Meet the Empatia CounselingTeam
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
At Empatia Counseling, we provide therapy with heart, healing with empathy. Our team is dedicated to creating a warm, supportive space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered. What makes us special? We genuinely care. Our culture is built on empathy, collaboration, and a deep commitment to seeing our clients thrive. Whether in-person or virtually, we’re here to walk alongside you on your journey to healing and growth.

Owner, LPC
Marivel Tijerina
Are you or your child struggling with anxiety, ADHD, trauma, self-esteem issues, school challenges, or depression? You don’t have to face it alone—I’m here to help. I’m passionate about guiding individuals to explore and express their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in ways that promote growth, healing, and understanding. Every person’s journey is unique, and I’m committed to providing compassionate support tailored to your specific needs. I know it can feel overwhelming to take the first step toward therapy, but you’re in the right place. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where clients of all ages can heal, grow, and discover their strengths. Let’s take small steps forward together to help you or your child thrive.
Client Focus
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Children (ages 5-12)
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Adults (18-60)
Treatment Approach
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Play Therapy Trained
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Trained (EMDR)
Session Fee
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$150 a session
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Accepts UHC, Optum, BCBS, Aetna, Aetna Marketplace, & Cigna

LPC
Larissa Ramos
Larissa is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families in both educational and clinical settings. A graduate of The University of Texas at San Antonio, Larissa earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling. Larissa strives to help clients address challenges impacting their every day lives. Larissa specializes in helping individuals navigating behavioral challenges, anxiety, depression, low level substance use, and other life stressors. She offers a compassionate and effective approach to mental health building a collaborative therapeutic relationship to improve emotional regulation, communication skills, coping mechanisms, unhealthy behaviors, and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns to allow for personal growth. Larissa serves clients cope with the effects of traumatic events. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is dedicated to working with children, adolescents, and their caregivers. Larissa utilizes a variety of approaches to meet her clients' needs and provides services in both English and Spanish. Larissa believes in the power of creating a safe and open space for emotional expression and self-exploration. Taking a person-centered and relational approach, she fosters growth by empowering clients to embrace their uniqueness and resilience, helping them recognize their ability to adapt, and create positive change in their lives.
Client Focus
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Children & Teens (5-17)
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Adults (18-40)
Treatment Approach
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Certified
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Offers services in English & Spanish
Session Fee
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$125 a session
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Accepts UHC/Optum, Aetna, and BCBS

LPC
Alyssa Ganev
I believe that each person is the expert on themselves, and my role is to be a supportive guide throughout the healing process. While difficult situations or experiences are an inevitable part of life, we can work together to help you overcome challenges and find balance! My goal is to provide a compassionate and supportive space where children, teens, and adults can navigate life with confidence. I have 10 years of experience, and I specialize in helping individuals with depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, relationship issues, and life transitions. I work from a Person Centered approach to help clients feel empowered to take ownership of their life and make positive changes. Whether you are looking for support for yourself, or your child, I look forward to working together to meet your unique needs and goals.
Client Focus
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Children & Teens (5-17)
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Adults (18-65)
Treatment Approach
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Person-Centered Therapy
Session Fee
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$125 a session
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Accept UHC, Optum, BCBS, Aetna, Aetna Marketplace, & Cigna

LPC
Stephanie Mendoza
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years of experience in education, including 6 years as a professional school counselor. I am passionate about supporting children, young adults, and adults as they navigate life’s challenges. With a strong background in education, I understand the unique pressures students and families face within both academic and home environments. I also work closely with adults who may be navigating personal growth, career transitions, or relationship dynamics. I believe that healing happens not only within the individual, but also through recognizing how family dynamics, relationships, and life experiences shape who we are. Whether it’s helping a child manage anxiety, guiding a teen through emotional regulation, or supporting an adult in breaking unhealthy patterns, I strive to create a collaborative space where clients can build coping skills, increase self-awareness, and move toward lasting change.
Client Focus
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Children & Teens (ages 8-17)
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Adults
Treatment Approach
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
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Person-Centered Techniques
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Family Systems Theory
Session Fee
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$75
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Accepting Aetna
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Coming Soon: UHC, Optum

Currently not accepting new clients
LPC Associate
Supervised by Shawna Corley, Ph.D. LPC-S
Samantha Battles
Hello, I’m Samantha, a Licensed Professional Therapist Associate with a passion for helping others navigate life’s complexities. I specialize in anxiety, depression, grief/loss, self-esteem, ADHD, and relationship challenges. With a warm, empathetic approach, I provide a safe space for healing and growth, focusing on developing healthy coping strategies and fostering resilience. I earned a Master’s degree in General Psychology from Purdue University and a Master’s in Counseling Development with a specialization in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy from Lamar University. My therapeutic style helps clients uncover their strengths and create meaningful solutions for a balanced, fulfilling life. Together, we’ll work to discover tools and insights to navigate life’s ups and downs, helping you move forward with hope and confidence.
Client Focus
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Children & Teens (5-17)
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Adults (18-26)
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Women (18-40)
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Family Counseling
Treatment Approach
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Person-Centered Therapy
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Evidenced-Based Therapy
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Solution Brief Focused Therapy (SBFT)
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Techniques tailored to client's needs
Session Fee
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$60 a session
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Accepts Aetna & Cigna

