Therapists for college students near University of Texas at Austin

**Some Insurance Accepted in NC through Headway** I practice via telehealth in NY, NC, WA, and TX. I specialize in working with adult men and women who are secretly miserable. You may look fine on the outside, but inside you're struggling to get your own needs met, codependency, perfectionism, and shame. Gestalt Therapy goes beyond looking at just the cognitive, linear perspectives of the person. It demands of the therapist an awareness of the body and how it manifests in the psyche. Through its focus on process rather than content, the patient gains an experiential awareness of how they do what they do and new choices emerge spontaneously. The radical focus on process in the creative therapy of Gestalt keeps the work alive and full of possibility for both the patient and my work as a therapist. Melissa Bennett-Heinz obtained her master’s degree in clinical social work from Columbia University (Class of 2002) and is a graduate of Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy in New York City, NY. In addition to her background in Gestalt Therapy, she obtained her bachelor's and master’s degrees from the esteemed conservatory, Manhattan School of Music, in New York City where she majored in Oboe Performance. Melissa completed cognitive behavioral studies under the tutelage of Dr. William Sanderson. She is a licensed clinical social worker in NY, WA, NC, and TX and has over twenty years of specialized training and experience in PTSD, childhood abuse, mood and anxiety disorders. Melissa brings her background as a classical musician and deep spirituality together in her unique approach in Gestalt's creative and experiential therapy.

Alliance Counseling Works is a counseling center with multiple locations serving Williamson, Travis and Bell counties, offering excellent therapy with best practice and results. We believe in transformation and experience it daily. Service includes counseling for individuals, children, adolescents and teens, and families. We are a client-centered practice, and we utilize proven methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Mindfulness.

Hi, I'm an LPC-Associate at Alive Austin. I work well with college students experiencing stressors and stages commonly faced during this period: life transitions, depression, anxiety, relational concerns, family conflict, or unprocessed childhood trauma. Many of my clients may struggle with boundaries, people pleasing, and navigating their new roles and responsibilities living on their own for the first time. Many people I see have also put off working though painful or significant experiences from their past that are still impacting them presently. I aim to help you build self-awareness, discard what is no longer serving you, and start finding fulfillment in life. I am currently unable to accept insurance as an LPC-Associate in Texas. I try to accommodate to students' needs by offering sliding scales. I also offer free consultations so there is not initial cost until you feel we're a good fit.

Welcome — I’m so glad you’re here. I work best with individuals who are navigating the impact of trauma and who are open to exploring how their past continues to live in their body and shape their present. Together, we’ll gently uncover how your experiences have influenced your nervous system, your emotions, and your inner narrative—so that healing can begin not just in the mind, but in the body as well. My therapeutic approach is rooted in the belief that the body holds deep wisdom. Through Somatic Experiencing, mindfulness, yoga, breathwork, and sound therapy, I support clients in reconnecting with their inner guidance system—the intuition that emerges when we truly listen inward. This work can bring about clarity, regulation, and a felt sense of peace that goes beyond intellectual insight. At its core, my work is relational and intuitive. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens in connection—with self, with body, and with another safe presence. My role is to walk alongside you with compassion, helping you explore your story and reconnect with your innate capacity for resilience and wholeness. If you’re feeling the pull toward deeper healing—toward safety, embodiment, and self-trust—I invite you to schedule a consultation. You don’t have to do this alone.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Do you struggle with depressive moods or negative thoughts you wish you could just change or simply make go away? Wanting those dark thoughts to change, or hoping to run away from them, is completely normal. But avoiding those thoughts can leave us even more stressed, irritable, and disconnected from our loved ones. I promote compassion, honesty, and empowerment while working with clients who struggle with a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I’m especially passionate about helping students, young adults, and LGBTQ+ individuals struggling with mood, personality, and eating disorders. Above all else, I’m focused on building a strong relationship with my clients, and I feel deeply privileged to be allowed into their lives. I make therapy a judgment-free zone where humor and warmth are a regular part of the process. My therapeutic approach is person-centered and allows each individual to guide their own recovery process. I can help you build upon the strengths you already have and develop even more coping skills for the various obstacles you may face. Ultimately, I strive to create a safe space for you to explore even the thorniest areas of your mental health journey. If you’re ready to make a change, give me a call today!

We offer trauma informed therapy for children, teens, and adults, in-person in South Austin, telehealth available to all Texas residents. I specialize in helping women in their 20s and 30s who are struggling with anxiety in relationships and sex, or those who are processing past sexual trauma or toxic relationships. Many of my clients notice patterns or traits within themselves which are impacting their relationships and intimacy, leaving them feeling disconnected and at a loss for what might help. In addition to my work with adults, I also enjoy working with children and adolescents (ages 3-18), especially those who are neurodivergent or highly sensitive. With a background as a Preschool Teacher, a Registered Behavior Technician working with children on the Autism Spectrum, and as a long-time babysitter, I am able to connect deeply with young people to help them feel understood. My personal experience growing up with undiagnosed ADHD, which manifested as an inability to regulate my emotions, extreme sensitivity, and emotional outbursts, informs this work. I approach this work as an opportunity to nurture my own inner child and offer the support I wish I’d had growing up. I utilize a client-centered, strengths-based approach to play therapy in order to help the children I work with feel safe to express themselves authentically. My approach is compassionate and trauma-informed, integrating Nervous System Regulation, Somatic Experiencing, Attachment Theory, and Trauma-Informed Care to help you rebuild trust in yourself and cultivate healthier relationships. My priority is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable exploring your emotions and experiences without judgment. In our work together, we’ll explore your past and present, identify patterns, and create a plan for healing.