Our Team

Licensed Psychologist

Adam Cobb, PhD, M.A., LPC-TX

Dr. Cobb’s clinical specialties include the spectrum of anxiety and stress-related disorders, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).  He has extensive training and experience working with clients and their families across the lifespan, including children, adolescents, and adults.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Dr. Cobb’s approach to therapy is non-judgmental, compassionate, caring, and fundamentally science-based.  A strong therapeutic relationship is viewed as foundational for meaningful change to occur, as well as delivering treatments that have been scientifically demonstrated to be effective for targeted problems.  Dr. Cobb draws on experience working with a diverse clientele from a range of backgrounds to deliver services in a culturally sensitive manner.    

Dr. Cobb approaches treatment within a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) framework.  He has extensive training and experience in delivering gold-standard interventions for PTSD, including Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT).  He is also well-versed in delivering Exposure with Response Prevention (ExRP) for OCD.  Dr. Cobb also utilizes a broad range of behavioral and exposure-based techniques for targeting specific problems, such as interoceptive exposure techniques for treating panic, and in vivo exposure for overcoming specific fears.  Dr. Cobb also often integrates other evidence-based practices, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Behavioral Activation (BA), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), which have been demonstrated to be effective for a range of presenting problems.  Dr. Cobb also often leverages collaboration with other treatment providers, families, and schools to ensure that clients receive optimal and integrated care.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Dr. Cobb obtained his Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and English from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, TX.  He subsequently obtained his Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, TX.  Thereafter he became licensed as professional counselor in Texas (#65498), and provided services to a range of clientele, including children, adolescents, and adults in in-patient, partial-hospitalization, and outpatient settings, with a focus on anxiety and mood disorders.  Dr. Cobb later earned his doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, where he strengthened his training and experience in assessing and treating the range of anxiety and stress-related disorders, with a focus in the areas of PTSD and OCD.  He subsequently completed an APA-accredited internship and a postdoctoral fellowship funded by the National Institute of Mental Health at the Medical University of South Carolina’s National Crime Victim’s Research and Treatment Center in Charleston, SC.  There, he obtained additional training and experience in delivering trauma-focused treatment to children, adolescents, and adults in both civilian and military clinic settings.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

During his free time, Dr. Cobb enjoys playing tennis, trail-running, painting, music, and spending time with his family.  

AVAILABILITY

Dr. Cobb provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Allendale office. For more information about Dr. Cobb’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

"Postdoctoral Fellow"

Adnil-Michelle Mulero Segui

Ms. Mulero Seguí specializes in working with the general population, ranging from young children to adults from diverse backgrounds. Ms. Mulero Seguí enjoys providing services to English-and-Spanish speaking clients who experience disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. Other areas of interest include crisis intervention and interpersonal difficulties. 

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Ms. Mulero Seguí focuses primarily on a warm and empathic therapeutic relationship while implementing a client-centered approach. Moreover, she adopts a collaborative and culturally sensitive approach to therapy with her clients. Ms. Mulero Seguí believes in using the client’s strengths and resilient factors to complete therapeutic goals while utilizing different evidence-based modalities and techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Emotion-focused Therapy (EFT).   

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Ms. Mulero Seguí obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus. She then completed all degree requirements for her Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology at Ponce Health Sciences University, Puerto Rico, for which the degree conferral will take place in December 2021. During her training experience, Ms. Mulero Seguí worked with children, adolescents, and families in community mental health, hospital, clinical, and psychiatric settings. In addition to her clinical experience, Ms. Mulero Seguí worked in research studies that focused on cancer survivors who experienced trauma after a natural disaster. This experience led her to focus her dissertation on resiliency factors in patients with chronic illnesses after a traumatic experience.

Ms. Mulero Seguí completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at the Miami-Dade County Community Action and Human Services Department, where she gained broad experience working with the underserved general population. She provided individual and group therapy to individuals in the following populations: clients suffering from substance-use disorders, pre-school children, adults with disabilities, young adults working towards educational and occupational goals, and domestic violence and human trafficking survivors. Ms. Mulero Seguí primarily worked within a multidisciplinary team and engaged in consultation to provide the best services to each individual. Ms. Mulero Seguí is currently under the supervision of Dr. Hilberg and Dr. McHugh.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Ms. Mulero Seguí enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, arts and crafts, and video games. Moreover, she enjoys discovering new music bands and aims to take music classes. 

AVAILABILITY

Ms. Mulero Seguí provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Allandale and Round Rock offices. For more information about Ms. Mulero Seguí’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Training Director, Licensed Psychologist

Alina Khomenko, PsyD

AREAS OF SPECIALTY

Dr. Khomenko’s primary clinical interests include Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Specific Phobias, Social Anxiety, and Tourette’s Disorder. Additionally, her prior experience as a School Psychologist allows her to help families understand and navigate the special education process within the public school system. Dr. Khomenko enjoys working with adolescents and adults.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Khomenko provides clinical supervision and oversees Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists’ training program as the Director of Clinical Training.

APPROACH TO THERAPY 

Dr. Khomenko brings compassion, empathy, and warmth to her work with clients. Utilizing a collaborative approach, she encourages clients to take an active role in developing their unique treatment plans and goals. Dr. Khomenko recognizes the importance of clients’ knowledge and perspective in their treatment progress and success. She utilizes a strengths-based approach in her work, empowering and guiding clients to use such strengths to overcome their presenting challenges. Additionally, Dr. Khomenko recognizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship in facilitating desired change. Dr. Khomenko is trained in evidence-based approaches to treatment, which include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), and Habit Reversal Training (HRT). Additionally, she incorporates mindfulness-based interventions into her work with clients.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Dr. Khomenko received her Bachelor of Science degree from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She then obtained her Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in School Psychology from Brooklyn College. She worked as a School Psychologist in the New York City public school system with children, adolescents, families, and school staff navigating the special education system, conducting psychoeducational evaluations, developing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), and working to facilitate appropriate services and accommodations for children with disabilities. After several years, Dr. Khomenko went back to school and obtained her Doctor of Psychology degree in School Psychology from the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) at Rutgers University. For her dissertation, she conducted a program evaluation of a social-emotional group program for children and adolescents with Tourette’s Disorder. Dr. Khomenko is a licensed psychologist in the state of Texas (38026).

Dr. Khomenko has experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in various outpatient settings. Through her training at the Tourette’s Syndrome Clinic at Rutgers University, she acquired experience working with children, adolescents, and adults with Tourette’s Disorder, OCD, and anxiety disorders. These areas are of particular interest to her. Additionally, she participated in the Tourette’s International Collaborative Genetics study at Rutgers University, the largest sharing cell and genetics repository for Tourette Disorder. Dr. Khomenko completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at Southwest Behavioral and Health Services in Arizona, a community mental health agency, where she conducted individual and group therapy with adults facing a wide range of psychological challenges. She also collaborated with medical personnel, psychiatrists, and outside agencies to coordinate client care. Dr. Khomenko’s experience as a School Psychologist has allowed her to better understand the unique challenges children and adolescents face when in school and to effectively collaborate with school staff.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

When not in the office, Dr. Khomenko enjoys traveling, hiking, exploring Austin, and wondering what her cat is thinking.

