Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Abilene, TX

I am a Dual Licensed LPC and LCDC. I specialize in substance abuse disorders, anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues. I especially like working with individuals that are seeking counseling for the first time. It is my desire to help you discover new ways of thinking and acting so you can gain freedom from thoughts or patterns that are keeping you stuck.

I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who works with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, mood disorders, OCD, and substance use concerns. My background includes structured treatment settings supporting recovery, stabilization, and long-term mental health management.

I provide warm, practical, and judgment-free care where clients feel heard and supported. Many people come to treatment feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to begin, and my goal is to simplify the process and provide clear direction forward.

I focus on thoughtful medication management and practical strategies that support lasting stability and meaningful progress.

I am passionate about helping people feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate life's challenges and discover their inner strengths. My approach is to create an authentic and individual relationship with my clients so they can explore their thoughts, feelings, and hopes without judgment.

Karen Vargas, M.Ed., NCC, LPC

Karen Vargas is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master’s degree in Counseling from Sam Houston State University and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from Texas Tech University. She is also a National Certified Counselor with over 13 years of experience in education and school counseling, working closely with adolescents and families from diverse backgrounds.

Karen believes that every individual has the strength and potential to grow through life’s challenges. She strives to provide a warm, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment where clients feel safe to share their stories and begin their mental health journey. Her approach is collaborative and compassionate- focused on helping clients recognize their inner strengths and build healthy patterns of thinking and behavior.

Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy, Karen helps clients manage and overcome challenges such as anxiety, depression, stress, past trauma, relationship issues, ADHD, and pre-/postpartum transitions. Her goal is to help each client improve their overall quality of life by developing balance between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Bilingual in English and Spanish, Karen values connection and cultural sensitivity in her work, allowing her to reach and support a broader range of individuals and families.

Outside of counseling, Karen enjoys spending time with her husband of 14 years and their three boys. She loves running, being outdoors, and staying involved in her community. Her years working with at-risk youth and families-including those experiencing homelessness, foster care, and economic hardship- have strengthened her passion for helping others find hope, healing, and resilience.

I am genuine, compassionate, and dedicated to meeting you where you are on your journey. I believe in creating a safe, judgment-free environment where your voice matters. I honor your unique experiences and am committed to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and encouragement. My approach is collaborative and personalized, drawing on my expertise and lived experience as a Black female clinician and veteran. I am here to support you, advocate for you, and help you discover your strengths as we work together toward your goals.

I graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler with a Master's Degree in Counseling and am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I spent the beginning of my career in mental health working at an MHMR, as well as with those struggling with addiction and eating disorders.

Hi, I'm Emily. I’m a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor. I specialize in working with individuals navigating anxiety, anger management, PTSD, and alcohol or substance use. Many of the people I work with are looking not just for relief, but for a deeper understanding of themselves and why they feel the way they do, and how to create lasting change. Whether you’re facing daily stressors, working through past experiences, or trying to regain a sense of control, therapy can be a space to slow down, process, and begin moving forward.

My hometown is San Antonio, Texas, where I earned my undergraduate degree from Our Lady of the Lake University and my graduate degree from Texas A&M University. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, including schools, community agencies, hospitals, and emergency shelters, supporting people from various backgrounds and life experiences.

Much of my work has been with individuals navigating trauma and substance use, and I understand how heavy and isolating those experiences can feel.

Outside of my work, I enjoy reading, movies and spending time with my family and our dog. I also understand how complex life can be—balancing responsibilities, relationships, and expectations—and I bring that understanding into the space we share.

If you’re thinking about starting therapy, I’d be honored to walk alongside you in that process.