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.

My approach is rooted in empathy, unconditional positive regard, and a deep respect for your comfort and autonomy. In addition to traditional counseling, I offer Neurofeedback and QEEG brain mapping, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, substance use counseling, and behavioral therapies for children and adults.

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 work with all ages to work on identified goals and have experience with trauma survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. Using the CBT model, we can learn how thoughts, feelings and behaviors influence each other and overcome negative impacts they may have.

Hi, my name is Patricia Shipp and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. 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 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.

My passion is working with individuals who are or have been incarcerated, using strength-based planning and solution-focused brief therapy. The saying "Truth without compassion is cruelty" is a motto I follow — because there is no healing without truth, but cruelty has no place in therapy.

My name is Monique Gusman. I am a licensed professional counselor associate with many years of experience in the mental health field, primarily using Cognitive Behavior Therapy tailored for all ages.

My goal is to help people overcome barriers to live a happy and mentally healthy life. My approach is driven by empathy and a person-centered conversation, maintaining a collaborative therapeutic relationship in all sessions.