Our Team - Alamo Heights Counseling

Cheryl L. “Cherie” Shulter, M.A. LPC-S

Founder and Director of Alamo Heights counseling Cherie Shulter specializes in unique interventions including EMDR, hypnosis, and hypnoanalysis. Cherie believes that the causes of difficult emotions and problematic behaviors are rooted in early trauma and utilizes a combination of modalities to address both the present and the past to achieve healing of the whole person. Specializing in dissociative disorders, Cherie assists clients in exploring their internal world and many facets of self. She works primarily with adults between the ages of 18 and 35 who suffered significant abuse during childhood and any adults who have tried a variety of other therapies without success. She earned her master’s degree from UTSA in 2006 and founded AHC in 2010-2011. She was trained in EMDR by the EMDR Institute and in medical hypnoanalysis by the American Academy of Medical Hypnoanalysts, of which she is a member, Associate Board Member, and clinical resident level II.

Cherie accepts all major health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, EAPs, and Tricare.
Cherie schedules clients between the hours of 8 AM and 4 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
She is licensed in Texas and Pennsylvania and is also registered as a telehealth provider in South Carolina. (SC Telehealth Credential ID 1563. Click here to verify.) She provides services primarily in person but can provide telehealth when needed for remote clients.
Effective September 1, 2024, she is not accepting new clients. Please check back in November.
She does not provide documentation services for FMLA and Disability

**Some services Cherie provides are not covered by health insurance. See our services page for more information on what is and is not covered.**

Antoinette Allen, LCSW

Antoinette is a licensed clinical social worker who joined the Alamo Heights Counseling team in June 2024. She describes herself as passionate about therapy and enthusiastic about internal healing. She believes that any individual can benefit from the power of therapy, as it helps people to face the challenges of this life and helps us grow. Antoinette has worked in a variety of settings before coming to Alamo Heights Counseling. She has experience in residential treatment centers, homeless shelters, a hospital, and in the foster care and adoption system. She has served all age groups over the course of the last decade and has provided individual, family, and group therapy to clients from a variety of ethnicities, religious beliefs, and socioeconomic backgrounds. She treats a variety of conditions but has the greatest amount of experience with depression, anxiety, psychosis, suicidal ideation, and PTSD. Antoinette says “My passion is providing care to youth and adult individuals of color who are in crisis. I love assisting my clients as they seek and obtain stability, and mental and emotional healing. I believe in providing a safe, unbiased, compassionate setting for each individual to explore their needs. I truly look forward to serving each client and believe it is part of my calling in life.”

Antoinette is currently scheduling for Wednesdays and will be adding Tuesday, Thursday and Friday to her schedule once Wednesdays are full.

Antoinette is currently accepting Medicare, BCBS HMOs, Magellan Healthcare, United Healthcare, and clients referred through the DFPS Evaluation and Treatment Services contract. She also accepts private pay, sliding scale, and Aetna EAP clients. She is pending with Curalinc, ComPsych, Cigna, and BCBS and will be joining several other networks soon.
Antoinette schedules clients Tuesday through Fridays between 9 AM and 4 PM. Currently scheduling for WEDNESDAYS.
She is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
Antoinette is currently accepting new clients.
Antoinette does not provide assessments for FMLA and Disability

Norma Arshad, LPC

Norma is a licensed professional counselor who practices in both clinical and educational settings. She has over fifteen years of experience providing youth and families with academic and social support using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Play Therapy. She works primarily with adolescents and their families, helping them to improve their communication skills, coping skills, and relationships. She meets her clients were they are and challenges them to reach their full potential. Norma provides youth and their families the tools necessary for success in both school and life. Her counseling is trauma-informed, emphasizing how trauma affects the growing mind. She earned her masters degree in counseling from UTSA in 2002. Her past experience includes the Center for Healthcare Services and Communities and Schools.

