Please click on the name of the staff member for additional information or to contact them directly. If you would like to speak with someone about the best match for your needs, call us at 214-509-6888. Counseling fees start at $60 a session (45-53 minutes) and increase up to $200 based on experience. When available, some of our LPC's and Associates offer in network sessions with Aetna, United Health Care, Cigna and BCBS. We do offer sliding scale rates based on availability. **Please see additional information regarding insurance here.
Michelle Nietert, LPC Supervisor, CSC, Director (972) 755-1888
With almost 30 years of clinical and pastoral/Biblical counseling experience, Michelle is considered an expert in child and adolescent treatment and offers parent consults to assist parents in a thorough treatment plan and finding the right counselor. Treatment focus includes individuals, couples, adolescents and their families (Michelle developed a crisis counseling program for a large school district and has experience regarding educational advocacy, trauma, grief and addiction. She also provided services for an inpatient treatment center specializing in trauma). She has extensive experience treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, relational struggles and addiction in clients of all ages. As a previous educator of 15 years and homeschool mom, she also works with educators, administrators and homeschool families. Michelle also offers consults and counseling for attorneys, healthcare providers, ministry leaders, and mental health professionals.
She is a seasoned marriage counselor having been trained in person by leaders such as John Gottman, Harville Hendricks, and Sue Johnson. She offers limited numbers of couples counseling intensives. Michelle also loves working with clients over 60 and is EMDR trained also offering trauma intensives and offers Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Intensives to actively engaged clients on Fridays and Saturdays.
She also offers Christian life coaching and high conflict coparenting consults by phone or Telehealth for client convenience. Another specialization is executive and entrepreneurial coaching for well developed clients wishing to grow, be more productive, or going through a company or life transition. Michelle serves on the faculty of the International Christian Coaching Institute as a Master Level Certified Life Coach and mentor coach for those pursuing certification.
Session fees start at $200 per session for counseling and coaching. Michelle has limited daytime availability for counseling and coaching.
Michelle has authored seven books with Harper Collins Christian and D6 Family and she travels nationally speaking to corporate, community and church groups. For information regarding her writing, speaking and coaching along with information regarding the Raising Mentally Healthy Kids Podcast, visit www.yourmentalhealthcoach.com
She is a seasoned marriage counselor having been trained in person by leaders such as John Gottman, Harville Hendricks, and Sue Johnson. She offers limited numbers of couples counseling intensives. Michelle also loves working with clients over 60 and is EMDR trained also offering trauma intensives and offers Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Intensives to actively engaged clients on Fridays and Saturdays.
She also offers Christian life coaching and high conflict coparenting consults by phone or Telehealth for client convenience. Another specialization is executive and entrepreneurial coaching for well developed clients wishing to grow, be more productive, or going through a company or life transition. Michelle serves on the faculty of the International Christian Coaching Institute as a Master Level Certified Life Coach and mentor coach for those pursuing certification.
Session fees start at $200 per session for counseling and coaching. Michelle has limited daytime availability for counseling and coaching.
Michelle has authored seven books with Harper Collins Christian and D6 Family and she travels nationally speaking to corporate, community and church groups. For information regarding her writing, speaking and coaching along with information regarding the Raising Mentally Healthy Kids Podcast, visit www.yourmentalhealthcoach.com
Shannon Ng, Counselor - Supervised by Michelle Nietert, LPC-S (214) 233-5515
Shannon is an empathetic counselor with nearly two decades of experience in care ministry. She began her ministry work in 2007, serving New York City’s Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and The Journey Church. In 2012, she helped launch Hong Kong’s first lay‑counseling center—a milestone that underscored her commitment to providing compassionate support across diverse communities. Since then, she has worked as a mentor and coach with countless moms, small business owners, and international missionaries in Asia and Africa.
Now, as an LPC Associate, Shannon brings that same depth of experience to her therapeutic practice. She has spent years coaching and caring for women, youth, parents, and business leaders in both nonprofit and entrepreneurial settings, ensuring each client benefits from her seasoned expertise and genuine empathy. She is skilled in working with anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation. However, her true passion is working with individuals going through major life changes, struggling with understanding who they are when times change, and those feeling stuck and unable to move forward due to overwhelming pressures and demands.