AVAILABILITY

Dr. Khomenko provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Westlake office. For more information about Dr. Khomenko’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Licensed Psychologist

Amanda Hilberg, PsyD

Dr. Hilberg is a licensed psychologist in the state of Texas (#38444). She specializes in working with adults and adolescents who struggle with panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, body-focused repetitive behaviors, insomnia, and depression.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Hilberg provides clinical supervision to post-doctoral fellows and practicum students.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Dr. Hilberg fuses warmth, empathy, and humor in developing  strong therapeutic relationships with her clients. She emphasizes a collaborative and tailored treatment approach with each individual, understanding that each client is an expert on their own experience and that therapy is a partnership. Dr. Hilberg works to ensure that her clients feel safe and understood from the outset of that partnership.

Dr. Hilberg strongly values understanding her clients as whole people, inside and outside of the therapy room, and invites collaboration with families, schools, and other treatment providers to ensure optimal client care.

Dr. Hilberg is passionate about evidence-based treatments for anxiety, sleep disorders, and depressive disorders, and enjoys providing psychoeducation through her knowledge of the most up-to-date research.

Dr. Hilberg is trained in evidence-based approaches for anxiety and related disorders which include, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Dr. Hilberg earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Florida State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. She earned her Master of Science degree and doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium and received extensive clinical and assessment training at Stanford University School of Medicine/Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.

Dr. Hilberg has experience working with adolescents, adults, and geriatric populations in community settings, academic medical centers, Veterans Affairs hospitals, and college counseling settings. Dr. Hilberg completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, TX where she gained exceptional training in anxiety and trauma treatment, neuropsychology assessment and report writing, sleep medicine interventions, psychiatric inpatient work, and behavioral medicine.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Dr. Hilberg loves eating everything that Austin has to offer, but has a particular soft spot for a good breakfast taco (even during non-breakfast hours), hiking with her rescue dog, Pepper, crafting (crocheting, knitting, woodworking, and jewelry making are favorites), trying to cook palatable food, and spending time with her partner, friends, and family.

AVAILABILITY

Dr. Hilberg provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Allandale office. For more information about Dr. Hilberg’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Licensed Psychologist

Annette Leija, PhD

Dr. Leija specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their parents. Her primary clinical interests include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder, specific phobias, insomnia, depression, and disruptive behaviors. Additionally, her specialty in school psychology gives her a thorough understanding of Section 504 and Special Education services in schools.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Dr. Leija places a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship. She is warm and compassionate and known for her gentle approach to therapy, which ensures a safe and collaborative therapeutic environment. She uses a culturally sensitive approach to therapy and works with her clients to modify interventions to best fit their individual needs. Dr. Leija values evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, exposure and response prevention, motivational interviewing, and parent management training. She believes in collaborating across systems (i.e., family, school, and health) to ensure clients receive consistent and optimal care.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Dr. Leija earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin. She completed a minor in Biology and graduated with Special Honors in Psychology. Dr. Leija earned her Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy and school psycholgy degrees at The University of Texas at Austin. She has received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), parent management training (PMT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI).

Dr. Leija has experience working with children and adolescents in various settings including outpatient, school, and medical settings. She completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship in Health Service Psychology at Nemours AI DuPont Hospital for Children. On internship, she received specialized training in providing evidence-based services to children and adolescents in integrated pediatric primary care settings. Dr. Leija has provided assessment and therapy services to English-and-Spanish speaking clients presenting with wide range of clinical concerns.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Dr. Leija enjoys taking long walks with her dog Milo. She loves to dance! She especially enjoys salsa dancing and listening to Latin music.

AVAILABILITY

Dr. Leija provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Westlake office. For more information about Dr. Leija’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call 512-246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Specialist in School Psychology, Clinical Director

Carissa Cerda, PhD

Dr. Cerda specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families. Her primary clinical interests include obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma, generalized anxiety, school-related anxiety, depression and disruptive behaviors. Additionally, given her experience working as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP), Dr. Cerda possesses a thorough understanding of special education services within the public school system.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Dr. Cerda is guided by a developmental framework in her work with children and adolescents. She takes an integrative approach to therapy, which allows her to tailor therapeutic services to the unique needs of each individual child and family. Dr. Cerda incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention, acceptance and commitment therapy, and systems theory in her clinical work. However, first and foremost, she remains approachable and accepting as she provides children and families with a trusting, therapeutic relationship. Her professional and personal experiences have reinforced her belief in resiliency and the importance of heeding the various, interconnected systems that impact children’s development. As such, Dr. Cerda values collaboration (e.g., with schools and other service providers) and the practical potential of utilizing a strength-based approach to therapy focused on providing protective factors (e.g., caring relationships) to foster success, as opposed to eradicating risk factors.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Dr. Cerda earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. She also received a Master of Education degree in Educational Psychology and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in School Psychology at Texas A&M University. She has received training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (T-F CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and parent child interaction therapy (PCIT).

Dr. Cerda has experience working with children and adolescents in outpatient, school, and medical settings. She completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at the Texas Child Study Center and Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas, where she gained experience providing evidence-based therapy to children, adolescents, and families experiencing a wide range of concerns. Dr. Cerda completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Bastrop Independent School District where she conducted monolingual and bilingual evaluations of children for special education services. She also gained experience in providing school-based counseling services, conducting functional behavior assessments (FBA), consulting in the creation/implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIP), and participating in Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings. She is a licensed psychologist in the state of Texas (37492).

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Dr. Cerda loves animals, especially horses and dogs. She is particularly fond of her beagle. Dr. Cerda’s favorite way to spend time is in the countryside with her friends and family. She also enjoys reading, creating art, exercising, and watching football.

AVAILABILITY

Dr. Cerda provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Westlake and Round Rock offices. For more information about Dr. Cerda’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Practicum Student

Cate Fischer

Cate specializes in working with adults and adolescents. Her primary clinical interests include Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), depression, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Cate takes a strengths-based approach to therapy and strives to meet clients where they are. She values collaboration with her clients and takes the time to discuss what particular treatment approach may be most helpful. Cate understands that clients’ identities also play a vital role in therapy and provides a supportive environment to explore these. She uses evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Cate incorporates Motivational Interviewing (MI), self-compassion, and mindfulness in her work with clients. 

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Cate earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of Southern California, graduating with honors. At USC, she was involved in research with child sexual abuse survivors and childhood and adolescent cancer survivors. Cate is currently earning her Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in clinical psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. She is now a third-year student in the Laboratory for the Study of Anxiety Disorders. 

Cate has experience working with adolescents and adults in outpatient clinics and private practice settings. She has received training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Interoceptive Exposure Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Cate is currently under the supervision of Dr. Amanda Hilberg (38444). 

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Cate enjoys exploring Austin, playing with her two rescue animals (dog and cat), and cheering on the Washington Capitals in her free time.

AVAILABILITY

Cate provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Allandale Office. For more information about Cate’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal. 