Norma accepts most major health insurance, Medicaid, and EAPs. As an LPC, she is currently unable to accept Medicare but will be beginning January 1, 2024.
Norma schedules clients primarily weekday evenings.
She is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
Norma is not currently accepting new clients.
Norma does not provide documentation services for FMLA and Disability

Rhonda Barnard, LPC

Rhonda is a licensed professional counselor with several years of experience helping at-risk youth and families overcome challenges and achieve their goals. She received her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Georgia Southern University and is a member of the American Counseling Association. She has worked with youth and families from diverse backgrounds and with various concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, grief and loss, self-esteem, and career transitions. She uses a person-centered approach and with empathy, works to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. Rhonda uses a strengths-based approach to counseling, building on each young person’s existing strengths and skills to help them reach their full potential. She employs evidence-based interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing to help her clients recognize and process through their thoughts and emotions. She tailors her approach to each client’s unique needs and goals to help them achieve positive change and personal growth. In addition to her counseling work, Rhonda also works for a non-profit as an advocate for at-risk youth. She is passionate about helping young people overcome adversity and live successful lives. In Rhonda’s spare time, she is a wife and boy mom. She enjoys traveling and trying new things.

Rhonda accepts private pay clients and those covered by most major health insurance including Aetna (commercial and EAP plans), BCBS HMOs & PPOs, Carelon (formerly Beacon/ValueOptions) Cigna/Evernorth, Community First (both Medicaid and commercial plans), ComPsych, Curalinc EAP, ESI EAP, ESPYR, Health Advocates, Interface EAP, Magellan Health, Molina, 90 Degree Benefits, Oscar, Optum, Superior Medicaid, TMHP (traditional Medicaid), Tricare East/Humana Military, United Healthcare, UMR and Wellpoint (formerly Amerigroup). Effective January 1, 2024, she also accepts Medicare.
Rhonda is available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 PM to 9 PM (last client appointment begins at 8 PM) and on Saturdays between 8 AM and noon with occasional later appointments for established clients.
Rhonda is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of February 2024 Rhonda is has limited availability. Please call the office to inquire.
Rhonda does not provide documentation services for FMLA and Disability

***Rhonda is CANS certified and therefore able to provide Child and Adolescent Needs Assessments to children and adolescents in Foster Care when her schedule permits***

Lauri Berkman, LPC-S

Lauri embraces an innovative and enthusiastic approach to provide her clients with challenging exercises designed to elicit new patterns of thinking and to aid and support clients in taking action and moving forward. As a practitioner of Rogerian therapy, Lauri uses her skills and experience to provide a facilitative and empathetic environment for clients to grow and develop their own solutions. She provides clients with unconditional positive regard while still holding them accountable for their choices and actions. She says, “When people are supported in this way, they can really focus on their needs without fearing judgement or criticism.” Lauri’s education and professional experience working on issues of both the mind and the body (she has been trained as a massage therapist) give her a holistic approach to counseling that meets clients needs on many different levels. Lauri is always willing to meet clients “where they are” emotionally to help them on the road to a more fulfilling life.

Lauri accepts all major health insurance, Medicaid, and EAPs. As an LPC, she is currently unable to accept Medicare but will be beginning January 1, 2024.
Lauri schedules clients Tuesday through Friday beginning at noon and into the evening and on Saturday mid-day.
She is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of August 2023 Lauri is not accepting new clients.
Lauri does not provide documentation services for FMLA and Disability.

**Lauri is fluent in ASL and is able to provide services to San Antonio’s Deaf community without the use of an interpreter. **

Nicole Bowker, M.S.Ed, LPC

Nicole specializes in trauma informed counseling for adolescents and adults. Tailoring her therapy to the unique needs of her client, Nicole provides a collaborative, holistic approach to help clients achieve their desired goals. She believes in the power of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and considers starting the therapeutic journey a first step in a new direction. She works primarily with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, and other issues interfering with daily life. Nicole is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a best-practice treatment modality for individuals with PTSD. Nicole also utilizes CBT, DBT, and trauma informed methods to best serve her clients and their needs.

Nicole accepts all major health insurance, Medicaid, and EAPs. As an LPC, she is currently unable to accept Medicare but will be beginning January 1, 2024.
Nicole schedules clients between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday.
She is licensed in Texas and Illinois and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of August 2023, Nicole’s availability is limited, although she may be accepting new adult clients. Please call our office for more information.
Nicole does not provide documentation for FMLA and Disability.

