out and let's get started! I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Leslie Lara
I am a personable, bilingual clinician who believes therapy is for everyone in search of overcoming life obstacles. I believe healing and progress can be obtained through a collaborative approach to therapy. My goal is to offer clients a non-judgmental space where anyone feels safe to face their struggles and challenges. I help individuals facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, life transitions, parenting issues, and women's issues. The decision to start therapy can feel unfamiliar and scary, however, it would be my honor to help overcome those fears by starting this journey of improvement and change with you. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Robert Holden
I tend to provide a collaborative approach that is free of judgment and focused on providing my clients with the support and skills needed to face their life's current challenges. I enjoy working with clients who are experiencing difficulties with managing thoughts and emotions related to mood disorders, those who have experienced trauma or PTSD symptoms, have self-esteem issues, or are struggling with relationship issues. I attempt to facilitate procession opportunities, education, and coping skills that can help learn adaptive strategies to reduce symptoms, strengthen relationships, and improve quality of life. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Marie Martinez
My experience includes working in the inpatient and outpatient psychiatric setting as well as private practice; with a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, addiction, stress, trauma, anger, relationship and parenting issues, personality-related issues, and grief and loss. I use an eclectic approach and a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients to aid adults in living a more authentic and freeing life. Successful therapy is not only supported by a well-trained therapist, it largely depends on cooperation and investment from clients. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Elizabeth Santiago
I have worked with all ages in various settings. My specialties include women's issues (post-partum and infertility), anxiety/panic attacks, depression, grief, couples, and trauma. My approach is Solution-focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a client-centered approach considering cultural, social, and psychosocial influences. I believe you are the expert in your life and together we can work to improve your functioning using your strengths. I look forward to working with you! I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Kimberly Vance
My non-traditional upbringing taught me sensitivity to every family’s situation. I have been in the social work field since 2004 and bring a wide variety of professional and personal experience to my practice. I am a provider best described as empathetic and dedicated, who makes appropriate use of my sense of humor. You can expect that I will seek to learn as much as you're willing to share and to creatively tailor your experience to best serve you. My versatility and knowledge make me a holistic therapist. My practice is shaped by my belief that being real is better than being perfect. I'm a therapist with Octave and Evernorth Behavioral Care Group. Octave is a mental health practice providing high-quality care covered by multiple insurances. Evernorth Behavioral Care Group is a behavioral health provider group in-network with Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth. For my availability, please reach out to Octave’s team by emailing or calling.
Breakaway Counseling
I serve all of Texas using telehealth.
Bridges Counseling Services
Courage isn’t about having no fear—it’s about feeling it and walking straight toward it. And let’s be honest, some days courage is just answering the phone, replying to that text, or—YIKES—opening the front door. Maybe you’ve mastered looking “fine” on the outside, while on the inside you’re desperately hoping no one gets close enough to see the real you. I get it. We all want life to be easy, but counseling? Yeah, it’s not always easy. It’s work. It’s showing up. It’s sticking with it when it feels uncomfortable. If you’re still reading this, I’m guessing something in your life feels heavy and you wish it could just magically change. I can’t promise magic—but I can promise to walk beside you every step of the way, helping you find your footing and your balance again.
Oksana Panchenko
I’m a trauma-informed Clinical Mental Health Counselor who helps adults heal from the inside out. I specialize in working with those impacted by trauma, childhood abuse, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, and emotional overwhelm. Many of my clients arrive feeling disconnected from themselves—exhausted by survival mode, unsure how to feel safe, or burdened by past experiences they were never given space to process. I provide a calm, supportive space where you don’t have to explain everything or be “strong” all the time. Together, we’ll explore what your nervous system has been holding and begin building the safety, clarity, and emotional regulation you need to feel more grounded and whole. My approach supports the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and physical responses—because healing isn't just in the mind; it happens through the body, too. I tailor each session to you. Whether you’re navigating trauma responses, managing daily anxiety, or trying to reconnect with who you are beneath the coping strategies, we will move at your pace—not the pace of pressure or performance. My work integrates evidence-based practices with deep compassion and curiosity. I offer therapy online only, serving adults in Texas and Hawai‘i, with appointments available Monday through Thursday.
CP Counsels
I am Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas with a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have extensive experience with young adults and college-age students who are navigating life transitions, stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship or school-related challenges. My background includes supporting clients as a career development counselor, guiding them through career exploration, adjusting to college life, and maintaining balance between personal wellness and career success. I’m passionate about helping clients build confidence, manage change, and develop the clarity and resilience they need to move forward in both life and career. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and focused on helping you feel seen, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.
Danielle Fyffe
Hi! As a clinically-trained therapist, I want you to know that the struggles you face and the traumas you have experienced do not have to define you. You have the ability to create a new path for yourself, to live the life you really want to live. I would love to help you create that life. As a Christian counselor, I believe God created perfection and placed it all in the Garden of Eden. Unfortunately, sin entered the picture and people have been struggling with the effects of sin ever since. Sometimes that struggle is beyond our resources and understanding. We need to have someone help us through life's troubles. I work with adults, couples, and teenagers. I am interested in helping my clients deal with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship issues, spiritual issues, marriage issues, trauma, and others. My husband and I have been in church ministry for over 40 years. We've seen a lot. While I am passionate about my own spiritual walk, I do respect the journey each person is on. It is not my place to dictate to you how your walk should look. God is big enough to handle that part all by himself. I am married to a pastor, have two adult children, and one son-in-law. I dearly love spending time with my family and sometimes try to do a craft project.