Women‑in‑Transition Counseling
Life’s major milestones can feel disorienting, especially when they involve profound personal change. I work with women who are empty‑nesters seeking renewed meaning, women experiencing caregiver burnout, as well as women navigating peri‑, pre‑, or post‑menopause and the accompanying emotional ups and downs, sleep disturbances, and shifting sense of self. Through my own journey involving premature menopause, infertility, and diverse life changes—such as home and career transitions, being a trailing spouse internationally, and homeschooling—I offer a deep understanding of the complexities many face. Blending this personal insight with my professional background in marketing, non-profit management, and academia across cultures enriches our sessions, fostering a holistic approach to your journey. Together we’ll explore identity and inner strengths, develop coping strategies, and cultivate practices that restore balance and purpose, allowing you to embrace this season with confidence and grace.
Executive and Early Career Counseling
I am also passionate about supporting individuals at all stages of their professional journeys, from young adults entering the workforce to seasoned executives grappling with stress and professional fatigue. Whether you’re just starting out, searching for your purpose, or experiencing imposter syndrome in a leadership role, I partner with you to explore your relationships, personal values, and career direction. My experience guiding individuals through career transitions—paired with a deep understanding of personal development—helps me offer a supportive, pragmatic framework. We’ll identify strengths, clarify goals, and map actionable steps so you can move forward with clarity and self‑assurance.
Across both specialties, my approach blends compassionate listening with evidence‑based tools. I aim to create a safe, collaborative environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to make lasting change. Give me a call today to schedule a session—whether you’re redefining your purpose after the kids have left home, managing the emotional tides of menopause, or charting a clear path through your professional journey, I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Session fees begin at $100 and she accepts CIGNA and AETNA. Shannon is currently taking new clients and is available Mondays 1-7pm, Thursdays from 1-7pm, Fridays from 12-3pm, and Saturdays from 10am-12pm.
Carol Dodgen, Counselor - Supervised by Michelle Nietert, LPC-S (903) 207-9451
Carol works with adults, young adults, tweens, middle school and high school adolescents. After working with tweens and adolescents for 30 years in public education, Carol is more than familiar with students struggling with grades and managing IEPs and 504 accommodations. She has experience in ADHD coaching, depression, anxiety, OCD, and bipolar disorder. She has worked with AU and AuDHD in her years in education. For ADHD clients, Carol uses Smart but Scattered strategies and assessments to increase focus and productivity. Carol also works with women and men in career and life transitions, betrayal, and trauma, as well as struggles with adult children. She can also help clients struggling with chronic pain. Her approach is CBT, Solution-Focused, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness methods while focusing on client goals and emotional wellness. For OCD clients, she uses ERP (exposure and response prevention). She helps clients recognize and change patterns of thinking that can take away from self-esteem while helping them with self-care and relationships. She is an empathetic listener who has a passion for helping others. Session fees are $100 or on a sliding scale. She accepts Aetna and Cigna. Carol is currently accepting new clients, she has availability in the evenings and on Saturdays.
Tim Vassberg, LPC (214) 676-2912
Treatment focus includes adolescents, individuals, and families. Areas of specialization include addiction, anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, low self esteem, behavioral problems, career changes, relationship problems, separation, divorce, and spiritual issues. Session fees begin at $150. Tim has over a decade of counseling experience. He is in network with BCBS, Cigna, United, and Aetna. Tim has limited daytime openings.
Elizabeth (Beth) Adell, LPC (214) 799-0325
Treatment focus includes: adolescents, women, couples, and families. She has experience dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, blended families, divorce, parental issues, behavioral struggles, infidelity issues, emotional/mental abuse trauma, communication skills, coping strategies, and relationship difficulties. Session fees start at $120 and can be lowered based on a sliding scale. Beth is able to accept Cigna and Aetna in network clients and is in the midst of credentialing with United Heathcare and BCBS. Beth is currently accepting appointments on Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Treatment focus includes: adolescents, women, couples, and families. She has experience dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, blended families, divorce, parental issues, behavioral struggles, infidelity issues, emotional/mental abuse trauma, communication skills, coping strategies, and relationship difficulties. Session fees start at $120 and can be lowered based on a sliding scale. Beth is able to accept Cigna and Aetna in network clients and is in the midst of credentialing with United Heathcare and BCBS. Beth is currently accepting appointments on Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Phil Adell, LPC (214) 557-9337
Treatment focus includes adolescents (12+), adults, premarital, and couples counseling. Areas of expertise include adjustment to change, divorce, parental relationships, behavioral problems at home or school, anxiety/depression, self-worth, social struggles, communication skills, and relationship difficulties. Session fees begin at $120 and can be lowered based on a sliding scale. Phil is in-network with BCBS, Cigna, and Aetna. Phil is available for telehealth appointments Mon-Wed evenings, and in-person/telehealth during the day on Fridays.
