FindADHDTherapists

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

LCSW

Karen Villarreal, LCSW

  • Experience25 years
  • LocationTexas
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Addictions
  • Therapy approachesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Client-Centered Therapy
View booking options

Check the available next steps for working with Karen online.

About Karen

Karen Villarreal is an LCSW licensed in Texas with 25 years of clinical experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, and a broad range of other concerns including ADHD.

Background and approach

She approaches each person with the premise that they are the expert on their own life, drawing on clients' existing strengths to address challenges and build more satisfying, sustainable ways of living. Her style blends practical skill-building with empathic listening and empowerment.

She uses evidence-informed tools to help clients identify unhelpful patterns, develop new coping strategies, and move toward values-driven goals. Throughout the work she emphasizes client collaboration, respect for individual experience, and gentle encouragement to try different strategies until the right fit is found.

Karen also brings experience addressing relationship and intimacy issues, parenting and family stressors, mood disorders, process and substance addictions, multicultural concerns, and work-related compassion fatigue. She offers guidance and support for life transitions and career questions while honoring each person's pace and priorities.

Therapeutic approaches and online support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages noticing unhelpful thoughts and learning to act in ways that align with personal values, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and challenges like ADHD. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing thinking and behavior patterns that maintain distress, offering practical skills for mood, anxiety, and addiction-related concerns. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nondirective stance where the therapist offers empathy and support to help clients discover their own solutions.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Karen works with clients to explore which methods fit their needs and goals, adapting exercises and pacing based on individual preference and life circumstances. Clients are encouraged to provide feedback so the plan evolves alongside progress.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and make participation easier around work, family, or travel. These formats allow ongoing access to a licensed professional while supporting continuity of care and practical scheduling needs.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Karen commonly address?
Her practice includes support for stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, ADHD, and many related issues such as relationship and intimacy challenges.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
She combines empathic, client-centered listening with practical strategies so clients can use their strengths to pursue meaningful change and improved coping.
What is her background and experience length?
She holds an LCSW and has 25 years of professional experience working with a wide range of mental health and life concerns.
Where is Karen licensed and based?
She is licensed in Texas as LCSW 37121 and provides services while based in that state.
Does she work with clients who live outside the United States?
Yes, she accepts international clients and can work with English-speaking clients in other locations when scheduling permits.
In what formats are sessions offered?
Sessions are available as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different preferences and needs.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

First responder issuesHIV / AIDSImmigration issuesInfidelityJealousyVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSex addictionSexual assault and abuse

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

25+ years

Licensed

Texas

Languages

English