***Nicole is CANS certified to provide assessments to children and adolescents in Foster Care.***

Marcia Castañón, LPC, CCST-T

Marcia is a Certified Clinical Sandtray Therapist and counselor with nearly a decade of experience working in non-profits, educational, and juvenile justice settings. She combines therapeutic approaches based on client’s individual needs, using approaches including Sandtray, Client Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness. She says “I have a passion for working with children and teens and I have worked with individuals and families with a wide range of concerns and experiences including life changes, grief and loss, family conflict, and HIV/AIDS.” Marcia’s specialized training also includes DBT, Theraplay, Solution-Focused play therapy. Marcia earned her masters degree in counseling from Webster University in 2009. A former educator, Marcia has extensive experience in addition to her clinical work, including work with Communities In Schools, Juvenile Probation, Crisis Intervention, School Counseling & Guidance, and the Center for Healthcare Services.

Marcia accepts most major health insurance, Medicaid, and EAPs. As an LPC, she is currently unable to accept Medicare but will be beginning January 1, 2024.
Marcia schedules clients weekday evenings beginning at 5:30 PM and on Saturday mornings.
She is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of August 2023, Marcia is not accepting new clients.
Marcia does not provide documentation services for FMLA and Disability

Darlyn Chapa, LPC Associate under the supervision of Cheryl Shulter, LPC-S

Darlyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate supervised by Cheryl Shulter, LPC-S. Darlyn joined Alamo Heights Counseling part time at the start of 2024 to provide clinical services to adolescents and young adults outside the educational setting after many years working primarily in schools. Working in various positions in educational systems, Darlyn has developed a passion for helping youth navigate life’s challenges. Her approach is rooted in empathy, active listening, and fostering a safe place for open, judgement-free communication. Her primary modalities are Cognitive Behavioral Counseling (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Darlyn earned her master’s degree in 2019 at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, where she honed her skills. She regularly engages in relevant evidence-based professional development to stay informed about the latest research and therapeutic techniques. In addition to being licensed as an LPC Associate in Texas, Darlyn is also a Certified School Counselor and Educator.

As an LPC Associate, Darlyn is not able to accept most health insurance, however she is able to accept Cigna EAP and Cigna health plans.
Darlyn accepts adolescent and young adult clients for evening and weekend appointments.
She is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
Darlyn is accepting new private pay clients, sliding scale clients, and Cigna clients.
Darlyn does not provide documentation services for FMLA and Disability.

Melanie Chavarria, Student Counselor, Intern from Lamar University’s Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling program

Melanie is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Counseling Intern and Student Counselor beginning in the fall of 2024. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and is currently enrolled in the Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling program at Lamar University. She completed her practicum experience at the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas during the spring semester of 2024, and joins Alamo Heights Counseling for the Fall and Summer semesters. She has open availability on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning September 1, 2024. She will have Friday availability later in the semester as well. Melanie’s therapeutic approach integrates person-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

As a student counselor, Melanie is not able to accept health insurance, however she is part of our low-cost counseling program and the copayment is only $30.00 per session.
Melanie accepts children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families for appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays and will be adding Fridays later in the semester.
Student counselors are not yet licensed as licensure requires graduation from a master’s degree program. Melanie is enrolled in the Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling program at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas and is nearing the end of her program. This internship is required for her graduation. She provides services within the state of Texas both in person at our office in San Antonio and via telehealth from our office.
Melanie is accepting new clients.
Student Counselors DO NOT provide documentation services for FMLA and Disability under any circumstances. Please do not ask for this service.

*Melanie is bilingual English/Spanish and is accepting clients who speak either language.*

Liana Hurley, LMFT, LPC

Liana Hurley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor with several years of experience helping families, couples and individuals find their unique strengths, overcome challenges, discover, and achieve their goals.