Heather Ojeda Frey, LPC (972) 369-9499
Treatment focus includes adolescents and adults. Areas of experience include depression, anger, life transitions/changes, behavioral problems at home or school, anxiety/panic, grief/loss, parenting struggles, social struggles, relationship struggles, self-harm and/or suicidal thinking, low self-esteem, and divorce. Heather is a seasoned therapist with years of experience working with teens and their families, and adults. Session fees begin at $135 but may be reduced on a sliding scale. Heather is currently accepting new clients and accepts Aetna, Cigna, UHC and BCBS. When available, Heather's opening are exclusively daytime openings.
Robin Fletcher, Counselor - Supervised by Michelle Nietert, LPC-S (214) 799-1613
Treatment focus includes: children, adolescents, parent/child relationships, and young adults. Robin has experience in working with ADHD, addiction, anxiety, behavioral struggle, depression, emotional regulation, grief, trauma, and divorce. Robin believes in meeting a child where they are at. She uses a holistic approach to therapy while prioritizing unconditional positive regard, acceptance, cultural humility, and authenticity while helping them build skills needed to be successful in life. Robin uses multiple techniques such as mindfulness, self-reflection cues, bibliotherapy, and journaling as ways to increase self-awareness of thoughts and emotions. She integrates Play-therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) in her sessions. Session fees are $100 a session. Robin is able to accept in network insurance with Cigna and Aetna using most plans. While working on her counseling license, Robin has extensive experience working with kids and teens as a school counselor. Robin is available for appointments: Saturdays and Sundays
Treatment focus includes: children, adolescents, parent/child relationships, and young adults. Robin has experience in working with ADHD, addiction, anxiety, behavioral struggle, depression, emotional regulation, grief, trauma, and divorce. Robin believes in meeting a child where they are at. She uses a holistic approach to therapy while prioritizing unconditional positive regard, acceptance, cultural humility, and authenticity while helping them build skills needed to be successful in life. Robin uses multiple techniques such as mindfulness, self-reflection cues, bibliotherapy, and journaling as ways to increase self-awareness of thoughts and emotions. She integrates Play-therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) in her sessions. Session fees are $100 a session. Robin is able to accept in network insurance with Cigna and Aetna using most plans. While working on her counseling license, Robin has extensive experience working with kids and teens as a school counselor. Robin is available for appointments: Saturdays and Sundays
Cynthia Smith, LPC (903) 776-4940
Treatment focus includes: children, adolescents, women, parent/child and family relationships, ADHD symptoms, self-harm, grief, emotional regulation, stress or life transition management, and perfectionistic tendencies. Cynthia seeks to use a holistic approach in her counseling. This looks like an emphasis on strengthening connection, relationships, self-care, and self-regulation. Cynthia believes growth occurs when adults and children feel seen, valued, heard and supported while working on thinking patterns and behaviors that support health and healing. This could look like mindfulness techniques, play based therapy techniques when working with children, self-reflection cues, visual aids, journaling, and art based therapy techniques. While currently pursuing her counseling license, Cynthia has extensive experience in play based therapy with kids and their families as a school counselor and has a clinical background in mental health previously working with a large insurance company. Session fees are $100 a session; she accepts Aetna and Cigna insurance. Cynthia is not currently accepting new clients. When available for appointments currently, Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesdays 5:00pm-7:00pm and biweekly Saturdays 9:00am-12:00pm.
