Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Harlingen, TX covered by Aetna

With over 30 years in healthcare and a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Liberty University, I’ve spent the past 7 years offering therapy to a diverse range of clients. I focus on CBT and geriatric therapy, provide talk therapy, and support individuals through the grieving process. I work with those dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and loss.

Shelena is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. She has experience working with individuals, couples, and families. She received her BA in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry and her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She loves working with individuals to help them reframe negative thinking and behaviors. She believes that given the right tools we all can become the best version of ourselves.

I received a BSW from the University of North Texas in 1990 and an MSW from the University of Maryland in 1993 and have worked in the fields of community mental health, grief and loss, foster care and adoption, trauma recovery, depression, anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder. I specialize in Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

I am certified in Brainspotting and Critical Incident Stress Management and am recognized as a Certified Trauma Treatment Specialist by the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists.

I am double-board certified in General and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry, with extensive experience in outpatient, inpatient and consultation practice settings, that spans civilian, military and academic milieus. I am licensed in AL, AZ, CT, FL, NY, TX.

I work with neurodivergent women, especially moms, who have trouble turning off their brain and connecting to their feelings. Many of my clients are people pleasing, perfectionistic, and struggle with their relationships with others. As someone with 10 years experience studying and practicing in the mental health space, I can tell you that having a sense of belonging and connectedness is the single greatest predictor of mental wellbeing.

Genuine belonging and connection to self or others may be difficult because you're carrying guilt, shame, self-blame, or the pressure to hold everything together. You may look “fine” from the outside while privately feeling overstimulated, burned out, or feeling a lack of purpose or direction.

Therapy can be a place to stop performing, slow down, and connect to yourself, so you can show up in connection and belonging with others in a genuine way.

Therapy provides the opportunity for one to become the best version of themselves. I work to help clients understand and identify their own strengths and incorporating coping skills while processing aspects of the past to create an understand to the causes of our behaviors. Helping other work through transitional periods of life such as life transitions, work, relationships, school, etc have also been a part of my clinical skills.

My clinical style is warm, structured, and collaborative. I emphasize clear communication and shared decision-making with my patients. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where people feel heard and respected.

I have an AGACNP background, which supports my ability to assess medical comorbidity and understand complex medical/psychiatric overlap. I am also DOT-certified, which reflects my knowledge of safety-sensitive considerations and careful medication risk assessment.

Clients should know that I believe everyone has strengths and the ability to create positive change. My approach is supportive, respectful, and focused on what’s working rather than what’s wrong. I see therapy as a collaborative process where we set clear goals, highlight your progress, and build practical solutions that fit your life. You can expect a safe, nonjudgmental space where your voice matters and where we work together to move toward hope, healing, and growth.