Liana’s focus is helping couples to build and strengthen communication within their relationship and those who have experienced infidelity in their relationship. She strives to provide an open atmosphere to help couples build a new foundation that is based on Truth and Honesty so they can heal and move forward. Helping partners compassionately navigate the challenging process of rebuilding a strong relationship by utilizing models such as Solution-focused therapy, Narrative therapy, Attachment theory, and Cognitive Behavioral therapy. In addition to working with families and couples, Liana provides counseling to those experiencing grief and loss, addiction, depression, and anxiety. She is available to provide Christian counseling to individuals seeking therapy from a spiritual perspective. Although Liana serves primarily an adult population, she may be available to young adults ages sixteen and seventeen on a case-by-case basis.

Liana accepts most major health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and EAPs, including Aetna (commercial and EAP), BCBS (both HMOs and PPOs), Carelon (formerly Beacon), Community First (both Medicaid and University plans), ESI EAP, Espyr, Health Advocate, Interface EAP, Magellan, Molina, Ninety Degree Benefits, Oscar, Optum, Superior Medicaid, TMHP (traditional Medicaid), United Healthcare, and UMR. She is also accepting private pay and sliding scale clients.
Liana schedules clients Mondays through Thursday between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM (last appointment of the day begins at 2 PM).
She is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of April 2024, Liana is accepting a limited number of new clients, predominantly for couples counseling.
Liana does not provide documentation services for FMLA and Disability.

*This is Liana’s schedule through the end of 2023, subject to possible adjustments in the upcoming year.

Charles “Charlie” Jackson, LPC

Charlie is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts in Mental Health from St. Mary’s University and over a decade of clinical experience working with adults from all walks of life. He as worked extensively with military personnel, officers and enlisted alike, and is a veteran himself. He sees himself as a partner to clients, helping to identify struggles that interfere with an individual from growing into the person he or she wishes to be. He tailors his interventions specifically to the client’s needs, having experience working with individuals facing a variety of conditions including depression, anxiety, mania, trouble with interpersonal relationships, and workplace stress. He says “Your daily and routine functioning should be calm, peaceful, and beneficial to your mental and physical health. I can help.”

At AHC, Charlie is currently accepting Medicare, Medicaid, all Aetna plans, Amerigroup, BCBS, Carelon (formerly Beacon), Cigna, Community First (both Medicaid and University plans) ComPsych, Curalinc, ESI EAP, ESPYR, Health Advocates, HealthSmart, Humana, Interface EAP, Magellan, Molina, New Directions Behavioral Health, 90 Degree Benefits, Optum, Oscar, Superior, TMHP, Tricare East, Triwest VA referrals (note, this is NOT Tricare west), United Healthcare and UMR. He also accepts self-pay and sliding scale clients.
Charlie schedules in person clients at AHC on Mondays through Thursday between 9 AM and 6 PM (last appointment of the day begins at 5 PM) and on Fridays 9 AM to noon with some limited afternoon availability. He also occasionally provides virtual services at 8 AM.
He is licensed in Texas as an LPC and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
Charlie is currently accepting new clients.
Charlie does not provide documentation services for FMLA and Disability.

**As of April 2024, Charlie is accepting new clients**

Patricia “Patty” Lozano, LPC

Patty is a Licensed Professional Counselor who joined the team in June 2024. Patty says “As a licensed professional counselor, I enjoy providing to every client who chooses me an opportunity to come into their own autonomy, learn their own strengths, and find wellness and help to create a more fulfilling life.” Patty is bilingual, fluent in Spanish, and specializes in working with children, adolescents, and others who often feel overlooked because of their background or struggles with substance use, mental health issues, illnesses, and socioeconomic status. She takes pride in providing professional guidance and expertise during a person’s time of need. Her primary treatment modalities are narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, and trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy. Her specialty areas are anxiety and panic, recovery after domestic abuse and violence, personal growth and self-esteem, and women’s mental health. She helps individual of all ages, including children as young as five when clinically indicated.

Please check back for more information about scheduling with Patty!

