Our Therapy Team
Founded in the spring of 2012, Therapy Austin is a counseling agency with many locations in central, north and south Austin, whose mission is to provide high-quality mental health services to adults and offer affordable fees and flexible after-work hours to ensure our community has broad access to counseling services. We accomplish this by engaging in a selective hiring process then investing heavily in the ongoing training and mentoring of our staff counselors.
“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” – Amy Poehler
Nicole Lansbery
REGIONAL CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Nicole Lansbery (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Nicole attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she received her Bachelor’s in Psychology. She went on to attend St. Edward’s University to receive her Master’s in Counseling.
Before starting her private practice ten years ago, Nicole worked at a local psychiatric hospital for five years in inpatient and intensive outpatient settings. While there, she restarted the pet therapy program with her golden retriever – a certified Pet Partner, Ruby.
Nicole has provided DBT therapy to the Austin community for 17 years. She enjoys learning and has also spent years studying and completing training in Somatic Experiencing, EMDR, and Middelberg’s Systemic Training. In addition, Nicole has received training in Radically Open DBT (RODBT), SPACE (a treatment protocol for parents of anxious children), and New Ways for Families.
Favorite Movie: My favorite movie is “Top Gun” (the original one). I’m disturbed that I’ve aged 30 years and Tom Cruise looks the same.
Favorite Quote: “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
I feel happiest when… I’m outside with my kids and my dogs, and everyone is enjoying themselves.
Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: I love working at Therapy Austin because it allows me to empower our staff and clinicians, transform clients’ lives, and create a lasting positive impact on the Austin community.
Chelsea Cohen
EXECUTIVE CLINICAL DIRECTOR
Chelsea Cohen (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S). Originally from the Texas Panhandle, she attended the University of Oklahoma, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in English. After graduating, she worked in higher education administration as an academic advisor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and later received her Master of Arts in Counseling at St. Edward’s University, where she was a Presidential Fellow and Outstanding Graduate Student in Counseling.
Chelsea completed her graduate internship in the DBT Intensive Outpatient Program at Ascension Seton Behavioral Health, where she gained experience working with a variety of clinical issues, including mood, anxiety, schizophrenia spectrum, and personality disorders, and has been practicing DBT at all levels of care since graduating in 2013. In addition to her extensive training in DBT, Chelsea has completed training in Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Chelsea enjoys training and supervising clinicians to provide adherent DBT and working with clients to identify how they can effectively utilize coping skills to build a life worth living.
In addition to serving as the Executive Clinical Director for Therapy Austin (and the sister companies, Austin DBT Associates and Mindfully Texas), Chelsea is an adjunct faculty member in the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences at St. Edward’s University, where she teaches Abnormal Psychology.
Chelsea resides in Austin, TX, with her husband, son, and two dogs.
Allyssa Morales
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Allyssa is a compassionate leader with over 10 years of boots-on-the-ground experience in healthcare operations in Austin. In her role as Executive Director of Operations at Therapy Austin (and its sister companies, Austin DBT Associates and Mindfully Texas), Allyssa is dedicated to supporting the agency’s operations. Her commitment to guiding and stabilizing teams is paired with a heartfelt focus on creating a warm, neighborly environment that reflects the agency’s core values. This connection is not just professional; it embodies her personal belief in the power of community and authentic relationships.
Over the years, Allyssa has learned valuable lessons from collaborating with fellow leaders, equipping her with the skills to develop effective systems and procedures that enhance the therapeutic environment. Her strategic mindset enables her to navigate the complexities of operational leadership while ensuring that the agency remains attuned to the needs of clients and staff alike.
Allyssa’s collaborative spirit extends to her work with Therapy Austin’s parent company, Mindfully, where she helps coordinate efforts to support counselors and cross-functional teams, ensuring they have the resources necessary to grow both personally and professionally. With a genuine passion for empowering others, she finds fulfillment in helping individuals recognize and embrace their true selves.
