Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Stafford, TX

I have lived in and outside of Mexico, Houston, Seattle, and Maine, and have felt at home in a number of ecosystems. I’ve held many titles: marine biologist, research scientist, environmental educator, elementary school teacher, farmer, barista, mom...I come from a multi-national, multi-cultural family. When I’m not therapizing, I’m outside with my family and my pets, gardening, writing, moving my body, and goofing off.

I dedicated the first part of my career to connecting with nature through science, outdoor adventure education, and horticulture, while doing my own therapeutic work. Nature has always been part of my healing and how I care for others. I graduated from the University of Washington with a BS in Aquatic and Fisheries Science, and earned my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. I have 8 years of combined experience in eating disorder treatment at every level of care. My 5 years of private practice experience has centered on complex trauma presentations.

I believe that being seen, heard, and fully accepted is what fosters true connection—not just with others, but with yourself. My goal is to welcome you exactly as you are, no matter what burdens or dilemmas you’re carrying.

My hope is to empower you to embrace your unique journey so you can live, love, and fully enjoy the life ahead of you.

Compassionate, Evidence-Based Mental Health Care

As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP), I am committed to providing comprehensive, integrated mental health care that supports your well-being at every stage of life. Mental health is the foundation of overall wellness, influencing emotional balance, relationships, productivity, and quality of life. My goal is to offer individualized, evidence-based treatment tailored to your unique needs, helping you regain stability, resilience, and peace of mind.

I welcome clients facing a range of psychiatric conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, ADHD, schizophrenia, and other mental health challenges. Using a holistic approach, I consider biological, psychological, and social factors to create a treatment plan that fosters long-term healing.

Expertise You Can Trust

With more than 20 years of experience in patient care, I have worked extensively in diverse healthcare settings, gaining deep insight into both mental and physical health. I am board-certified in psychiatric mental health, medical-surgical, and critical care nursing, bringing a well-rounded perspective to patient care.

My academic background includes a Master of Science in Mental Health and a Bachelor’s in Nursing and Biology. I was honored to receive the Excellence in Nursing Award from the Good Samaritan Foundation of Texas, a recognition of my dedication to compassionate and high-quality care.

Hello and welcome—I'm so glad you're here.

My name is Shanna Gardner, LPC-S, and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I'm deeply passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and discover a sense of peace, purpose, and emotional wellness.

I believe that therapy should be a space where you feel safe, heard, and truly understood. Whether you're dealing with overwhelming stress, navigating a tough life transition, or managing symptoms of anxiety or depression, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

You might not even be able to imagine happiness because you never learned how to dream. As a collaborative, strengths-based therapist, I can teach you to understand where that comes from, so you can grow into your identity(ies) and start dreaming of your future. This is called thriving.