At AHC, in addition to private pay and sliding scale clients, Patty is currently accepting clients using Medicare, Aetna EAP, BCBS HMOs, Curalinc, Magellan, and United Healthcare, as well as clients referred through the DFPS Evaluation and Treatment Services contract. Her status is pending with Medicaid and several other health plans.
Patty is generally available Monday and Tuesday evenings and on Saturdays. Please call to schedule a few days in advance of the date you hope to be seen.
She is licensed in Texas as an LPC and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
She is currently accepting new clients.
Patty does not provide assessments for FMLA or Disability.

**As of June 2024, Patty is accepting new clients**

Faith Mamombe, LCSW

Faith is a licensed clinical social worker who received her Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of Namibia and her Master of Social Work from Baylor University. She has worked with adolescents, children, and families for over ten years both locally and internationally in a variety of settings. She has experience treating depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders as well as working with individuals coping with life changes and other issues. She has experience consulting with other professionals on multidisciplinary teams in a variety of settings and working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. She utilizes evidence-based therapeutic modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy and holistic therapy to empower individuals going through life challenges. Faith helps her clients to live in the moment, develop healthy means of coping with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships with others. Faith believes in the power of the therapeutic relationship. She values the importance of building rapport with you and ensuring that she is a good fit for you and your journey based on your treatment goals and individual needs. She hopes to help you engage and enhance your capacity for introspection, reflection, and self-awareness to better understand and navigate your past, present, and future, allowing you to feel empowered and hopeful, despite any difficulties or hardships which may come your way.

Faith is currently accepting Primary Medicare, Traditional Medicaid through TMHP, 90 Degree Benefits, Aetna EAP, Curalinc EAP, Magellan, Optum, Oscar, Tricare, and United Healthcare. She is also accepting new private pay and sliding scale clients.
Faith is available from 8 AM to 1 PM (last client beginning at noon) Monday through Friday.
She is licensed in Texas. She provides primarily telehealth services but is also available for in person services on select days.
Faith does not provide documentation services for FMLA and Disability

**Faith is accepting new clients beginning May 1. If you do not see your health plan listed, please back soon to see if it has been added to her list of networks, or call our office to see if we can get a single case agreement for you to see Faith!**

Christina Mokhtar Hassan, LPC

Christina is a mental health professional with several years of experience treating young children (0-5yrs old) in both clinical and educational settings. She specializes in assisting children of varying ages with symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, hyperactivity and impulsivity, and behavioral related issues. Although she focuses primarily on young children and their families at this time, she has experience working with new parents, including post-partum moms; those in foster care; and individuals with co-occurring Autism and developmental disorders. She is has also provided classroom management consulting for schools and teachers.

Her specialty areas include early childhood mental health; parent education and psychoeducation; and trauma counseling. Christina utilizes person-centered approach with all clients and has special training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), and Solution Focused Brief Therapy play therapy. Christina received her Bachelors in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Central Arkansas in 2014 and her Masters in Counseling from the University of Alabama in 2018. Although Christina works with clients from all backgrounds and belief systems, she is able to provide counseling from a spiritual perspective to Christian families and individuals on a case-by-case basis.

Christina accepts private pay clients. She is in network with the following health plans: Aetna (commercial and EAP), Carelon (formerly Beacon), Cigna/Evernorth, Community First (both Medicaid and University plans), Curalinc EAP, ESI EAP, Espyr, Health Advocate, Interface EAP, Magellan, Ninety Degree Benefits, Optum, Oscar, Superior Medicaid, TMHP (Texas Medicaid Healthcare Partnership “traditional” Medicaid plans), Tricare East/Humana Military, United Healthcare, and UMR. She is also able to accept Medicare and BCBS HMOs. She is out of network with BCBS PPOs at this time but may be able to provide services when a plan has out of network benefits. She accepts sliding scale clients on a limited basis when she has openings on her schedule.
Christina schedules clients at AHC in the evenings at 6 PM or 7 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. She is in the office on Saturdays from 8 AM and 2 PM (last client’s appointment begins at 1 PM).
She is licensed in Texas and Arkansas.
As of April 2024, Christina is no longer accepting new clients in Texas or Arkansas.
Christina does not provide documentation services for FMLA and Disability.