Clinical Postdoctoral Fellow

Christopher Grandits, PhD

Dr. Grandits specializes in working with adults who struggle with panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorders and depression.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Dr. Grandits uses emphatic understanding to foster change and growth. Dr. Grandits strives to create a safe environment for clients to accept difficult emotions and thoughts. He emphasizes a holistic approach to therapy where collaboration and the experience of the client is primary. Dr. Grandits endeavors to create an environment where clients can reduce their symptoms in alignment with a sense of deeper meaning in their lives.

Dr. Grandits is committed to using the latest in empirically supported treatment to provide state of the art therapies to clients in need. Dr. Grandits balances the latest in treatments with a compassionate emphasis on the therapeutic alliance. 

Dr. Grandits works primarily from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) lens and he uses other empirically supported treatments such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Behavioral Activation (BA), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET).

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Dr. Grandits earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology alongside a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University at Buffalo. He received his Master of Arts degree in Existential-Humanistic Psychology from the University of West Georgia. He earned his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Hofstra University. Dr. Grandits has experience working with clients in community, student counseling and private practice settings. Dr. Grandits complete two psychotherapy externships one at the Hofstra Student Counseling Center and another at Manhattan Cognitive Behavioral. Dr. Grandits recently completed an APA accredited pre-doctoral internship at the student counseling center at Clemson University. Dr. Grandits is currently under the supervision of Dr. Emily Gorzalski, Psy D. 

PERSONAL INTERESTED

Dr. Grandits loves being in nature, reading and listening to music. He likes to take any opportunity he can to explore, learn new things and be silly. 

AVAILABILITY

Dr. Grandits provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Round Rock office. For more information about Dr. Grandits’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Licensed Psychologist

Emily Kindschi, PsyD

Dr. Kindschi’s professional passions and clinical expertise are in the treatment of anxiety disorders (particularly of obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder) as well as depression/mood disorders and trauma-related difficulties. She also specializes in treating people with perfectionistic struggles, self-esteem concerns, and challenging interpersonal dynamics. While Dr. Kindschi has provided care for individuals across the lifespan, she primarily works with adult individual and couples therapy clients. 

APPROACH TO THERAPY

If you are considering Dr. Kindschi for a therapist, you can expect active, change-oriented therapy that incorporates techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and mindful self-compassion. Dr. Kindschi believes in meeting the person where they are at, and promoting progress through a strengths-based and consistent behavioral approach, emphasizing the acquisition of practical skills and acceptance. Throughout treatment she prioritizes the therapeutic relationship, creating a trusting and safe space for clients to share their experiences, and to provide educational and collaborative treatment. Within the relationship, Dr. Kindschi offers an open and affirming attitude when working with the individual to encourage meaningful growth and values-consistent behaviors. 

She is committed to providing innovative and empirically-supported treatment, recognizing the importance of individualized care. Thus, Dr. Kindschi approaches therapy with a mindful intention of first assessing and understanding a client’s unique experience and goals for therapy, and then tailoring the treatment plan based on each person’s needs and level of readiness. As therapy involves an honest and collaborative relationship, Dr. Kindschi offers and welcomes person-centered and compassionate feedback throughout treatment. She is passionate about what she does and wants to help clients succeed in their various short- and long-term goals. As such, Dr. Kindschi is also available for consultation to help determine the best therapeutic fit.  

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Dr. Kindschi earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology as well as a certificate in Criminal Justice at the University of Wisconsin—Madison. She received her Master of Science and Doctorate of Clinical Psychology degrees from the APA-accredited Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology in Milwaukee, WI. Throughout her academic training, Dr. Kindschi completed several clinical practicums working with children, adolescents, and adults by providing individual and group psychotherapy as well as psychological testing and assessment in numerous outpatient, partial hospitalization, and residential programs. She completed her APA-accredited internship at La Frontera Center in Tucson, AZ, where she gained a breadth of experience working in various facets of community mental health by providing integrated outpatient care, treating university students with co-occurring learning and/or attentional disorders, and working with clients experiencing severe and persistent mental illness in a residential setting. Dr. Kindschi received further specialized training in treating OCD, anxiety, and mood disorders during her 18-month postdoctoral fellowship at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute in their Center for OCD and Anxiety-Related Disorders IOP setting in St. Louis, MO. 

Dr. Kindschi is a clinical psychologist dually licensed in the states of Texas (38446) and Missouri (2018042717). 

COMMITMENT TO ONGOING EDUCATION

Dr. Kindschi highly values education, and frequently seeks out training to deepen her clinical knowledge. Her professional affiliations include:

American Psychological Association

Anxiety and Depression Association of America

PERSONAL INTERESTS

During her free time, Dr. Kindschi enjoys spending time with her two cats, going to concerts, hiking outdoors, and being a true cheesehead at heart by continually cheering on the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin Badgers. 

AVAILABILITY

Dr. Kindschi provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Westlake office. For more information about Dr. Kindschi’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Licensed Psychologist

Erika J. Vivyan, PhD

Dr. Vivyan specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their parents.  Her primary clinical interests include social anxiety disorder (social phobia), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), selective mutism, specific phobias, trauma and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).   Her specialty area in school psychology gives her a thorough understanding of Section 504 and Special Education services in schools.

Approach to Therapy

Dr. Vivyan strives to use an ecological, developmental, and culturally sensitive approach to working with all of her clients.  She is dedicated to using evidence-based interventions for each presenting concern, and she works with her clients to modify therapeutic strategies to best fit their individual needs.  She integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention, and parent management training in her clinical work.  In assessment, Dr. Vivyan aims to evaluate the full ecological system of each client, including cognitive, academic, emotional, interpersonal, and neurodevelopmental functioning.

Education, Training, and Experience

Dr. Vivyan earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at Michigan State University (GO GREEN!) in East Lansing, Michigan.  She graduated with a dual major in Arts and Humanities as well as Psychology; she also completed a minor in Educational Studies.  Dr. Vivyan earned her Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees at the University of Wisconsin (GO BADGERS!) in Madison, Wisconsin.  She has received training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), parent management training (PMT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT).

Dr. Vivyan has experience working with children, adolescents, and their parents in outpatient, school, and medical settings.  She completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at the Texas Child Study Center and Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas, where she gained experience providing evidence-based therapy and assessment services to children, adolescents, and families.  Dr. Vivyan completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Austin Child Guidance Center, where she served English- and Spanish-speaking clients by conducting psychoeducational evaluations and providing therapy for a wide range of presenting concerns. She is a licensed psychologist in the state of Texas (37950).

Personal Interests

Dr. Vivyan enjoys teaching fitness and dance classes all around Austin.  Her favorite place to be is running or kayaking along Town Lake.  She also loves exploring Austin’s restaurants and watching football with friends and family.

