

Hurst residents struggling with substance use disorder, alcohol addiction, or other addictive behaviors can access compassionate, evidence-based care through Headway's network of 2,687 licensed providers. Our therapists use proven modalities like Motivational Interviewing, CBT, and harm reduction strategies to support recovery, relapse prevention, and sobriety goals.
What truly sets me apart is my calm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental approach. I believe in meeting every individual exactly where they are, creating a safe and affirming space for open, honest communication. Together, we’ll build a collaborative relationship where goals, preferences, and values guide every step of your care. I am committed to providing stigma-free care; including those navigating challenges related to neurodivergence, substance use, trauma, identity or difficult past experiences. Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and respected without fear of shame or judgment.
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.
Hello and congratulations for taking the first and sometimes hardest step of looking for a therapist. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of IN, KY LA, MO, NV, TX, WA and WV. I have the great privilege of working with adolescents and adults seeking assistance in improving their overall mental health and associated challenges. I’ve been in the behavioral health arena for over 40 years and have held numerous direct care and clinical leadership roles in a variety of settings. My joy comes from helping people navigate life's challenges.
I'm glad you are interested in my profile. Let me introduce myself. I'm a Licensed Counselor, Christian, and US Army Veteran with years of experience working in community mental health, addiction recovery, and PTSD treatment — both with service members and Veterans through the VA, and with civilians carrying similar weight.
I work primarily with adults — especially men, women, couples, and Veterans navigating PTSD, addiction, marriage challenges, life transitions, and the kind of stress that builds up over years of trying to handle everything alone.
I'm also a Christian counselor, and my faith guides every aspect of my life. The majority of my clients over the years are not Christian, and I have worked well with them, and their needs. I am sensitive to the needs of my clients.
My job is to meet you where you are. You'll find me direct, but warm, solution-focused, humorous. I speak plainly, and not in clinical jargon, if I can help it. .
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 a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) degree from the University of Massachusetts Global. I have experience working with adolescents and adults in multiple settings facing various complex mental health issues, including OCD, depression, anxiety, ADHD and mood disorders.
It's easy to feel stuck in life with limited support. As a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience in private practice and inpatient settings, I strive to make my clients seen and heard for who they are.


Headway makes it easier to find support for overcoming addiction — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
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