Melody Nait Sidenas, LPC

Melody is a licensed clinical professional counselor and the newest member of the Alamo Heights Counseling clinical team. Before joining us in the summer of 2024, she worked in the private school system providing direct services to students as well as academic counseling and advising. Melody utilizes an eclectic blend of person-centered counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and solution focused brief therapy to respond directly to the individual needs clients experiencing adjustment disorders, mood disorders, ADHD and more. Her philosophy is to meet you where you are in your healing journey and help you unpack whatever it is that is weighing you down. “Some seasons require more work, while others are steady. My goal is to inspire growth and empower change so that you can reach your personal goals.” She enjoys helping each individual to refocus, realign, or rebuild, no matter what are the struggles they are currently encountering. She believes everyone deserves this opportunity.

Melody earned her master’s degree from Our Lady of the Lake and her bachelors degree from Samford University. Although the majority of her experience has been with children and adolescents, she has training to address adult populations and families as well. Melody has immediate openings and may be able to obtain a single-case agreement with your insurance company while her credentialing is pending, so please feel free to reach out and get scheduled with her today.

Please check back for her clinical biography, which will be posted soon. Melody works with individuals of all ages but specializes in working with adolescents and school-age children. Beginning in the summer of 2024, she will be available during regular business hours both in person and virtually. Please call our office to get scheduled with Melody.

Melody is currently accepting clients who are private pay and sliding scale, as well as those using Aetna EAP, Medicare, Optum, Oscar. and United. She is approved to accept clients referred through the DFPS Evaluation and Treatment Services contract and is pending with Superior Medicaid (meaning she is not accepting new clients in foster care at this time).
Melody schedules clients in-office on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and virtually on Thursdays and Fridays.
She is licensed in Texas and services both in person and via telehealth.
As of June 2024, Melody is accepting new clients.
Melody does not provide documentation services for FMLA and Disability.

Daisy Nieto, LCSW-S

Daisy is a licensed clinical social worker who practices in both clinical and educational settings. Although she focuses primarily on adolescents and their families at this time, she has experience working with those experiencing homelessness, members of the elder community, teen parents, and those living with chronic medical conditions. Her past experience includes working in schools in community health clinics, in hospitals, and in private practice. Her specialty areas include grief and loss, homelessness and foster care, crisis response, parent education and psychoeducation, and trauma counseling. Daisy utilizes an eclectic approach including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy play therapy, crisis intervention, and academic/occupational counseling. Daisy received her BSW and MSW from Our Lady of the Lake University in 2007 and 2008, respectively. Although Daisy works with clients from all backgrounds and belief systems, she is able to provide counseling from a spiritual perspective to Christian couples and individuals.

Daisy accepts most major health insurance, Medicaid, and EAPs. As an LCSW, she is able to accept most forms of Medicare.
Daisy schedules clients primarily weekday evenings and Saturdays.
She is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of August 2023, Daisy is not accepting new clients.
Daisy does not provide documentation services for FMLA and Disability.

**Although Daisy does not provide services exclusively in Spanish, she speaks Spanish conversationally and works extensively with bilingual populations**

Dafne Oropeza, LMFT Associate, under the supervision of Bianca Vincent, LMFT-S, LPC-S

Dafne is a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate. She has a Master of Science in Psychology from Our Lady of the Lake University with an emphasis on Spanish-speaking populations. Therapeutically, Dafne has worked with individuals, families and groups. Dafne utilizes a collaborative approach with various techniques, making sure to meet each client where they are so that they can find their happiest, healthiest self. She strives to provide a safe and accepting environment for clients to facilitate their own growth and healing. She is LGBTQIA+-friendly and happily works with individuals, families, and those in relationships.

As an LPC Associate, Dafne is not yet able to accept Medicaid and most health insurance; she is able to accept Cigna/Evernorth and some EAPs. She is also accepting private pay and sliding scale clients.
Dafne is available to telehealth clients in the early evenings.
She is licensed in Texas as an LMFT Associate and provides services primarily via telehealth. All services performed by Dafne are under the supervision of her LMFT Supervisor, Bianca Vincent, LMFT-S, LPC-S.
As of August 2023, Dafne is currently accepting new telehealth couples and individual adult clients.
Dafne does not provide documentation services for FMLA and Disability.