AVAILABILITY

Dr. Vivyan provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Westlake office. For more information about Dr. Vivyan’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Clinical Postdoctoral Fellow

Jacob Lebar, PhD, JD

Dr. Lebar specializes in working with adults and young adults experiencing generalized anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression. He is experienced working with individuals in high stress professional careers and highly technical fields. Additionally, he particularly enjoys consulting with parents interested in how to best assist their children’s development of anxiety management skills.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Dr. Lebar is focused on building compassionate and genuine therapeutic relationships and use of evidenced-based approaches to treatment. He takes a collaborative, strengths-based approach, primarily using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP). He prioritizes fostering empowerment in a nonjudgmental space that is attentive to diversity and multicultural factors. This is to assist positioning clients as the expert in their experience. In this way, clients take an active role in identification of problem patterns, clarifying their goals for therapy, and selecting evidence-based solutions guided by their identified strengths. Additionally, Dr. Lebar incorporates elements of acceptance and commitment therapy as well as motivational interviewing into his work with clients.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Dr. Lebar received a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology at the University of Texas at Austin in 2005 and graduated from the University of Texas School of Law with Honors in 2008. After working in mediations and dispute resolution for several years, he returned to graduate work at the University of Houston, where he earned his Master of Arts in Psychology and his doctorate in Clinical Psychology. 

Dr. Lebar has experience working with clients across the lifespan in community, student counseling, integrated health clinic, and private practice settings. He completed his APA-accredited doctoral internship with Southern Illinois University’s student counseling center. During this time, he worked with young adults experiencing anxiety and depression, often with compounding issues, such as trauma, ADHD, chronic illness, and gender dysphoria. He completed graduate practica at the McLean OCD Institute, Houston (formerly Houston OCD Program) and Texas Children’s the Center for Children and Women. Dr. Lebar is currently under the supervision of Dr. Lauren Weathers (38443).

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Dr. Lebar’s interests include photography, podcasts, cooking international foods, playing board games with family and friends, and his chatty cats.

AVAILABILITY

Dr. Lebar provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Allandale office. For more information about Dr. Lebar’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Licensed Psychologist

Jameeka Moore, PsyD

Dr. Jameeka Moore’s clinical interests include obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety, specific phobias and mood disorders. She has experience working with clients across the age span and particularly enjoys working with adolescents and adults.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Dr. Moore takes a team approach while working with clients. She strives to educate clients on factors contributing to and maintaining their symptoms, while working collaboratively to impact cognitive and behavioral change. Dr. Moore utilizes evidence-based approaches while working with clients, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention, Behavior Modification and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Dr. Moore is a licensed psychologist in Texas (38007) and Illinois. She attended Northern Illinois University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and graduated with special honors from the Psychology Department. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Dr. Moore has trained with Dr. Arthur Freeman a recognized expert in the field and is a graduate of the International OCD Foundation’s Behavior Therapy Training Institute. She has also received training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Behavior Modification and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Dr. Moore has experience applying empirically validated treatment approaches in her work with individuals, families, and couples. She has worked with clients across the age span in multiple settings including academic, inpatient psychiatric, community mental health, home-based, and outpatient group practices. Dr. Moore completed an APA accredited doctoral internship at a community mental health center servicing several cities in Northwest Indiana. She recently relocated to Austin from Chicago, where she was on staff at a group practice serving as the OCD and anxiety specialist.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Dr. Moore enjoys traveling, reading, and socializing around sports, music, and food.

AVAILABILITY

Dr. Moore provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Allandale office. For more information about Dr. Moore’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Clinical Postdoctoral Fellow

Jordan Levine, PsyD

Dr. Jordan Levine’s clinical interests include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, school-related problems, and developmental disabilities. He has worked with children, adolescents, and adults. He particularly enjoys working with children and adolescents.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Dr. Levine recognizes the importance of developing a strong therapeutic relationship with his clients and believes that therapy is most effective after mutual trust is built. He is calm and patient with his clients. Dr. Levine strives to understand cultural, systemic, and individual factors affecting clients. He regularly collaborates with school staff, healthcare professionals, and clients’ families. Dr. Levine uses evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Activation, Exposure and Response Prevention, mindfulness techniques, and Motivational Interviewing.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Dr. Levine is completing his post-doctoral training, as he works to earn his licensure as a psychologist in Texas. Dr. Levine is currently under the supervision of Dr. Nicholson. He earned his doctorate in Psychology from Rutgers University. Dr. Levine also holds a Master’s degree in School Psychology from Rutgers University.

Dr. Levine worked for 2 years providing therapy to children, adolescents, and families within a school-based mental health clinic, where he provided service to a culturally, racially, and religiously diverse community. During that time, he received training in child therapy and gained experience collaborating with school systems. He worked with students experiencing various difficulties, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and behavior problems.

Dr. Levine served as a New Jersey Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NJLEND) fellow, where he received training and experience in serving families affected by developmental disabilities. Prior to graduate school, Dr. Levine worked for 2 years as an educational aide for students with developmental disabilities, ADHD, and behavior problems in an elementary school. 

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Dr. Levine enjoys hiking, watching and playing sports, playing video games, and spending time with friends.

AVAILABILITY

Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate

Katy Rothfelder, LPC-A, RBT

AREAS OF SPECIALTY 

Ms. Rothfelder specializes in supporting individuals suffering with OCD and related disorders as well as children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and learning  disabilities. She also enjoys working with individuals and families experiencing behavioral challenges and/or life stressors such as grief and loss.  

APPROACH TO THERAPY 

Ms. Rothfelder believes clients and their families who have come to therapy have made courageous  choices to seek services, and starts from a place of compassion to assess the needs of  those she works with. She is passionate about helping her clients from an evidence-based, therapeutically supportive and collaborative stance with confidence and hope in their capacity to grow and thrive in the life most meaningful to them.  

Strongly rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Ms. Rothfelder understands engaging fully in life means opening up to the full  experience of being human. That means having unhelpful thoughts, feeling painful  emotions and urges, and getting stuck in unworkable patterns from time-to-time. Just as  she challenges herself to grow through these human experiences with empirically  supported and mindfulness-based practice, she will validate your journey, while also  challenging you to move boldly in the directions you care most about. Therapy with Ms. Rothfelder may mean looking at long ingrained patterns, heavy content, or staring fear in the face.  Whatever the process may bring, she’ll be right there with you in the discomfort and joy of showing up for life.  

Ms. Rothfelder is an advocate and cheerleader for compassionately tailored, evidence based  practice including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior  Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and exposure response prevention  (ERP). She commits to these empirically supported treatments with flexibility and  curiosity for each client’s own journey, fitting treatment to address the values, cultures,  and needs of each person.  

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE 

Ms. Rothfelder earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from  Southwestern University with a focus on interpersonal factors in disclosing and relating  to mental illness. She earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from St. Edward’s  University, where she gained clinical experience in school settings and amongst multi disciplinary teams for challenges related to anxiety and related disorders, autism  spectrum disorders, grief and loss, as well as other comorbid stressors. Ms. Rothfelder is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate currently working under the supervision of Dr. John Hart (64336).

She has completed a number of advanced trainings in Applied Behavior Analysis,  Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Prior to  beginning her graduate degree, Katy worked for several years in the development and  marketing of local nonprofits and provided ABA services to early learners with Autism  Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. She is a published author on  mental health narrative in one of the nation’s top rhetorical journals.  

COMMITMENT TO ONGOING EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Ms. Rothfelder provides upwards of 15 hours a week in volunteer service to numerous organizations such as the International OCD Foundation and OCD Texas, The  Association for Contextual Behavioral Sciences, and the Psychologists Off the Clock  podcast. She believes advocacy to be a core part of her work as a clinician, and is  committed to giving back to her community through dissemination of evidence-based  treatments and increasing access to care. As such, Ms. Rothfelder attends multiple trainings a  month, staying up to date on the most current and top treatments offered for those she works with.  

