Karen Villarreal, LCSW
Texas LCSW supporting growth after trauma
- Stress and anxiety
- Trauma and addiction
- Grief and loss
About Karen Villarreal
Karen Villarreal is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Texas with 25 years of professional experience. Her career has focused on helping people manage stress and anxiety, navigate addictions, process trauma and abuse, and cope with grief and loss. She approaches therapy with the conviction that each person is the expert of their own story and that individuals already possess strengths that can be mobilized to overcome current challenges.
Karen emphasizes the courage it takes to pursue a more fulfilling, happier life and to take the first steps toward change. In sessions she aims to support and empower people as they explore goals, build coping skills, and make meaningful shifts. Her years of practice have centered on collaboration and respect for each person’s perspective, helping clients identify practical strategies and personal resources to move forward with resilience and purpose.
As an LCSW - a credential that indicates specialized training in clinical social work and psychotherapy - she brings both clinical knowledge and practical experience to her work with individuals facing a range of life stressors and transitions.
Karen emphasizes the courage it takes to pursue a more fulfilling, happier life and to take the first steps toward change. In sessions she aims to support and empower people as they explore goals, build coping skills, and make meaningful shifts. Her years of practice have centered on collaboration and respect for each person’s perspective, helping clients identify practical strategies and personal resources to move forward with resilience and purpose.
As an LCSW - a credential that indicates specialized training in clinical social work and psychotherapy - she brings both clinical knowledge and practical experience to her work with individuals facing a range of life stressors and transitions.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
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 Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Karen Villarreal have?
Karen Villarreal has 25 years of professional experience.
Is Karen Villarreal a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds an LCSW and is licensed in Texas as TX LCSW 37121.
In which languages does Karen Villarreal provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Karen Villarreal located?
She is located in Texas.
How can I work with Karen Villarreal as my therapist?
You can work with Karen Villarreal through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Karen Villarreal work with international clients?
Yes, Karen Villarreal works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Karen Villarreal cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support
Karen draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting overwhelmed by them. ACT emphasizes values-driven action - identifying what matters most and taking steps toward those goals even when discomfort arises - and is often used for anxiety, stress, and life transitions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another cornerstone of her approach, focusing on the links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through practical exercises and skill-building, CBT helps people develop strategies to reduce symptoms, change unhelpful patterns, and solve problems more effectively.
She also incorporates Client-Centered Therapy, which centers the conversation on the person's experience and priorities. This approach supports self-discovery and uses empathy and collaboration to create a respectful space for change.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process - Karen works collaboratively with each person to identify methods that fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting as progress unfolds.
Online sessions - including video calls, phone meetings, live chat, and text-based messaging - offer flexibility and greater access to licensed professionals. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and receive consistent support from a therapist regardless of location.