**Dafne is currently accepting new private pay, sliding scale, and Cigna clients**
**Dafne is bilingual and provides services in Spanish as well as English**

Heather Perez, LPC, LCDC

Heather has experience treating mental health crisis and substance use disorders. She specializes in assisting adults with symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, and related issues. She practices a person-centered approach to address the needs of the individual and to assist them in identifying manageable and achievable steps to reach their goals. She also utilizes solutioned focused interventions, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address the impact thoughts can have on emotions. Heather has nine years of experience, including working with first responders, military members, and their families.

Heather accepts all major health insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, and most EAPs.
Heather schedules clients between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Heather is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of April 2024, Heather’s availability is somewhat limited. Please call the office to determine if Heather is accepting new clients.
Effective April 1, 2024, Heather does not provide documentation services for FMLA or disability determination.

Brandi Smith, Student Counselor, University Intern

Brandi is an intern therapist and graduate student at Lamar University enrolled in the Marriage, Couples, & Family Counseling program. She has a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling with a specialization in marriage and family from Liberty University. Her main focus and specialties include anxiety, depression, working with unconventional couples, pre-marital/married couples, and families to help build better communication, accountability, and honesty. Although Brandi works primarily with adults, she also works with older adolescents ages 16 and 17. As Brandi will be with us for the fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters as well as the summer, she is able to provide longer-term services in addition to solution-focused brief interventions. She has immediate availability and is looking forward to helping you grow and develop.

As an intern counselor, Brandi is not able to accept health insurance, but does offer reduced rates on a sliding scale. See our “reduced cost counseling” page for more information: ReducedCostCounseling – Alamo Heights Counseling.
Brandi schedules clients on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings beginning at 4:30 PM. She also has daytime availability on the weekends, both Saturday and Sunday!
Brandi is authorized by Lamar University and Alamo Heights Counseling to provide services both in person and via telehealth.
She is under the supervision of Cheryl L. Shulter, MA LPC-S.
As an intern, Brandi is unable to provide FMLA or Disability services.

Chatoné Strickland, LCSW

Chatoné (hear name pronounced) has over 10 years’ experience working with diverse populations in a variety of settings including inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential facilities, nursing homes and shelters. She has worked with individuals, children/adolescents, and families. Chatoné’s approach to therapy depends on the client and includes Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, with the understanding every client is different and benefits from a different style. She is trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy for Post-traumatic Stress disorder. Chatoné says “I enjoy the process of helping people discover a path to a better life. Therapy with me is a collaborative process. We work together to identify strengths and motivations to help you live a life in alignment with your values and dreams. I appreciate that life is both light and dark and our task is to balance coping and finding meaning during difficult times.

Chatoné accepts most major health insurance, Medicaid, and EAPs. As an LCSW she is able to accept Medicare.
Chatoné schedules clients on Sunday afternoons and Thursday evenings.
She is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of August 2023, Chatoné is accepting new clients for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Effective April 1, 2024, Chatoné does not provide documentation services for FMLA or disability determination.

Bianca Vincent, LMFT-S, LPC-S

Bianca’s experience includes working with multicultural and diverse populations across all age groups and in a variety of settings including inpatient treatment facilities, senior facilities, educational settings, and juvenile facilities. She practices from a strength’s based approach with an integrative and holistic counseling style which incorporates various therapeutic methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy, depending on client needs. Bianca says “my purpose as a therapist is to assist individuals and families with identifying problems and finding solutions to solve them. Collaboratively, we will strategize to create a personalized plan to overcome obstacles, identify strengths, and develop effective coping skills. It is important for me to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment that allows for personal growth and healing, regardless of what brings you to therapy.”

