Meet the clinicians behind
compassionate, evidence-based care.

Hello, my name is Patricia Watlington, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and the founder of RISE Counseling and Social Work Services. I started RISE with the vision of helping people develop a true sense of holistic well-being—meeting you where you are, and supporting you as you work toward the life you want.

I believe that life’s challenges can feel lighter when you have someone in your corner—someone who listens without judgment, honors your story, and helps you set goals that feel meaningful and achievable. My approach is rooted in empathy, unconditional positive regard, and a deep respect for your comfort and autonomy. You are always welcome to lead the way, exploring topics and making changes at your own pace.

At RISE, you’ll find a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel safe to open up, share your thoughts and feelings, and imagine what a fulfilled, joyful life could look like for you. Together, we’ll gently explore what changes might help you get there, focusing on your unique strengths and hopes.

In addition to traditional counseling, I now offer Neurofeedback and QEEG brain mapping, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, substance use counseling, and a variety of behavioral therapies for children and adults. These evidence-based tools allow us to personalize your care, whether you’re seeking support for mental wellness, healing from trauma, or building new skills for daily life.

If you’re curious about how counseling, Neurofeedback, or any of our services might support you or your loved ones, I invite you to reach out. You are welcome here—just as you are.

Hello, my name is Kristen Rasco and I am an LPC-Associate. I decided to go to school for counseling because I’ve always been curious about the human experience and what drives people to do what they do and think how they think. I love to help others wondering that same thing about themselves.

I work with all ages of people to work on identified goals and learn together ways to achieve those goals. I have experience in working with trauma survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. We don’t have to live in our trauma forever, we can learn ways to be empowered and motivated to live life to the fullest.

Using the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) model we can learn how thoughts, feelings and behaviors influence each other and overcome any negative impacts that they may have. I am passionate about helping people to navigate life’s challenges and obstacles to learning how to use their inner strength to keep going.

Hi my name is Patricia Shipp and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I graduated with a master's degree in counseling from West Texas A&M University.

I have worked in the mental health field since 2019 and have worked extensively with children and adults who suffer from trauma, incarceration and mental health disorders.

I use TF-CBT, CTB and person centered treatment to give others a new sense of self. I strive to do my very best with each client to make them feel safe and comfortable while navigating through life's toughest situations.

I feel that therapy shouldn't be scary or too formal, but instead easy like casual conversation. A session can be a fun, safe place where it's ok to laugh. There is sometimes a stigma surrounding therapy because of the idea that one must have something "wrong" to need therapy.

Sometimes goals or ideas or feelings that seem like mountains to overcome or attain are most easily traversed by simply talking things out with someone who has an outside view of the situation. As a counselor, my ultimate goal is to assist every individual with becoming their own best advocates and working towards self-accountability.

My passion is working with individuals who are or have been incarcerated and assisting them with solution focused and brief therapy. The idea is to use strength-based planning to find solutions to reach real and attainable goals for issues that arise after incarceration and isn't limited to just those who have been justice involved; anyone can benefit.

The saying "Truth without compassion is cruelty" is a motto that I follow in my sessions because I believe that there is no healing without truth, but cruelty has no place in therapy. For this, I will be open and honest to further foster that safe place for sharing. Let me help you to discover your own inner advocate. We are in this together!

My name is Monique Gusman. I am a licensed professional counselor associate. I have many years of experience in the mental healthy field and primarily use Cognitive Behavior Therapy tailored for all ages, children to adults.

My goal for my practice is to help people overcome their barriers to live a happy and mentally healthy life. My approach is driven by empathy and keeping a person centered conversation in all my sessions while keeping a collaborative therapeutic relationship.

At our first session, we will discuss goals that you would like to meet through counseling and what it would look for you when those specific goals are met. I strive to practice empathy and ethical practices to offer personalized therapies and psychoeducation aligned with individual goals and concerns, promoting mental wellness for all.