Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Lufkin, TX

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'm Tracy Skripka, a Licensed Professional Counselor with 28+ years in education. I support children, adolescents, and adults seeking emotional growth and practical tools for life. I specialize in creating safe, empathetic spaces to foster connection and resilience. I collaborate with clients navigating learning differences, family dynamics, and life transitions, helping them build meaningful change through compassionate, tailored support. Whether working through trauma, improving executive functioning, or developing emotional regulation, my goal is to meet clients where they are and help them grown from there.

My philosophy for therapy is that it should be a “short term investment for life long benefits”. As a therapist, I am calm, patient, direct and honest.

As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I believe everyone deserves a safe space to be heard, supported, and understood. Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate life’s challenges alone. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, mood disorders, and other mental health concerns, and I strive to create a warm, relaxed, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves. My approach is collaborative, supportive, and focused on helping each person find balance, healing, and emotional wellness at their own pace.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I completed my Master of Social Work in 1995 through the University of Texas at Arlington and am also a graduate of Texas Tech University where I completed my Bachelor of Human Development and Family Studies. I have over 30 years experience working with children, adolescents and adults with IDD.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 16 years of experience in education and mental health support. I hold a Master of Education in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

My professional background includes extensive experience as a school counselor, which has strengthened my ability to support individuals through life transitions, emotional challenges, and personal growth. Over time, my clinical work has expanded to include adolescents (15+), adults, and older adults.

I enjoy working with clients navigating anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem challenges, life transitions, and relationship concerns. I also have a strong passion for working with older adults as they reflect on life experiences, cope with changes in health or independence, and find meaning and purpose in later stages of life.

In addition, I work with couples and married partners who are seeking to improve communication, rebuild trust, and strengthen their connection. I support couples in navigating conflict in healthier ways and developing a deeper understanding of one another.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and strengths-based. I strive to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) providing evidence-based, insurance-accepted mental health care to children, adolescents, and adults. I offer both psychotherapy and medication management, allowing for a comprehensive and integrated approach to mental health treatment.

My clinical work includes the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, trauma-related conditions, and other psychiatric concerns. I believe effective treatment is highly individualized, and I work collaboratively with clients to develop care plans that align with their goals, preferences, and lived experiences.

I strive to create a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental environment where clients of all ages feel heard and supported. Whether you are seeking therapy, medication management, or a combination of both, I am committed to providing compassionate care that supports long-term mental wellness.

I’ve been where you are. As someone in long-term recovery, I understand the challenges firsthand and bring both empathy and 15 years of professional counseling experience to support you in finding your own path and developing your strengths. I work with adolescents, people struggling with substance use, and those facing anxiety, depression, grief, or trauma.

I specialize in working with individuals in recovery and LGBTQ+ clients, helping you build resilience, explore your goals, and discover practical strategies that fit your life.

My approach is collaborative and empowering—you set the pace, and I walk alongside you with understanding, guidance, and support as you create meaningful change and uncover the strengths you already have within.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, relationship stress, or difficult life experiences? You might be struggling to manage emotions, feeling stuck in patterns that aren’t working, or unsure how to move forward. I work with children, teens, adults, and couples facing challenges like depression, trauma, family conflict, and major life transitions. Together, we’ll create a space where you feel understood, supported, and equipped with tools to build confidence, improve relationships, and feel more in control of your life.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years of experience supporting clients of all ages. I use professional and personal knowledge and experience including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, Family Systems, and Narrative Therapy. I care deeply about what I do and want you to leave feeling heard, understood, and supported. I love supporting women as they work through challenges, especially in the context of parenting. I also enjoy working with adults managing transitions, self-growth, anxiety, boundary setting, inner-critics, relationships.

Hello and welcome! I'm Tracey Arnold, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting children, teens, and adults from diverse backgrounds. Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of walking alongside individuals and families during some of their most difficult and transformative moments. These experiences have deepened my belief in the healing power of authentic connection and compassionate care.

My approach is grounded in building a safe, trusting space where you feel truly seen and supported. I specialize in helping clients navigate family stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and complex issues such as dating and domestic violence. I understand how deeply personal and unique each healing journey is—and I’m here to meet you exactly where you are.

It’s a privilege to be part of your growth, and I look forward to encouraging and empowering you every step of the way.