PERSONAL INTERESTS 

A previous college athlete, Ms. Rothfelder is a mover and a shaker in her free time! After work and  on the weekends, she and her pup Thor are often exploring the city on foot or by bike,  hitting up all the local coffee shops, or heading to the river to spend time with friends and  family.

AVAILABILITY

Ms. Rothfelder provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Allandale office. For more information about Ms. Rothfelder’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Lauren Garfield, LMFT

Ms. Garfield has experience helping others with concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, parenting, grief and loss, building healthy relationships, and improving self-esteem. Ms. Garfield is particularly passionate about helping clients to decrease and manage anxiety, supporting parents and their children in building positive bonds, and helping individuals and families who are confronted with difficult life transitions. Ms. Garfield works with children, adolescents, parents, families, and young adults.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Ms. Garfield holds the belief that we are all able to cope with difficult experiences, but that sometimes a particular problem outweighs the internal and external skills and support to which we have access. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients build insight and develop practical ways of approaching difficult situations. Ms. Garfield also views individuals and families through a family systems lens, with a deep understanding of how relationships significantly impact each person’s beliefs about themselves and the world. Therapy certainly approaches challenges, failures, sadness, and fears, but Ms. Garfield also values celebrating successes, joys, and strengths.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Ms. Garfield received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz in Psychology, with Honors, with a minor in Music. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University. Ms. Garfield has experience working with children, adolescents, parents, families, and young adults in school, residential, and private practice settings, as well as the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara. Prior to beginning graduate school, Ms. Garfield gained research experience in the Life-span Development Lab at Stanford University where she assisted with studies examining motivation and emotion changes across the lifespan. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Texas (202903).

COMMITMENT TO ONGOING EDUCATION

Ms. Garfield highly values education, and frequently seeks out training to deepen her clinical knowledge. Her professional affiliations include:

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (TAMFT)

Austin Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (Austin AMFT)

California Association for Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

PERSONAL INTERESTS

In her spare time, Ms. Garfield enjoys spending time with her family, exploring Austin, and cheering for the Golden State Warriors.

AVAILABILITY

Ms. Garfield provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Round Rock office. For more information about Ms. Garfield’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Licensed Psychologist

Lauren Weathers, PhD

Dr. Weathers is a licensed psychologist in the state of Texas (#38443). Her clinical interests include anxiety, trauma, depression, insomnia, and adjustment related disorders. Dr. Weathers also enjoys working with clients who are struggling with self-worth/self-esteem and relationship/interpersonal difficulties. She has experience working with clients across the lifespan and particularly enjoys working with adolescents and adults. Dr. Weathers also has experience and enjoys working with Veterans.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Dr. Weathers is a strengths-based therapist who strives to help her clients live a meaningful life. When many clients enter therapy, they may be unaware of the strengths and skills they already possess that can help them on their mental health journey. Dr. Weathers enjoys helping clients find these strengths and skills while providing them with new skills and insight to accomplish their therapeutic goals. Dr. Weathers also enjoys learning what her clients value and motivates them to complete activities they enjoy and value, but may have been avoiding due to sad or anxious thoughts and feelings. Dr. Weathers believes in creating a safe and collaborative environment for her clients. Dr. Weathers is also aware and attentive to diversity and multicultural factors and incorporates these factors into therapy with her clients. She approaches her work in a compassionate manner and enjoys incorporating humor into the therapeutic process.

Dr. Weathers has a passion for evidence-based treatments and giving clients tools they can use to cope with future adversities and stressors. Dr. Weathers uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Dr. Weathers also incorporates Motivational Interviewing (MI), primary care/brief treatment modalities, and Mindful Self-Compassion techniques into her work.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE 

Dr. Weathers earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Queens University of Charlotte in Charlotte, NC. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Psychological Science at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY. Dr. Weathers earned her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from University of Mississippi in Oxford, MS. Dr. Weathers has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in community mental health, university, research hospital, and Veteran Affair outpatient settings. Dr. Weathers completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at the Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System in Austin, TX where she gained a breadth of experience working with Veterans in primary care behavioral health, general mental health, and substance abuse treatment settings.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

During her free time, Dr. Weathers enjoys traveling, going to concerts, collecting vinyls, and trying new restaurants in Austin.

AVAILABILITY

Dr. Weathers provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Westlake and Allandale offices. For more information about Dr. Weather’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Clinical Postdoctoral Fellow

Mary (Lexie) Low, PsyD

Dr. Low’s clinical interests include obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, personality disorders, and other anxiety spectrum disorders. She has experience working with clients across the lifespan and particularly enjoys working with adolescents and adults. 

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Dr. Low approaches treatment with warmth, compassion, empathy, and humor. She fosters a collaborative relationship in therapy, encouraging clients to take an active role in developing their unique treatment plans and goals. Dr. Low utilizes a strengths-based approach in her work, emphasizing individual clients’ strengths and skills while providing new skills to accomplish therapeutic goals. She also appreciates learning what clients value and enjoy but may have avoided due to symptoms related to anxiety or depression. Dr. Low highly values authenticity, creating a safe environment and genuine relationship with clients. Dr. Low is also aware of and attentive to diversity, spirituality, sexuality, gender, and multicultural factors and incorporates these factors into treatment with her clients.  

Dr. Low is trained in evidence-based approaches to treatment, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE). Dr. Low also incorporates Motivational Interviewing (MI) and mindfulness-based interventions into her work with clients. 

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Dr. Low earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. She earned a Master of Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Dr. Low earned a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Regent University of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Dr. Low has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in community mental health, university, and Veteran Affairs inpatient and outpatient settings. Dr. Low completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at the VA North Texas Healthcare System in Dallas, TX. At the VA, she gained in-depth experience working with Veterans in acute inpatient psychology and outpatient settings, including behavioral health, general mental health, and comorbid trauma/substance use clinics. Dr. Low is currently under the supervision of Dr. Khomenko (38026). 

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Dr. Low loves to rock climb, run, hike, and spend time outdoors. In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts, going to museums, and exploring restaurants in Austin. She also enjoys spending time with her family and her dog, Steve Nash. 

AVAILABILITY

Dr. Low provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Westlake and Round Rock offices. For more information about Dr. Low’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal. 

Licensed Psychologist

Meghan McMackin, PhD

Dr. McMackin specializes in working with children, adolescents, parents/caregivers, and families. Her primary clinical interests include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), trauma, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), specific phobias, selective mutism, and eating disorders.  Dr. McMackin’s specialization in school psychology has afforded her a thorough understanding of educational systems, including 504 and Special Education programming. 

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Dr. McMackin is a warm and compassionate therapist who approaches therapy from a strengths-based perspective, emphasizing individual clients’ positive attributes and genuinely believing in their autonomy and ability to succeed. Dr. McMackin’s genuine compassion and care for clients creates a safe and trusting environment in which clients feel comfortable and at-ease participating in therapy as they work towards identified goals.  

