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BP Portrait of Dr. Betsy Puentes

Dr. Betsy Puentes

Experienced therapist focused on practical change

LMFT, LPC Texas

Experience
46 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Career
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with Betsy

About Betsy

Dr. Betsy Puentes brings a pragmatic, evidence-informed approach to therapy grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside complementary methods she uses to address emotional and relational difficulties.

Background and approach

With a doctorate in Counseling Psychology and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, she draws on 46 years of professional experience to help people facing stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, career challenges, and motivational struggles. Her style emphasizes collaborative problem solving and practical skills that support day-to-day coping and long-term growth.

Licensed in Texas as both an LMFT and an LPC, Dr. Puentes also works with clients facing trauma, addiction concerns, anger, and identity-related issues including LGBT matters.

She attends to complex presentations such as attachment and abandonment concerns, chronic pain or illness, caregiver stress, and communication or commitment difficulties. She centers the client as the expert in their own life while offering structured interventions and reflective exploration to move toward clearer goals and greater resilience.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Therapy

Dr. Puentes commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; CBT is practical and often focuses on skills for managing anxiety, depression, and day-to-day stressors. She also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which encourages values-based action and mindfulness techniques to build psychological flexibility when facing difficult emotions.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Dr. Puentes works collaboratively with clients to choose or blend methods based on their goals, preferences, and the specific challenges they bring. That collaboration guides whether sessions emphasize skill-building, emotional processing, or relational exploration so the plan fits each person’s needs.

Online therapy with her is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care, accommodate work and family commitments, and access therapy from various locations within Texas while working with licensed professionals.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with a broad range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, career difficulties, addictions, trauma and relationship challenges.
What therapeutic approaches does she use?
Her practice draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and integrates approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Emotionally-Focused Therapy to tailor work to each person.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has practiced for 46 years, bringing sustained professional experience to therapy and long-term familiarity with a range of presenting problems.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds LMFT and LPC licenses in Texas with licence numbers TX LMFT 3948 and TX LPC 4607 and is located in Texas.
Does she work with speakers of other languages or international clients?
She provides therapy in English and is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are offered?
Sessions are available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger management

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaVisually impairedWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyImago Relationship TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

46+ years

Licensed

Texas, Texas

Languages

English