Treatment focus includes: children, adolescents, women, parent/child and family relationships, ADHD symptoms, self-harm, grief, emotional regulation, stress or life transition management, and perfectionistic tendencies. Cynthia seeks to use a holistic approach in her counseling. This looks like an emphasis on strengthening connection, relationships, self-care, and self-regulation. Cynthia believes growth occurs when adults and children feel seen, valued, heard and supported while working on thinking patterns and behaviors that support health and healing. This could look like mindfulness techniques, play based therapy techniques when working with children, self-reflection cues, visual aids, journaling, and art based therapy techniques. While currently pursuing her counseling license, Cynthia has extensive experience in play based therapy with kids and their families as a school counselor and has a clinical background in mental health previously working with a large insurance company. Session fees are $100 a session; she accepts Aetna and Cigna insurance. Cynthia is not currently accepting new clients. When available for appointments currently, Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesdays 5:00pm-7:00pm and biweekly Saturdays 9:00am-12:00pm.
Marilyn Oliphant, Counselor - Supervised by Michelle Nietert, LPC-S (903) 213-5213
Treatment focus includes: Treatment focus includes children, young adults, parent/child relationships, families, couples and adults. Areas of expertise include, autism, self-harm/ideation, depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, anxiety/panic attacks, grief, trauma/PTSD, ADHD, at-risk students, coping/self-esteem, adjustments issues, communication skills, relationship building, stress management, and spiritual issues. Marilyn’s treatment plan includes creating an environment of acceptance and unconditional love where her clients feel safe to express themselves and pursue a journey of healing and wholeness. Marilyn is passionate about helping her clients discover the champion that is within all of us by helping clients discover how “growth mindset” thinking can free them to limitless possibilities when they are able to reflect on thought patterns that empower rather than keep us confined to a prison of self-defeat. She describes her best treatment modality plan involves using an eclectic approach that is individually tailored to meet the needs of her clients. Marilyn, has overcome the recent loss of a husband and dear pastor in (2019/20), has a heart for widows/those suffering loss and is also a first generation college graduate from a family of eight and understands the importance of “mindset” and spirituality in helping you to soar in seemingly impossible circumstances. Session fees begin at $110; Marilyn also accepts Aetna and Cigna insurance. Marilyn is currently taking new clients and is available Mondays 1:30-6:30pm, Tuesdays 3-7pm, and Wednesdays 1-7pm.
Taylor Deutsch, Counselor - Supervised by Michelle Nietert, LPC-S (214) 307-2270
Taylor focuses on teens and adults and desires to collaborate with clients to find hope and healing, break harmful patterns, and instill confidence for life’s challenges and seasons. She focuses on anxiety, depression, life transitions, family conflict, and relationship challenges. She is especially passionate about helping new moms navigate pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood as they adjust to new challenges and emotions. Taylor is committed to ensuring everyone who walks through her door feels safe, comfortable, and heard. She works with each client to identify the most effective strategies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Existential Therapy, Mindfulness, and, for those interested, faith-based or expressive arts exercises. Session fees are $70 and can be lowered based on a sliding scale. Taylor is accepting new clients and is available on Wednesdays from 10am-4pm, Thursdays from 6pm-9pm, and every other Saturday from 9-11am.
Cassandra Tate, Counselor - Supervised by Michelle Nietert, LPC-S (214) 233-6624
Cassandra works with teens and adults navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, identity exploration, and performance pressure. She is passionate about supporting athletes, high performers, and anyone looking to build resilience, confidence, and clarity during challenging seasons. Drawing on her experience as a former professional athlete and wellness coach, Cassandra helps clients uncover their strengths, manage pressure, and develop practical tools for lasting growth. She creates a warm, collaborative, and goal-oriented space, tailoring her approach to each client’s needs. Her work integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness to help clients achieve meaningful personal and professional growth. Cassandra is currently accepting new clients.
Madison Salim, Counselor - Supervised by Michelle Nietert, LPC-S (214) 307-2798
Madi works with children, teens, and adults, helping clients find hope, healing, and healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. She specializes in anxiety, depression, emotional issues, difficult life transitions, family conflict, and relationship challenges, with a particular heart for supporting children, families, young adults, and postpartum moms.