Her vision for Therapy Austin centers on cultivating a nurturing space that fosters both professional growth and personal well-being. As she guides the agency toward its goals, Allyssa is committed to honoring the individuality and uniqueness of each counselor, staff member, and client, creating a community that feels like home for everyone involved.
Favorite Movie: Movies that capture the soul experience: As It Is In Heaven (Swedish), Rust and Bone (French), Spirited Away (Japanese), Contact (American)
Favorite Quote: Think higher, feel deeper. -Elie Wiesel
I feel happiest when… I’m connecting via music, the elements (water + sun), or good food + wine
Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: The convergence of minds and tools that foster creative expansion, support, and healing.
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” –Helen Keller
Tori Elizarde, LCSW-S
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR AND MANAGER
Tori joined Therapy Austin as a Staff Counselor in 2020. She became a Mentor in 2021, and her ability to empower counselors with a calming presence really came to light. She was promoted to Clinical Manager in 2023. Tori oversees Mentors and Counselors. As a manager, she provides individual support and can answer any clinical, professional development, basic employment, and most agency-related questions. In 2025, Tori joined the new Supervision Team, supervising LMSW Supervisees.
Favorite Quote: “Keep moving forward” -Meet the Robinsons
Favorite Ice Cream: Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food
Something you want us to know about you: I love 90s alternative music, dystopian novels, and really funny television.
Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: I love so much about working at TA! I am so impressed by our staff; I learn something new every day and I appreciate how willing our counselors are to share their experiences. I also appreciate TA’s dedication to growth and development – it shows up in our training curriculum, staff experiences, and the connection to our local community!
Courtney Zai
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Courtney joined Therapy Austin in 2021. She joined us with a Bachelor’s in Communication Studies and HR experience in higher education. Courtney transitioned from HR Coordinator to Practice Coordinator in the spring of 2023. In 2024, Courtney became our Operations Manager, overseeing recruitment, HR, and facilities.
Favorite Quote: “I’m not superstitious. But I am a little stitious.” -Michael Scott
#1 thing on your bucket list: Traveling with my daughter. I can’t wait until she’s old enough to experience and soak in all this world has to offer!
Dream Vacation: I went to Santorini and it truly felt like a dream. I would love to explore more of Greece!
Favorite thing about Therapy Austin: I love how supportive TA is of each person on our team. TA is wonderful at recognizing the strength of a person and helping them build on that to reach their personal goals.
“None of us is as smart as all of us.” –Ken Blanchard
Karene Segel
FACILITIES MANAGER
Karene has a strong background in organizational leadership, having managed major accounts and global operations in corporate sales. After taking time to focus on her family and community as a mom, substitute teacher, and class parent, she’s excited to return to the workforce and apply her skills in a new setting. Karene’s passion for fostering connections and supporting growth fits with Therapy Austin’s mission as a counseling practice.
If you see her around, please say hello!
Ashlyn Simmons, LCSW
ASSISTANT INTERN PROGRAM MANAGER
Ashlyn began at Therapy Austin as a Staff Counselor in August of 2019 and then took on the role of Staff Development Counselor in October of 2020 and Staff Coordinator in June 2021. In 2024, Ashlyn became our Clinical Programs Coordinator II overseeing our Adolescent program and supporting new hire training.
Favorite Quote: “Great people do things before they’re ready. They do things before they know they can do it. Doing what you’re afraid of, getting out of your comfort zone, taking risks like that- that’s what life is. You might be really good. You might find out something about yourself that’s really special and if you’re not good, who cares? You tried something. Now you know something about yourself” – Amy Poehler
#1 thing on your bucket list: See every National Park
Dream Vacation: Spending an extended time exploring France (Paris, Normandy, Nice, Marseilles, and going back to Besçanson where I used to live)
Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: The consultation groups, diversity of counselors and clients, and the support offered at every stage of employment