LMSW
Supervised by Colleen Arnold, LCSW-S
Megan Joiner
Hi, I’m Megan! I’m a licensed mental health therapist with a Master’s degree in Social Work from Texas State University. I’m passionate about creating a welcoming, supportive space where you can feel truly heard and respected. My approach to therapy is holistic and client-centered, built on the belief that meaningful change happens when you feel safe, understood, and empowered. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with teens, young adults, and adults in a variety of settings, including a correctional complex, inpatient and outpatient treatment centers, and private practice. Much of my experience has been focused on helping others navigate substance use disorders, alcohol addiction, and co-occurring mental health challenges. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the complexity of healing and the importance of tailoring care to each person’s unique story. In our work together, I draw from evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and a Person-in-Environment perspective. We’ll explore the connections between your thoughts, emotions, and environment, building practical strategies that help you feel more confident, connected, and in control of your life. Most importantly, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion and respect. Whether you’re facing a major life transition, working through anxiety or depression, or simply looking to know yourself better, I would be honored to support you on your journey toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Client Focus
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Teens (15-17)
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Young Adults (18-25)
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Middle Adulthood (26-45)
Treatment Approach
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Person in Environment Perspective
Session Fee
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$60 a session
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Accepts Aetna & Cigna

LMSW
Supervised by Erika Alanis-Garcia, LCSW-S
Jordan Morrison
Hi I’m Jordan! I’m a licensed mental health therapist dedicated to supporting children, teens, and adults through their therapeutic journeys. With a deep belief in each person’s innate capacity for growth and healing, my goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered. My experience includes working with children and teens in school settings, as well as adults experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and more. I tailor my therapeutic work to meet the unique needs of each individual and utilize different tools and interventions including mindfulness and play and expressive therapies. Whether supporting a child navigating big emotions, a teen facing identity and self-esteem challenges, or an adult seeking greater balance and clarity, my hope is to help clients reconnect with their inner strengths, develop healthy coping strategies, and foster meaningful change from the inside out. At the core of my approach is a deep respect for the whole person — their experiences, values, and potential. Through an open and nurturing presence, I invite clients to explore, heal, and grow at their own pace.
Client Focus
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Children & Teens (5-17)
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Adults (18-45)
Treatment Approach
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Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
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Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Play and Expressive Therapies
Session Fee
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$60 a session
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Accepts Aetna & Cigna

LPC Associate
Supervised by Zulema Magana
Gabriela Sierra
Gabriela holds a Master of Science in Counseling with a certification in Bilingual Counseling from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Her diverse experience spans working with children, adolescents, college students, adults, and individuals with disabilities across both educational and healthcare settings. Throughout her career, Gabriela has supported clients facing a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, grief, relationship concerns, career decisions, and anger management. She has facilitated group therapy sessions, provided individual, couples, and family counseling, and employed evidence-based interventions to address various mental health needs. As a passionate mental health advocate, Gabriela is committed to guiding individuals on their path to emotional wellness and personal growth. She uses an integrative therapeutic approach to empower clients, helping them navigate life’s obstacles, build resilience, and create fulfilling lives. Being fluent in both English and Spanish, she is able to offer culturally sensitive counseling and connect with a broad spectrum of clients.
Client Focus
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Children & Teens (5-17)
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Adults (18-50)
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Family Counseling
Treatment Approach
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
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Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
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Offers services in English & Spanish
Session Fee
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$60 a session
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Accepts Aetna & Cigna

Therapist
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Client Focus
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Treatment Approach
Session Fee
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Administrative Coordinator
Maleese Matchett
Hello! I’m Maleese, the friendly force behind Empatia Counseling Services, ensuring that every client’s experience is smooth and handled with care. I manage scheduling, client communication, and administrative support, allowing our therapists to focus on providing the best care possible. Whether you’re booking an appointment, navigating paperwork, or simply have questions about our services, I am here to assist with warmth and efficiency. I am dedicated to making your experience as seamless as possible.
Client Focus
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Provides a welcoming first point of contact for new and returning clients
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Supports children, teens, adults, and families by assisting with scheduling and answering service-related questions
Approach
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Focuses on clear communication and compassionate support
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Ensures client confidentiality and professionalism in every interaction
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Works collaboratively with therapists to coordinate care and streamline services
Session Fees & Insurance
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Assists clients with understanding session fees and accepted insurance plans
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Provides guidance on billing questions

Office Cleaning Specialist
Flor "Flower Power" Gamez
Meet Flor, our vibrant and dedicated cleaning extraordinaire known affectionately as “Flower Power.” With her welcoming smile and keen attention to detail, Flor brings a sense of calm, care, and freshness to the space every day.
Approach
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Flor values respect, kindness, and consistency—qualities she reflects in her work environment.
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Her thoughtful presence reminds all of us that care isn’t just about what happens in the therapy room—it’s also in the details, the space, and how we feel when we arrive.