For children, Madi uses Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) to create a safe space for processing emotions, building resilience, and developing self-esteem. With teens and adults, she integrates Restoration Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand patterns of pain, restore a sense of safety, and develop healthier coping strategies. A faith-based perspective can also be incorporated for those who desire it. Madi is committed to ensuring every client feels safe, seen, and understood. Session fees are $70 and can be adjusted on a sliding scale. She is currently accepting new clients.
For children, Madi uses Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) to create a safe space for processing emotions, building resilience, and developing self-esteem. With teens and adults, she integrates Restoration Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand patterns of pain, restore a sense of safety, and develop healthier coping strategies. A faith-based perspective can also be incorporated for those who desire it. Madi is committed to ensuring every client feels safe, seen, and understood. Session fees are $70 and can be adjusted on a sliding scale. She is currently accepting new clients.
COACHING and PASTORAL COUNSELING
Joining us from our non profit organization, www.hopehelps.me. These coaches are also available to serve you offering online and telephone coaching. While solution focused counselor include coaching techniques on their practices, coaches are present oriented and do not focus on diagnoses but do work on productivity, life balance, and healthy relationships and mindsets. Our Christian coaches include faith based wisdom, Scripture, prayer and the presence of the Holy Spirit in the process.
Karen Sheriff, Certified Life Coach (214) 307-1954
Karen has been counseling women who have lost children for over 27 years. Having lost two of her four children, she comes uniquely qualified to offer support, comfort and hope in the face of serious depression. She also coaches young children, aged 5-12 and teens with the re-focusing that must take place through transitions in life (divorce, blended families, death of a loved one, general trauma) back to a place where they can find peace and joy. Karen coaches both men and women who are dealing with pre- and post-divorce issues, trauma and life skills, as well as recovered addicts and alcoholics. She works with individuals with PTSD, who have gone through treatment and are still in need of life mapping, focus and direction. She is also a certified weight loss coach. Monday-Thursday from 9 - 5, Evenings available upon request, Telephone and Zoom only, Fee: $80 per 45 minute session, Click here for more info
Karen has been counseling women who have lost children for over 27 years. Having lost two of her four children, she comes uniquely qualified to offer support, comfort and hope in the face of serious depression. She also coaches young children, aged 5-12 and teens with the re-focusing that must take place through transitions in life (divorce, blended families, death of a loved one, general trauma) back to a place where they can find peace and joy. Karen coaches both men and women who are dealing with pre- and post-divorce issues, trauma and life skills, as well as recovered addicts and alcoholics. She works with individuals with PTSD, who have gone through treatment and are still in need of life mapping, focus and direction. She is also a certified weight loss coach. Monday-Thursday from 9 - 5, Evenings available upon request, Telephone and Zoom only, Fee: $80 per 45 minute session, Click here for more info
Laura Acuna, BS Christian Counseling and Certified Life Coach
Laura Acuña loves helping women experiencing changing seasons discover what's next. Together, you will embark on a soul-stirring exploration of your faith and life, helping you unlock clarity and vision. As you gain insight, you'll develop the tools to overcome self-doubt and limiting beliefs. This newfound confidence will propel you forward, ready to embrace what God has in store for you. Tuesday-Thursday 10:00- 4:00. Evenings by request. Zoom only, Fee: $80 per 45-minute session
Laura Acuña loves helping women experiencing changing seasons discover what's next. Together, you will embark on a soul-stirring exploration of your faith and life, helping you unlock clarity and vision. As you gain insight, you'll develop the tools to overcome self-doubt and limiting beliefs. This newfound confidence will propel you forward, ready to embrace what God has in store for you. Tuesday-Thursday 10:00- 4:00. Evenings by request. Zoom only, Fee: $80 per 45-minute session
Amber Payne, M.A, Pastoral Counselor and Life Coach (417) 771-7510
Amber’s passion is to work with women who, after years of pouring into others, feel scattered, stuck, and numb. She works to empower her clients to get clear on what they want, take better care of themselves, and develop deeper connections with God, themselves, and others. Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 - 7, Telephone and Zoom only, Fee: $80 per 45 minute session, Click here for more info
Amber’s passion is to work with women who, after years of pouring into others, feel scattered, stuck, and numb. She works to empower her clients to get clear on what they want, take better care of themselves, and develop deeper connections with God, themselves, and others. Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 - 7, Telephone and Zoom only, Fee: $80 per 45 minute session, Click here for more info
