Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Katy, TX covered by United Healthcare

Two decades of clinical excellence.

Dr. Cindy Ruelas-Tafolla's path to becoming a clinician began at age 13 with the sudden loss of her father — an experience that planted the seed of her life's purpose: to be the kind of support she needed during her own darkest moments.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from UC Santa Barbara, her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, and her Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from USC.

Over two decades, she has served as a Medical Social Worker, Case Manager, and Behavioral Health Therapist — bringing doctoral-level depth, board-certified credentials, and genuine compassion to every client she works with.

Hi, I’m Cindy and I want you to know this: you don’t have to go through it alone. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply tired of carrying it all, therapy can be a space to exhale, reflect, and gently begin again.

I come to this work not only as a clinician but as a human being shaped by my own lived experience. I’m a proud Trinidadian-American who migrated to the U.S. at a young age, and I know what it’s like to navigate different worlds, expectations, and identities. That background helps me show up with empathy, cultural sensitivity, and deep respect for the unique path each client walks.

I’m currently pursuing my Doctorate in Social Work at Simmons University, and my clinical experience has focused on supporting adults through anxiety, trauma, life transitions, burnout, and issues related to identity and belonging. I have a special heart for clients who are used to being the strong ones, the caregivers, the first-gen trailblazers, the ones who hold space for everyone else.

In our work together, you can expect warmth, honesty, and collaboration. I use a relational and strengths-based approach, integrating tools from CBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care, but more importantly, I meet you where you are, honoring your pace and your story.

This is your space to feel seen, to feel safe, and to explore what healing could look like for you. If you’re ready to begin, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.

I specialize in helping individuals, couples, and families who want to gain deeper insight, heal from the past, and create positive change in their lives. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or significant life transitions, I’m here to help you uncover your resilience and empower you to move forward with confidence. I see my role as both a guide and a partner, helping you tap into your own strengths and resources to make lasting changes.

I am a dedicated and compassionate Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with extensive clinical experience across various psychiatric settings, including inpatient, outpatient and community mental health. Leveraging a solid background in acute care nursing, i excel in conducting thorough assessments and developing patient-centered treatment plans tailored to each individual

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📅 Book an appointment now! Same day appointment available, 9am to 9pm central time

Understanding Your Issues:

I understand that every individual is unique, and your concerns are as individual as you are. Whether you're grappling with anxiety, depression.

I am a board-certified Nurse practitioner with many years of critical care experience. My provider strength leverages a wealth of experience from critical care, which provides me with a unique lens for my psychiatric mental health practice. I strongly believe that a complete healing stabilizes both the mind and the body. So, I am uniquely equipped to manage complex cases at intersection of acute illness and mental health crisis. I also believe in personalized shared care planning that respects and honors patient's unique needs and preferences. My goal is to deliver exceptional and compassionate care that supports whole-wellbeing by stabilizing the mind.