Dr. McMackin also approaches assessment and therapy from an ecological framework, considering the multiple environmental and cultural factors which impact development, treatment, and outcomes. To this end, Dr. McMackin works collaboratively with clients and parents/families to support treatment efforts. Dr. McMackin also consults and collaborates with educational professionals and other service providers to encourage wrap-around support to promote positive outcomes.   

Dr. McMackin is trained in evidence-based treatment approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), exposure therapy, family therapy, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing. Dr. McMackin also has training in behavioral consultation with parents/caregivers and educational professionals to support positive child and adolescent behavior at school and at home. 

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Dr. McMackin earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Wisconsin – Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. There, she earned a double-major in Psychology and Spanish. After earning her Bachelor’s degree, Dr. McMackin worked for four years as a case manager and family support specialist for an early literacy program. She then returned to the University of Wisconsin – Madison to receive her Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Educational Psychology.  

Dr. McMackin has experience working with children, adolescents, and families in community mental health, school, and clinical settings. She completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in Cypress, TX.  Through internship, she gained experience administering evidence-based assessment and school-based counseling services to children and adolescents receiving special education services for a range of presenting concerns. She also consulted with educational staff and families, provided parent training, developed behavior intervention plans (BIP), and participated in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. Dr. McMackin is currently under the supervision of Dr. Nicholson.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Dr. McMackin loves to travel, stay active, and spend time outdoors. She loves to explore parks and trails in Austin with her dog, Finnigan. She also loves cooking and trying new restaurants. 

AVAILABILITY

Dr. McMackin provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Westlake office. For more information about Dr. McMackin’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Clinical Postdoctoral Fellow

Mehwish Shahid, PhD

Dr. Shahid specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families. Her primary clinical interests include social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), specific phobias, separation anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Additionally, given her training in School Psychology, Dr. Shahid is knowledgeable about the educational supports and accommodations provided to students via 504 and special education services within the public school system.

Approach to Therapy

Dr. Shahid is passionate about establishing strong, trusting relationships with her clients. She enjoys collaborating with clients not only to help them learn the evidence-based skills needed to cope with anxious thoughts and feelings, but to assist them in practicing those skills during challenging situations. Dr. Shahid utilizes a cognitive-behavioral orientation within an ecological systems framework, which considers the role of sociocultural factors in children and adolescents’ development. She has experience working with a diverse range of individuals, and she strives to deliver culturally sensitive services to clients. 

Education, Training, and Experience

Dr. Shahid completed her undergraduate training at the University at Albany, SUNY, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. She then went on to attend the University of Rhode Island, where she earned her Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Psychology, with a specific concentration in School Psychology. For her doctoral dissertation, she conducted a study exploring students’ attitudes and preferences towards seeking help for mental health concerns, particularly anxiety disorders. 

During her graduate career, Dr. Shahid received training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Exposure Response Prevention Therapy through the Child Anxiety Program at the University of Rhode Island’s Psychological Consultation Center. During this time, Dr. Shahid gained experience providing evidence-based treatment to children and adolescents struggling with a variety of anxiety disorders, including OCD, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, and specific phobias.

Further, Dr. Shahid completed practica in several different school districts across the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut. In these practica, she received training in providing counseling to children and adolescents with a variety of needs and completing cognitive, academic, and behavioral assessments for special educations evaluations. 

Dr. Shahid completed her predoctoral internship in the Bastrop Independent School District, where she provided school-based counseling to students with disabilities such as autism, depression, ADHD, and learning disabilities. She also completed evaluations for special education services. Additionally, Dr. Shahid provided consultation services to teachers and parents, conducted functional behavior assessments (FBA), contributed to the development and implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIP), and participated in Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings. 

Presently, Dr. Shahid is completing her postdoctoral fellowship under the supervision of Dr. Nicholson (#36270).

Personal Interests

Dr. Shahid enjoys traveling, reading, and hiking. As a foodie, she also greatly enjoys exploring new restaurants around Austin. 

Availability

Dr. Shahid provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Round Rock office. For more information about Dr. Shahid’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

"Postdoctoral Fellow"

Melina Cavazos

Mrs. Melina Cavazos’ (preferred pronouns: she/her) primary clinical interests include generalized anxiety, social anxiety, specific phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, relationship difficulties, and life transition difficulties. Mrs. Cavazos enjoys working with children, adolescents, young adults, parents, and families. Additionally, Mrs. Cavazos’ training in school psychology has also equipped her with an understanding of the school system and related services.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Mrs. Cavazos understands that therapy can be a vulnerable experience. Mrs. Cavazos uses warmth and empathy with her clients in building a strong therapeutic relationship, and aims to empower her clients in their journey for lasting change. Mrs. Cavazos is fully committed to taking a collaborative approach, meaning that both Mrs. Cavazos and her client are fully engaged in the therapeutic process, and that the outcome will be the product of their combined efforts both in and out of session.

Mrs. Cavazos uses a trauma-informed and integrative approach in working with clients, primarily rooted in cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and systems, to best meets her client’s therapeutic goals. She also believes in building client strengths, and building other skills that could be helpful for the client. Mrs. Cavazos also believes that working within the client’s system, such as teachers, medical professionals, and others, can also be beneficial when appropriate.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Mrs. Cavazos earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX. She then earned her Master of Education in Educational Psychology at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. Mrs. Cavazos is in the final stages of her dissertation project, and will have her Doctor of Philosophy in School Psychology degree conferred from Texas A&M University on December 11, 2021. 

Mrs. Cavazos has varied experiences in providing consultation with parents and other professionals, and using evidence-based treatments in providing individual, group, and family therapy with persons of varying age ranges and diverse backgrounds. Mrs. Cavazos is also equipped with providing psychological, psychoneurological, and psychoeducational assessment, as well as academic and behavioral interventions. Previous practica settings include community mental health clinics, schools, private practice clinics, and outpatient psychiatric clinics. Mrs. Cavazos completed her APA-approved pre-doctoral internship at the Illinois School Psychology Internship Consortium (ISPIC), where she worked with at-risk populations within various settings in rural Illinois. Mrs. Cavazos is looking forward to completing her post-doctoral internship at Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists in her pursuit of becoming a licensed psychologist.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

In her free time, Mrs. Cavazos enjoys spending time with her husband, trying new foods, drinking boba tea, playing video games, and playing with her (mischievous) dachshund, Pancake.

AVAILABILITY

Mrs. Cavazos provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Allendale and Westlake offices. For more information about Mrs. Cavazos’ availability or to schedule an appointment, please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Board Certified Behavior Analysist, Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Specialist in School Psychology

Melissa McHugh Dillon, PhD

Dr. Dillon specializes in working with children and adolescents with specific phobias, OCD, social anxiety, selective mutism, tic disorders and externalizing behavioral concerns. In addition to working with neurotypical children, she also has extensive experience working with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder and other developmental disabilities. As a trained School Psychologist, she enjoys collaborating with school staff and helping families understand the special education system and evaluation process.

Approach to Therapy

Dr. Dillon believes that every family has unique challenges and strengths. Making the choice to acknowledge a concern and seek therapy is already a courageous decision, which she fully appreciates. Her ability to be warm and encouraging while also challenging her clients to meet their goals in a supportive environment allows parents and children to feel empowered. Dr. Dillon’s specialties include parent training, functional interventions, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). She also recognizes that these are not “one-size-fits-all” interventions and can adapt these approaches to fit the individual developmental and cognitive level of each client.

