Find a therapist in Texas — covered by insurance
Top therapists in Texas accepting new patients
Texas residents can now access affordable mental health care through Headway's network of 9,482 licensed providers offering evidence-based approaches like CBT and EMDR. With 70+ insurance plans accepted and flexible virtual or in-person options, quality care is within reach across the state.
With a strong foundation in both social work and law enforcement, I bring a compassionate, grounded, and practical perspective to therapy. I hold both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work and spent eight years in law enforcement, primarily working patrol. This experience gave me the opportunity to support individuals and families during some of the most challenging and vulnerable moments of their lives.
Through my professional work—and my own lived experiences with critical and traumatic incidents—I developed a deep commitment to helping others heal from trauma. I specialize in trauma-focused therapy and work with individuals navigating life’s challenges, processing difficult past experiences, and building resilience for the future.
My approach blends clinical expertise with real-world understanding to create a space that is supportive, nonjudgmental, and genuine. I strive to ensure clients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process. Whether you are working through trauma, adjusting to life transitions, or seeking healthier coping strategies, I aim to help you gain clarity, strengthen your inner resources, and move forward with confidence. I’m here to support you every step of the way on your path toward healing and personal growth.
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.
Hi, I’m Asajnae Mercadel, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in healthcare. My background in nursing has given me a strong foundation in understanding both the physical and emotional aspects of patient care. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and sleep-related concerns. I’m passionate about creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable being open and honest. My goal is to help you feel heard, understood, and empowered in your mental health journey.
I'm a relational therapist specializing in treating grief & loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, & parent-child relationships with adolescents & adults. Feeling stuck in a particular area of life such as your relationships, school/work, identity, or emotions? Sometimes we find ourselves repeating old habits that no longer serve us. I often work with individuals experiencing issues around shame and self-worth, who view themselves much harsher than the rest of the world. I offer room to explore these patterns with compassionate curiosity and supportive guidance for you to start trying something different – space for a new narrative.
To heal & move forward you first need to feel seen & heard. I listen deeply to carefully integrate different therapeutic approaches based upon what the individual or family needs from me. The human brain is hardwired for relationship & connection, so I work hard to build a safe space for us to explore, learn, & grow together.
There's a wealth of grit & resiliency inside each of us. It's my job to help you build on the internal strengths that already exist in you. Healing, growth, exploration, & change all take place in a secure relationship – including ours. Beginning therapy is an act of hope & a bid for health. Get in touch for a free 20m consultation & let's get started.
About our therapists serving Texas
- 97%Anxiety
- 93%Depression
- 87%Stress management
- 78%Trauma
- 78%Relationship issues
- 99%Aetna
- 93%Cigna
- 84%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 80%Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- 68%Ascension
- 99%English
- 13%Spanish
- 1%Hindi
- 1%Urdu
- 1%Yoruba
- 78%Online only
- 21%In-person or online
- 1%In-person only
- 83%Woman
- 16%Man
- 60%Licensed Professional Counselor
- 23%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 5%Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist
- 4%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse - Certified Nurse Practitioner
- 3%Psychologist
- 100%Individual therapy
- 31%Family therapy
- 23%Couples therapy
- 15%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions
Find the right therapist for you
Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mental Health Therapist in Texas
Searching for therapists in Texas starts with finding someone whose training fits what you want support with. Across a state as large and varied as Texas, therapy needs and available therapists can differ across urban, suburban, and rural areas. You may be looking for help with anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, grief, trauma, or major life changes. Review each therapist’s listed specialties, approach, and experience to see whether their background matches your needs. Some therapists may use approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, while others may focus on specific populations or concerns.
Location and format also matter when comparing Texas therapists. In larger areas like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, you may have many choices, while other parts of the state may have fewer local options. Some people prefer meeting in person, while others choose virtual sessions for scheduling flexibility or easier access from home. As you narrow your search, look at appointment availability, whether a therapist is accepting new patients, and whether they offer a free phone consultation. Reading therapist bios before booking can help you understand how they describe their style, what sessions may feel like, and whether their communication approach fits your preferences.
The cost of therapy in Texas can vary, and using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs. Headway helps you search for Texas therapists who match your preferences, accept your insurance, and are ready to take new patients. Nationally, Headway works with over 100 insurance plans, and you can enter your insurance details to see estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking. From there, you can compare therapists, review bios, and book directly when you’re ready.
Use left and right arrow keys to switch tabs. Press Shift+Tab to return to the tab list from links in the selected tab.