Melissa Collins, LPC-S

Founder and CEO of Collins Counseling Center

I am Melissa Collins, a licensed mental health professional in Texas and Washington State and the founder and CEO of Collins Counseling Center. Since establishing my private practice in 2012, I have dedicated my career to helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate life's challenges, work through difficult experiences, and develop healthier ways of understanding themselves and the world around them.

I believe that behind every person is a story that deserves to be heard with compassion, patience, and respect. Sometimes life brings experiences that leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, discouraged, or uncertain about what comes next. Other times, we may carry emotional pain for years without fully understanding how it affects our relationships, confidence, or sense of well-being. I value the opportunity to help people make sense of these experiences and discover that, even during difficult seasons of life, growth and healing are possible.

My approach to counseling is grounded in the belief that every individual is unique. I recognize that people bring different backgrounds, family experiences, cultural values, strengths, and challenges into the counseling process. I strive to understand each person as an individual rather than relying on assumptions or a one-size-fits-all approach. My goal is to create a welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their concerns, asking questions, and exploring difficult emotions without fear of judgment.

Throughout my professional career, I have worked with individuals experiencing a variety of emotional and psychological challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and significant life stressors. I also have experience conducting psychological evaluations for court-related and immigration-related matters. These experiences have reinforced my appreciation for the importance of listening carefully, considering each person's circumstances, and approaching sensitive situations with professionalism and compassion.

I understand that reaching out for counseling is not always easy. It can take considerable courage to acknowledge that something is wrong, talk about painful experiences, or ask for support. I want clients to know that they do not have to have everything figured out before beginning counseling. My role is to listen, help them better understand their concerns, identify their strengths, and work collaboratively toward meaningful goals.

I also believe that effective counseling requires cultural sensitivity and respect for each person's individual experiences. I strive to provide care that recognizes the importance of family, culture, personal values, and life circumstances. I want every client to feel that their voice matters, their experiences are taken seriously, and their dignity is respected throughout the process.

As a professional, I value the responsibility that comes with being trusted during some of the most difficult moments in another person's life. I approach this responsibility with care, integrity, and a commitment to providing individualized, ethical, and thoughtful services.

At Collins Counseling Center, my hope is that every person who works with me feels heard, respected, and supported in moving toward a healthier and more fulfilling life. Whether you are seeking help for yourself, your child, or your family, or you need a professional psychological evaluation, I welcome the opportunity to learn about your needs and help you determine the next steps.

You deserve to be heard, understood, and treated with compassion. I believe that meaningful change can begin when you have a safe and supportive place to start.

Melissa Collins

WORK EXPERIENCE

Private Practice - Since September 1st, 2012

Counseling children, adolescents and adults who are survivors of crimes including sexual assault, trafficking, domestic violence, severe car accidents, homicide of a loved one, home invasion, being held at gunpoint, and drug use.
We provide Custody evaluations, Family reunification counseling and supervise visitation sessions for people who have cases with CPS.
A wide range of statewide mediation services. Areas of special interest include family, child custody, divorce, elder care, employee grievances, and general civil litigation settlements.
Psychological Evaluations for court and for immigration 601-A (Hardship waivers), N-648s, VAWAs, U-visas and Asylum letters.
Hypnosis for weight loss, body image disorders, quit smoking, addictions, phobias, developing positive habits and eliminating negative habits.

Trauma Support Services of North Texas

Counseling Children and families who have been victims of crimes including sexual assault, trafficking, domestic violence, severe car accidents, survivors of homicides (parents whose children have been killed or children whose parents have been killed), and drug use.
EMDR and TBT therapy for PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and some phobias

Metrocare Services

Worked with the ECI Program assessing disabilities for 0-3 yr olds
Providing Specialized services including Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Occupational Therapy for 0-3 yr olds
Was initially hired to provide counseling for Mentally Challenged population ages 4-Adult.
Family Counseling

Counseling Institute of Texas

Counseling Children, Adolescents, and Adults with various mental health issues and including: depression, bipolar disorder; sexual abuse; physical abuse; domestic violence; trauma; relationship issues; and behavioral problems.
Play Therapy

Nexus Recovery Center

Provide play therapy with children between 3 - 12 yrs old and offered parental guidance
Parenting classes and Child-Parent relational training
Family Counseling

Texas Behavioral Health

Provided counseling for clients dealing with significant emotional issues related to workman’s comp including pain management, chronic pain, and stress management

Avenues Counseling Center

Headed the Intensive Outpatient Program and provided counseling for adults and adolescents with mental health issues and substance abuse problems including: sexual abuse; physical abuse; depression; anxiety self-injurious behaviors; body dysmorphic disorders; and eating disorders.
Play therapy
Headed the Anger Management Program
Family Counseling

Galaxy Counseling Center

Counseled clients with a myriad of mental health issues including depression; anxiety; sexual abuse; physical abuse; addiction; self-injurious behaviors; body dysmorphic disorder; eating disorders; divorce and family issues; and behavior issues.
Play Therapy
Co-facilitated the Anger Management group

Santa Maria Hostel

Provided counseling for women with substance abuse diagnosis and their children
Counseled secondary issues including sexual abuse; domestic violence issues; and mental health diagnosis
Headed a prevention and tutoring program for children 4 – 18 yrs of age and provided parental guidance
Headed the housing program for the Supportive Outpatient Program

Texas Devereaux Treatment Center

Individual and group counseling for adolescents and children in a residential setting and provided parental guidance
Counseled clients on addiction; depression; anxiety; self-injurious behavior; depression; anxiety; eating disorders; bipolar disorders; schizophrenia; sexual abuse; physical abuse; and behavior disorders.

The Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Houston

Worked wiith Juvenile Probationers regarding substance abuse issues and provided parental guidance
Presentations as assigned

MHMR of Brazos County

Counseling dual diagnosis patients with mental and emotional health issues and substance abuse problems including: depression; bipolar disorder; dissociative identity disorder; schizophrenia; general anxiety disorders; body dysmorphic disorder; and suicide risks.
Facilitating and co-facilitating groups on stress management, anger management, addiction, mental health issues, and communication skills

Education

LPC-S designation beginning in Feb 2007 by The Texas Board of Examiners and Professional Counselors
University of Houston, MEd in Counseling Dec. 2005
Our Lady of the Lake University, BA in Human Science 2003
Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor since Jan 2000

Volunteer Work

Dallas County Sexual Assault Coalition ( Board of Directors 2010-2011)
Crime Victims Council of Dallas
DIVAS (Divorced Independent Very Able Survivors)
Single Parent Advocate
SWWLS (Society of Women Who Love Shoes)
Houston Zoo – Docent November 1997 – June 1998
BVCASA – Crisis Hotline Volunteer October 1994 – August 1997
Brazos County Rape Crisis Center – Counselor/Hotline April 1992 – Volunteer of the Year