Donna Hicks, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing at Rula Health - Texas in Austin, TX. She is registered with The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council and dedicated to providing comprehensive Licensed Counseling or Therapy care. Licensed Counselors and Therapists (LPCs, LCSWs, LMFTs) provide evidence-based psychotherapy to address emotional, social, and behavioral challenges such as anxiety, depression, and relationship issues, working collaboratively with primary care physicians when appropriate, and are the ideal choice for individuals seeking talk therapy to improve their mental well-being. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (346) 487-3552 to schedule an appointment.
With 4 years of professional experience and a Master's of Arts in Counseling, along with an Associates and Bachelor's degree in Justice Administration with a focus on human services and a minor in psychology, Donna has a strong foundation in supporting individuals through various life transitions, including coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, anger management, and life changes. Her experience spans working with all levels of addiction, Bexar County Probation, in-patient recovery, wounded transition for military members, domestic violence, and crisis intervention. She is committed to providing empathetic and supportive care, recognizing the unique needs of each individual. Donna's practice aligns with the patient-first approach of Rula Health, an online therapy platform designed to make mental healthcare more accessible, personalized, and effective. Rula Health is dedicated to making mental healthcare work for everyone, connecting patients with licensed therapists who fit their needs and accept insurance, potentially scheduling appointments in as little as 48 hours.
Donna Hicks provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Donna Hicks is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Donna Hicks's approach to care is deeply patient-centered, fostering a safe and supportive environment for open communication. She utilizes evidence-based therapeutic techniques, tailoring her interventions to address each individual's unique needs and challenges. Her collaborative style, incorporating a comprehensive understanding of emotional, social, and behavioral factors, empowers patients to actively participate in their healing journey.
By working together, you and Donna Hicks can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- BestChoice PPO
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
As your primary healthcare provider, Donna Hicks offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- ADHD and-or ADD: Counselors help adults and children with ADHD/ADD develop better organizational skills, manage impulsivity, and improve their relationships through therapy.
- Anxiety: Experiencing constant worry, restlessness, or a sense of impending doom could be anxiety; a therapist can use evidence-based techniques to help you feel calmer and more in control.
- Depressive Disorders: If you're struggling with persistent sadness, fatigue, or changes in sleep and appetite, you might have a depressive disorder, treatable with a therapist's guidance and evidence-based talk therapies.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A licensed counselor offers evidence-based treatments for PTSD, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), to help you understand and overcome your trauma.
- Relationship Issues: Feeling lost or frustrated in your personal relationships? Counseling offers a safe space to explore relationship dynamics, identify patterns, and develop healthier relationship skills.
- Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): Following a shocking or dangerous experience, you might develop ASD, marked by intense fear, avoidance, and emotional numbness; a therapist can use techniques like talk therapy to reduce these symptoms.
- Psychotic Depression: If you're struggling with depression and experiencing hallucinations or delusions (like psychotic symptoms), a licensed therapist can provide talk therapy to help you navigate and manage these challenges.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Donna Hicks offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is an evidence-based treatment that helps you address specific problems, such as managing stress, improving relationships, or overcoming fears.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps people manage intense emotions and improve their relationships.
- Family Psychotherapy: This therapy helps families learn healthier ways to interact, resolve disagreements, and support each other, improving overall mental health.
- Individual Therapy: Through individual therapy sessions, you'll gain insight into your patterns, build self-awareness, and learn techniques to manage stress and improve emotional regulation.
- Marital Counseling: Through talk therapy, marital counseling helps couples identify and address the root causes of conflict and improve their relationship dynamics.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): If you want a direct and effective way to address a specific problem, SFBT helps you develop action plans and achieve positive changes quickly.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): This type of therapy uses meditation and other mindfulness exercises alongside CBT techniques to reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and prevent relapse in conditions like depression.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Donna Hicks is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After working with a counselor, a patient learned strategies for managing their ADHD symptoms, leading to improved focus and better organization at work and home.
- Through consistent therapy sessions, a patient learned coping mechanisms for managing anxiety, leading to a more peaceful and fulfilling daily life. The patient now feels empowered to navigate challenging situations with greater resilience and control.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Rula Health - Texas
600 Congress Ave, Austin, TX, 78701
Phone: (346) 487-3552
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Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Licensed Counseling or Therapy care with Donna Hicks:
- What's the difference between a Counselor, a Psychologist, and a Psychiatrist?
- A counselor, like Donna Hicks, provides talk therapy with a Master's degree. A psychologist has a doctorate and specializes in therapy and testing. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication.
- What actually happens in a therapy session?
- A typical session is a safe and confidential conversation where you'll talk with Donna Hicks about your thoughts, feelings, and challenges. She will listen without judgment, offer new perspectives, and help you develop coping skills and strategies to reach your goals. It's a collaborative process focused on you.
- What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common and effective type of talk therapy. Donna Hicks helps clients identify, challenge, and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, teaching practical skills to manage issues like anxiety, stress, and depression.
- I'm dealing with a recent loss. Can counseling help with grief?
- Yes. Grief is a natural process, but sometimes it can be overwhelming. Donna Hicks provides a compassionate space to process the complex emotions of loss, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and navigate the journey of grieving at your own pace.
- My work life is incredibly stressful. Is that a valid reason to seek counseling?
- Yes, significant work-related stress is a very common reason to seek counseling. Donna Hicks can help you develop coping strategies for managing stress, setting healthy boundaries, improving work-life balance, and preventing burnout.
- My partner and I are struggling with communication. Is this something you can help with?
- Yes, couples counseling is a core service offered at my practice. It provides a safe space for partners to address challenges, and I can help teach effective communication skills, navigate conflicts, and work towards rebuilding connection and understanding.
- How is family therapy different from individual therapy?
- Family therapy differs from individual therapy by focusing on the family system's dynamics rather than just one person's thoughts and feelings. The goal is to improve interactions and resolve conflicts between family members, ultimately improving the entire family unit's functioning.
- Do I have to have a major 'problem' to go to counseling?
- No. Counseling isn't just for crises; many people seek therapy for personal growth, relationship improvement, stress management, or navigating life transitions. It's a proactive step toward mental wellness, not just a reaction to a problem.
Rula Health - Texas
600 Congress Ave
Austin TX 78701
Phone: (346) 487-3552
Donna Hicks, LPC is regulated by the the rules and regulations of the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1306482096
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Donna Hicks are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.