ADHD therapists and psychiatrists in Friendswood, TX

I believe with a little help, you can be your own change. If you've been struggling with addiction, trauma, or the weight of navigating life after contact with the justice system, I've spent more than 25 years working at exactly that intersection. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in Texas with deep experience in the criminal justice, mental health, and substance use fields. Before private practice, I spent decades working directly with people the system had often already written off. I work with adolescents, adults, and seniors dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and co-occurring conditions.

I believe that every person deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported without judgment. As a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, my goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you can openly discuss your concerns and work toward meaningful change. I understand that seeking mental health care can feel overwhelming, and I strive to make the process approachable, collaborative, and personalized. I'm committed to partnering with you to help you achieve your goals.

Empowering Growth Through Compassionate, Personalized Therapy

Welcome to Free Your Mind Counseling, where healing meets authenticity. My practice is founded on the belief that every individual deserves a safe and supportive space to heal, grow, and thrive. I provide personalized, culturally responsive therapy for trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and life transitions—grounded in empathy, respect, and collaboration.

I specialize in existential, eclectic, and integrative therapies, drawing from evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Psychodynamic, Humanistic, and Experiential frameworks. This flexible, holistic approach allows me to meet clients where they are—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method.

My academic foundation includes a Master of Arts in Counseling from Prairie View A&M University and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in Juvenile Justice. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas, a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and bring over a decade of experience in the criminal justice system, substance use recovery programs, and diverse mental health settings.

I am also completing my Doctoral degree at Houston Christian University in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, majoring in Executive Mental Health and Human Services—a reflection of my commitment to advancing mental health leadership and community impact.

My philosophy centers on helping clients discover purpose, balance, and self-acceptance through integrative, trauma-informed care. I believe in engaging deeply—not just listening, but empowering transformation. My mission is to create a nonjudgmental space where healing isn’t just possible—it’s expected.

I'm Melissa Avitia, a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor based in Texas. I specialize in working with adolescents, adults, and families, using evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, and mindfulness to help clients navigate anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and school-related challenges. I graduated from the University of Texas-Pan American, and I'm passionate about creating a compassionate, empowering space where clients can build resilience and restore balance in their lives.

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have been providing individual therapy for adults for over 10 years.

Whatever issues you're dealing with, you'll be treated with dignity and respect, and I'll work with you to develop a plan to move towards living the kind of life that you want.

Are you in the blame game? Do you blame yourself for events and circumstances beyond your circle of control and influence? You’re one of the millions of people so trapped!

Counseling help is available for you- as a parent, a teenager, young adult, couple, or whatever category that defines your person. As your counselor, your mental health journey is mine. You have POWER within YOU. Utilizing your past experience as a steppingstone to overcome all obstacles.

BELIEVE!!!

Let the journey begin.

Recognizing the need for growth and change can feel intimidating, but taking that first step toward therapy shows courage and a willingness to invest in yourself. I create a warm, supportive space where clients can safely explore past and present experiences. Together, we work to understand patterns, emotions, and challenges that may be holding you back. I view therapy as a collaborative journey where we move at your pace while building insight, self-acceptance, and meaningful change. My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths and move toward a more balanced, fulfilling life.