Bianca accepts all major health insurance, Medicaid, and EAPs. As a dually licensed LMFT/LPC, she is unable to accept Medicare but will be beginning January 2024.
Bianca schedules clients during the week beginning at 5:30 PM and on Saturday mornings.
She is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
Bianca anticipates being on leave mid July through mid October and will be accepting new clients upon her return.
Effective April 1, 2024, Bianca does not provide documentation services for FMLA and disability determination.

*Bianca is currently accepting LMFT Associates for supervision**

Meridith, Wright, Student Counselor, Intern from Our Lady of the Lake University’s Marriage and Family Therapy program

Meridith is a student counselor beginning in the fall of 2024. She has open availability on Wednesdays between the hours of 8 AM and 3 PM beginning September 1, 2024. She is pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Our Lady of the Lake University She previously earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Indiana University and a master’s degree in music from the University of Texas at Austin.

Meridith employs a strengths-based approach that emphasizes an integrative and holistic counseling style. She adapts her methods to each client’s unique needs, utilizing therapeutic techniques such as narrative therapy, collaborative therapy, and solution focused therapy. Meridith believes in the power of working together with clients to identify challenges and discover effective solutions. Her goal is to co-create a tailored plan that addresses obstacles, builds on strengths, and fosters the development of coping strategies. Providing a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space is central to her approach, enabling clients to experience personal growth and healing, no matter what brings them to therapy.

She is welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ community and is dedicated to working with indivduals, families, and those in relationships.

As a student counselor, Meridith is not able to accept health insurance, however, she is part of our low-cost counseling program and the copayment is only $30.00 per session.
Meridith accepts children, adolescents and adults as clients for appointments on Wednesdays between 8 AM and 3 PM.
Student counselors are not yet licensed as licensure requires graduation from the master’s degree program. Meridith is enrolled in the Marriage and Family Therapy program at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas and is nearing the end of her program. This internship is required for her graduation. She provides services within the state of Texas both in person at our office in San Antonio and via telehealth from our office.
Meridith is accepting new clients.
Student Counselors DO NOT provide documentation services for FMLA and Disability under any circumstances. Please do not ask for this service.

Richard Zello, LPC

Rick is a retired USAF Master Sergeant with over thirty years’ experience in the mental health field first as a USAF Mental Health and Addiction Specialist, then as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, and finally as a Licensed Professional Counselor. He holds an MA in Counseling from Webster University (2013) a BS in Occupational Education (1999) and three AAS degrees including Allied Health Care Sciences with Mental Health Specialization (1993). Although Rick has specialized in working with military and law enforcement personnel and their families for many years, he works with all individuals and families coping with PTSD, addiction, and mood disorders, regardless of their background. Rick approaches treatment in a trauma-informed manner and tailors treatment to clients’ individual needs while drawing from a variety of modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and 12-step work. He has worked in a variety of capacities, including in-patient programs and at treatment centers. Originally from rural western Pennsylvania, Rick served in the United States Air Force as an Air Force medic and a team leader at nine different locations worldwide including two deployments in support of the Global War on Terror. He retired in 2008 with 21 years of military service. He is the father of three and has been married for thirty years. He has presented on Chemical Dependency in the military at St. Mary’s University, the San Antonio Vets Council, and local mental health facilities. Rick’s unique and convenient office hours are weekday evenings and Sunday afternoons, which accommodates therapy clients with weekday obligations such as work, school, or childcare.

Rick accepts Traditional Medicaid, Aetna Medicaid, Aetna Commercial plans, Aetna EAP, Amerigroup Medicaid, BCBS PPOs, ComPsych, ESI EAP, Espyr, HealthSmart, Interface EAP, Molina (Medicaid and commercial plans), Tricare, and Wellpoint. Effective January 1, 2024, he is able accept MedicareHe is approved by the Department of Family and Protective Services to provide services to clients under the Evaluation and Treatment Services Contract.
Rick schedules appointments on weekday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
He is licensed in Texas and provides services both in person and via telehealth.
As of April 2024, Rick is accepting new and returning clients.
Effective April 1, 2024, Rick does not provide documentation services for FMLA and disability determination.

**As of April 2024, Rick is accepting new clients for Sunday afternoons and select evenings.**