Education and Training

Dr. Dillon earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from The University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. She earned her doctorate degree in School Psychology from The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. As part of her doctorate program, she completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at Louisiana School Internship Psychology Consortium in New Orleans, Louisiana. She continued her education and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in the Pediatric Developmental Disorders Clinic in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Dillon is a licensed psychologist in the state of Texas (37910). She also has completed specialized training through the Tourette Association of America and is certified in CBIT.

Personal Interests

Dr. Dillon loves spending time with her family on Lake Travis during the summer. She also enjoys water skiing, listening to live music, international travel and long road trips. After living in several states, she is very excited return to Austin, her hometown.

Availability 

Dr. Dillon provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Round Rock office. For more information about Dr. Dillon’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Director, Licensed Psychologist

Misti Nicholson, PsyD

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Rebecca Athanason, LCSW

AREAS OF SPECIALTY

Ms. Athanason’s clinical specialties include teletherapy, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma/PTSD, anxiety,  phobias, panic disorder, eating disorders, depression, and grief related issues. She enjoys working with teenagers, adults, active-duty military/veterans, seniors, couples, and families.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Through her compassionate, action-oriented approach to therapy, Ms. Athanason maintains a safe, trusting environment to help her clients reconceptualize and better understand their experiences. She provides clients with a conceptual framework to help them understand the neurological processes that lead to anxiety and equips them with practical skills to put into action. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) in her work with clients. Valuing the importance of taking the client’s whole environment into perspective, Ms. Athanason works closely with parents, schools, physicians, military commands (if desired), and other treatment providers.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Ms. Athanason received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Florida and earned her Master of Science degree in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. She has experience working with adults (including seniors and active duty/veterans), adolescents, and children in outpatient, residential, and inpatient treatment settings. Ms. Athanason worked at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry department in Gainesville, Florida, where she gained valuable experience in researching and implementing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques working with patients experiencing anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, trichotillomania, and mental health disorders exacerbated by physical health diagnoses. She received diverse training experiences throughout her educational career. Ms. Athanason worked with children and families at Easter Seals of Central Texas, with a focus on managing behavioral symptoms both at home and at school. During this time, she also received training in trauma focused-cognitive behavioral therapy for children and adolescents. At the Central Texas VA she worked in both inpatient hospice and the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Clinic, where she received training and experience in CBT and cognitive processing therapy (CPT). Post-graduation, Ms. Athanason worked with senior citizens and veterans in Austin, Texas, with an emphasis on end-of-life issues, grief, dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, and depression. She also worked with clients with acute psychiatric illness (child and adult), PTSD, and substance abuse (civilian, veteran, and active duty) in an inpatient and residential setting. She became a Certified Provider in CPT, earned her license as a Chemical Dependency Counseling-Intern, and gained training in mindfulness and meditation for mental health issues. She is a licensed clinical Social Worker in the state of Texas (56552).

PERSONAL INTERESTS

When she isn’t in the office, Ms. Athanason enjoys spending time with her family, hiking and being outdoors, traveling, yoga, cooking, sewing, and playing with her two dogs.

AVAILABILITY

Ms. Athanason provides online video therapy sessions. For more information about Ms. Athanason’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Licensed Psychologist

Rebecca Suffness, PhD

Dr. Suffness specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families, with a particular interest in working with pre-adolescents and adolescents. Her primary clinical interests include depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma, generalized anxiety, and other anxiety disorders. Additionally, Dr. Suffness completed her pre-doctoral internship in the school system, which provided her with experience with and knowledge of special education services within the public school system.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Dr. Suffness prefers to utilize evidence-based forms of therapy, but she also values personalization in order to provide the best form of therapy for each individual’s needs. As such, Dr. Suffness incorporates components from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), exposure and response prevention, and other evidence-based treatments in her clinical work. These forms of therapy require a collaborative relationship with the clients and families, so Dr. Suffness prioritizes building rapport and ensuring that therapeutic plans are discussed at the start of treatment and as treatment progresses. Additionally, based on her experience in the school system, Dr. Suffness recognizes the importance of the time spent in school for children and adolescents, so therapy is customized to assist children and adolescents in all domains in which they are seeking help.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Dr. Suffness earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with a minor in English, at Duke University in Durham, NC. She also received Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) in Greensboro, NC. She has received training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), and exposure and response prevention (ERP). She also has experience leading evidence-based group therapy in outpatient, inpatient, and school settings.

Dr. Suffness has experience working with children and adolescents in outpatient, inpatient, school, and medical settings. She completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS), where she gained experience providing school-based therapy to children and adolescents experiencing a wide range of concerns that were having an academic impact for these students, including providing therapy through a program for students with severe emotional disabilities. Dr. Suffness completed evaluations of toddlers, children, and adolescents for special education services; completed threat assessments; and assisted with district-wide crisis interventions. Additionally, she participated in meetings to assess eligibility for a disability as well as meetings to discuss and implement in-school interventions for children having difficulty with emotions, behavior, and/or academics. Dr. Suffness is a licensed psychologist in the state of Texas (38044).

PERSONAL INTERESTS

While Dr. Suffness is adamant that she is not a “cat lady,” she will openly discuss her fondness for her blonde tabby named Oscar Wildecat. Dr. Suffness enjoys various movies and TV shows, reading fiction, and eating excellent food. As a Dallas native, she is a fan of the Dallas baseball, basketball, and hockey teams. Additionally, as a Duke alumna, she is a fan of Duke basketball. Dr. Suffness also loves to travel, both abroad and domestically, and she has a goal to visit all 50 states.

AVAILABILITY

Dr. Suffness provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Westlake office. For more information about Dr. Suffness’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

IOP Coordinator, Licensed Psychologist

Samantha Myhre, PhD

Dr. Myhre’s clinical interests include anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias, and separation anxiety), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression and self esteem. She has experience working with clients across the lifespan and particularly enjoys working with adolescents and adults.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Dr. Myhre places a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship in her work with clients. She works to ensure that her clients feel safe to express themselves and that the process of treatment is both collaborative and educational. Dr. Myhre is also attentive to diversity and multicultural factors. She approaches her work with a gentle demeanor and humor. Dr. Myhre has a passion for evidence-based treatments and enjoys educating clients and families on why a specific treatment was selected.

Dr. Myhre works primarily from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) lens while maintaining the importance of the relationship with her clients. She has training in and experience providing traditional CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Behavioral Activation (BA), Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Dr. Myhre also incorporates Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) into her work.

Dr. Myhre strongly values collaboration with families, schools, and other treatment providers to ensure that clients receive whole-health care.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Dr. Myhre earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in Psychology and Elementary Education from Jamestown College (now University of Jamestown) in Jamestown, ND. She earned her Master of Science degree in Psychology and doctorate degree in Psychological Clinical Science from North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND. Dr. Myhre has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in community mental health, university, and psychiatric research settings. Dr. Myhre completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at AspenPointe in Colorado Springs, CO where she gained a breadth of experience working in various facets of community mental health including adult outpatient services, child and adolescent testing and assessment, integrated care in a primary care clinic, and crisis and acute inpatient settings. Dr. Myhre completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists under the supervision of Dr. Misti Nicholson, where she gained additional training in the treatment of anxiety disorders and OCD-spectrum disorders. She is a licensed psychologist in the state of Texas (#38475).

