Phone: (512) 201-4501
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
VICE PRESIDENT
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.
Allyssa Morales
ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Allyssa is a compassionate leader with over 10 years of boots-on-the-ground experience in healthcare operations in Austin. In her role as Associate Executive Director at Therapy Austin, she is dedicated to supporting the agency’s operations and financial well-being. 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.
Gina Rodriguez, LPC-S, LMFT-S
MANAGING CLINICAL DIRECTOR AND CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
Gina has been with Therapy Austin since the end of 2015 and has been instrumental in the development and growth of this agency. She joined the Coordinator Team in 2017, then took on implementing our CEU-level Training Program in 2018. And, in 2019, she was promoted again to Training Manager. Since then, she stepped into the role of Director of Staff Development and in 2023 became a Clinical Director. Gina oversees our Clinical Education Team including CEU trainings, Consultation Groups, Senior Interest Groups, our Mentor Program, and Internship Program. Gina also oversees Mentors, Staff, and Senior Counselors. As a manager, she provides individual support and can answer any clinical, professional development, basic employment, and most agency-related questions. In 2025, she began co-leading the Supervision Team with Maggie Behle, overseeing LPC and LMFT supervisees while also providing direct supervision to LPCs and LMFTs herself.
Favorite Ice Cream: Flavor: Strawberry, Current Favorite Pint: Jeni’s Brambleberry Crisp
Favorite Movie: It’s hard to pick a single favorite for this, so a 3-way tie will have to do: Goodfellas, The Godfather, When Harry Met Sally
I feel happiest when… I’m well-rested, and cats, music, art, and/or relaxing with loved ones are in the mix.
Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: TA’s steadfast commitment to its dual mission of providing clients with high-quality services and teaching our staff valuable skills that promote professional development and thriving practices. Working for such a values-driven agency is essential to me and why I’m still here! Oh, and we have a lot of hilarious people that work here, so I love that I get to laugh often with colleagues.
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” –Helen Keller
Maggie Behle, LCSW
(SHE/THEY)
CLINICAL DIRECTOR - PROGRAMS & EDUCATION AND CLINICAL SUPERVISOR
After a decade of teaching, Maggie joined Therapy Austin as a Staff Counselor in August of 2018 and rose as one of our inaugural Mentors in October of 2019, then Staff Coordinator in June 2021, Mentor Manager in March 2022, and Clinical Manager in Spring 2023. Gifted in both writing and instruction, Maggie uses her resourceful and strategic talents to improve our Mentor program and shape the evolving curriculum. In 2024, Maggie became our Clinical Programs and Education Manager, overseeing our new hire trainings, CEU trainings, and clinical programs at Therapy Austin. In 2025, Maggie stepped into becoming the Clinical Director of Programs and Education, is a Clinical Supervisor, and oversees LCSW-Ss.
Favorite Movie: V for Vendetta and sometimes Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
#1 thing on your bucket list: Visiting all the National Parks
I feel happiest when… I’m swimming with my kids or playing with my dogs
Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: Helping clinicians become the therapist they want to be
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!
Brad Watson, LCSW
CLINICAL MANAGER
Brad joined Therapy Austin as a Staff Counselor in 2019. In 2024, Brad became a Clinical Manager. Brad oversees Mentors and Counselors. As a manager, he provides individual support and can answer any clinical, professional development, basic employment, and most agency-related questions.
Anne Johnson, LPC
INTERN PROGRAM MANAGER
Anne joined our team early in 2020 and quickly demonstrated her clinical skill. With a promotion to Staff Coordinator in 2021, she also took on the additional role of Mentor, lending her clarity and strengths to counselors who are not as far along in their professional journey. In 2023, Anne became a Clinical Manager overseeing our Intern Program. In 2024, Anne transitioned to oversee both our Intern program and Couples program.
Favorite Ice Cream: Ice cream is my favorite food in existence. Too many to choose but must contain at least a bit of chocolate.
Favorite Quote: Dear Me,
If, in future years, anyone asks you to give advice to your sixteen year old self…don’t. Make your own unique messes, and then work your way out of them.
See you,
Alan Rickman (this is from a class assignment when he was 16)
Favorite place in Austin: My bed
Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: All the amazingly wise, funny, fun, and kind colleagues. Who often surprise me with past endeavors, hidden talents, etc.
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
(SHE/HER/HERS)
OFFICE 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.
Karene will be taking Alethea’s role as Therapy Austin’s Facilities Manager, so you’ll be seeing her at all of our locations. If you see her around, please say hello as she’s looking forward to meeting you all!
Ashlyn Simmons, LCSW
(SHE/HER/HERS)
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
Jeanelle Turner
CLIENT CARE COORDINATOR
Jeanelle joined Therapy Austin as a Staff Counselor in August 2021 and in Spring 2023, Jeanelle became our Practice Liaison. In 2024, Jeanelle became our Client Care Coordinator and is the point of content for clients. She processes all new requests that come in to ensure clients are matched with their perfect counselor. Jeanelle also serves as a Senior Counselor.
Favorite Quote: Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think—A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh)
#1 thing on your bucket list: Swimming with dolphins
Something you want us to know about you: The best way to get to know me is telling me your favorite TV show, I probably know way too much about it even if I never watched it. I love TV trivia.
Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: My favorite part about working at TA is the growth and development. I enjoy TA being a place that incorporates many talents and attributes of their staff. You can develop your skills as a therapist, while looking at other career opportunities at TA to develop skills in recruiting, mentorship, etc. I enjoy the flexibility and growth TA affords new clinicians.
Mary Torkelson
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Mary joined Therapy Austin as a Staff Counselor in 2020. In May 2024, Mary became the Client Care Liaison. In this role, Mary assists in matching new clients with counselors. In August 2024, Mary also took on the role of Operations Coordinator. Mary processes record requests and ensures that the agency is compliant with HIPAA guidelines.
Favorite Quote: “There is no comfort in progress, and no progress in comfort.” — Attributed to P.T. Barnum
Favorite Movie(s): Out of Africa, Terms of Endearment, High Fidelity
Thing I’m Most Proud Of: Every Friday or Saturday night, my ex-husband, my two kids, and I meet at Maudie’s Mexican Restaurant for a family dinner.
Favorite part about working at Therapy Austin: That Therapy Austin is uniquely imbued with the Keep Austin Weird vibe.