PERSONAL INTERESTS

During her free time, Dr. Myhre enjoys traveling, live music, being outdoors, playing and watching sports, the Austin food scene, and spending time with her partner and family.

AVAILABILITY

Dr. Myhre provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Allendale office. For more information about Dr. Myhre’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Practicum Student

Samuel Pitasky

Sam is a fourth-year Doctoral Student in Counseling Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. He is completing a practicum training program with Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists under the supervision of Dr. Lauren Weathers, PhD, a licensed psychologist in the state of Texas (38443). Sam’s clinical interests include anxiety, social anxiety, and depression as well as managing normal life transitions and making meaning in life. He also strongly believes in the power of group therapy and enjoys working as a group facilitator. Sam has experience working with clients of all ages and he particularly enjoys working with young adults and college students.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Sam believes that therapy is not just about “fixing what’s wrong” but also about opening avenues for self-exploration and growth and helping clients make meaning in their lives. His therapeutic style is very relational – this means that he likes to collaborate with clients and takes an active and open approach to the therapeutic relationship. In his work, Sam draws on principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and Existential Therapy, and he incorporates principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help find motivation for change. Sam believes that the role of a therapist is not to tell clients how they should live their lives but to support them in activating their own values and strengths. In this way, therapy can be a place where clients learn how to make their lives their own.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Sam earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. He spent a few years working in finance and consulting before going back to school to student psychology. Sam went on to earn a Psychology Certificate from Columbia University in New York, NY before beginning his doctorate in Counseling Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. In his research, Sam studies college student mental health with his advisor Dr. Chris Brownson, PhD. His research takes a population-level approach to improving the mental health of students on campus. Sam works as the Graduate Assistant for Program Evaluation at the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC) and the University Health Services (UHS) at UT Austin. In this role, Sam helps to analyze and improve the services being offered to students. His primary research looks at group therapy for social anxiety among college students. Before coming to Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, Sam completed practicum training with the Counselors in Academic Residence (CARE) program at UT Austin and with Kaleidoscope Counseling and Assessment, a clinic serving the wider Austin community. He has experience providing individual, couples, and group counseling to clients of all ages and with a variety of presenting concerns.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Sam enjoys cycling, paddle boarding with his dog, playing chess, eating sushi, and visiting his family in the Pacific Northwest.

AVAILABILITY

Sam provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Westlake Office. For more information about Sam’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal. 

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Sarah Brown, LCSW

Ms. Brown is a warm and caring therapist who values creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their concerns and practice new skills. Ms. Brown has worked with people from various backgrounds, ages, and life stages. She has experience working with clients individually, as well as with couples, and families. Ms. Brown enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults, and enjoys using her experiences with play therapy, art, music, and mindfulness, to supplement traditional talk therapy. Ms. Brown specializes in working with children and adults who are working through generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, PTSD, anxiety related to witnessed or perceived violence, panic disorders, self-esteem concerns, trauma, identity concerns, grief, loss, and depression.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Ms. Brown utilizes a client-centered, strength-based, holistic approach, and incorporates her knowledge of trauma, diverse populations, and cultures as a supplement to her practice. Children and adults find it easy to connect with Ms. Brown in therapy sessions. Ms. Brown uses a customized approach to therapy, understanding that what may work well for one individual may support another individual differently. Through a therapeutic partnership, Ms. Brown focuses on her clients’ strengths and goals to help them find meaning and direction. Ms. Brown integrates techniques from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and Gestalt therapy in her practice.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Ms. Brown earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, with a concentration in Psychology and Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, in Urbana, Illinois. She earned her Master of Clinical Social Work degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, in Urbana, Illinois. She completed her clinical internship under the direction of Karie Wolfson, LCSW, CEAP at the University of Illinois Faculty-Staff Assistance program in Urbana, Illinois. Ms. Brown worked extensively with both children and adults, in individual and family/group settings. Ms. Brown also has experience working in child welfare, with children and families, as well as with patients and employees in a hospital setting.

Ms. Brown has experience working with clients who identify with anxiety, childhood trauma, challenging relationship dynamics, self-esteem concerns, imposter syndrome, grief and loss, depression, interpersonal trauma, cultural adjustment concerns, life transitions, career development and direction, and work-related concerns. Ms. Brown is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Texas (66527).

COMMITMENT TO ONGOING EDUCATION

Ms. Brown highly values education, and frequently seeks out training to deepen her clinical knowledge. Her professional affiliations include:

National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

Austin in Connection

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Ms. Brown is a life-long learner and creator. In her free time, she enjoys painting, ice-skating, reading, and exploring the outdoors through hiking, kayaking, and running. She also enjoys exploring new restaurants and eateries with family and friends.

AVAILABILITY

Ms. Brown provides online video therapy sessions and also sees clients at our Westlake office. For more information about Ms. Brown’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.

Licensed Psychologist

Victoria Nguyen, PsyD

Dr. Nguyen’s clinical specialties include generalized anxiety, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression, and other mood disorders.

APPROACH TO THERAPY

Dr. Nguyen values the importance of collaboration and views her work with clients as a partnership. She approaches therapy with an intention of first clearly assessing and understanding a client’s experience and goals for therapy. She then works mutually with clients and families to establish an individualized, evidence-based treatment plan tailored to the unique needs of the client. Dr. Nguyen’s clients and colleagues describe her as caring and attentive. They also appreciate her sensitive yet direct approach to therapy along with her strong sense of humor.

Dr. Nguyen takes an integrative approach to her clinical work and relies on research supported interventions. Her treatment specialties include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Dr. Nguyen understands the importance of consultation and collaboration. Consistent with her comprehensive approach to care, she works closely with psychiatrists, physicians, teachers, and other mental health providers.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Dr. Nguyen received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She has a Master of Arts in Human Development with a focus in Child Development from Teachers College at Columbia University and a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Loma Linda University in California.

Dr. Nguyen has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in outpatient, university, and hospital settings. She completed an APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship at Florida State University Counseling Center in Tallahassee, Florida where she gained experience providing evidence-based individual and group therapy to young adults within a college setting. Prior to moving to Austin, Dr. Nguyen worked as a staff clinician at Mississippi State University-Student Counseling Services in Starkville, Mississippi where she provided individual and group therapy to college students.

Dr. Nguyen is a licensed psychologist in the state of Texas (37806) and has received training in cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure and response prevention while at Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialist. She has also completed training in cognitive behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder through a partnership between the International OCD Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital’s Psychiatry Academy. In addition, she has also completed a bootcamp and 16 week long training in Acceptance Commitment therapy.

PERSONAL INTERESTS

During her free time, Dr. Nguyen enjoys spending time with family, traveling, yoga, trying new foods, and watching college football.

AVAILABILITY

Dr. Nguyen currently resides in Arizona and she provides telehealth sessions to adult clients located in Texas. For more information about Dr. Nguyen’s availability or to schedule an appointment please call (512) 246-7225 or visit our client portal.