Photo of Ricardo Velazquez Garcia, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
Ricardo Velazquez Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
Photo of Ricardo Velazquez Garcia, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC

Ricardo Velazquez Garcia

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC (he, him)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
2 Endorsed
Tyler, TX 75799
Let's Connect (737) 232-5332
Photo of Ricardo Velazquez Garcia, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
Saturday and Sunday Openings! Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure? I'm here to help you explore these feelings, overcome challenges, and create lasting positive change. My expertise includes supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, and identity exploration. As a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate (LPC-A) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor-Intern (LCDC-I), supervised by Maribel Arias, LPC-S, I provide compassionate, evidence-based counseling tailored specifically to you.
With experience in clinical research at UT Austin’s Bipolar Disorder Center and hands-on counseling, I blend scientific insight with compassionate care. Using CBT, DBT, neurofeedback, and trauma-informed care, I also incorporate video game therapy, VR, music, and mindfulness to tailor therapy to your needs—combining traditional and innovative methods.
I know that reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or life transitions, I’m here to support you in a way that feels right for you. Together, we can create a path toward healing, self-discovery, and resilience. When you’re ready, I’d love to connect.
Take the first step to help. Call or Ricardo Velazquez Garcia now - (737) 232-5332

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

Guiding Star Counseling & Wellness, PLLC

Tyler, TX 75799

(737) 232-5332
Saturday and Sunday appointments available. I offer virtual sessions only and Walk and Talk sessions in Austin. Sliding Scale available.
I specialize in Testing and Evaluation, Men's Issues and LGBTQ+ 
$75 Per Session  
I see individuals and couples  
Let's Connect (737) 232-5332
Photo of Ricardo Velazquez Garcia, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC

My Practice at a Glance

Available online only

Guiding Star Counseling & Wellness, PLLC

Tyler, TX 75799

(737) 232-5332
Saturday and Sunday appointments available. I offer virtual sessions only and Walk and Talk sessions in Austin. Sliding Scale available.
I specialize in Testing and Evaluation, Men's Issues and LGBTQ+ 
$75 Per Session  
I see individuals and couples  

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $75
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Payment Methods

American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
"
Private pay only. I do offer a sliding scale if needed.
Photo of Ricardo Velazquez Garcia, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
Ricardo Velazquez Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
or call with questions - (737) 232-5332
"
Private pay only. I do offer a sliding scale if needed.
Photo of Ricardo Velazquez Garcia, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
Ricardo Velazquez Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
or call with questions - (737) 232-5332

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Prelicense by State of Texas / 97735 Supervised by Maribel Arias (Texas / 76212) Ricardo Velazquez Garcia
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 1 year
  • Attended University of Texas at San Antonio, MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Graduated 2024
  • Additional Credentials

  • Degree/Diploma from Texas A&M University BA in Philosophy / 2018
"
I'm trained in the following assessments: SCID-5-RV, K-SADS, CAPS-5, YMRS, HDRS, PHQ-9, and more. I am also trained on providing neurofeedback as a modality. I blend evidence-based and innovative therapies to support lasting growth.
Photo of Ricardo Velazquez Garcia, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
Ricardo Velazquez Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
or call with questions - (737) 232-5332
"
I'm trained in the following assessments: SCID-5-RV, K-SADS, CAPS-5, YMRS, HDRS, PHQ-9, and more. I am also trained on providing neurofeedback as a modality. I blend evidence-based and innovative therapies to support lasting growth.
Photo of Ricardo Velazquez Garcia, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
Ricardo Velazquez Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
or call with questions - (737) 232-5332

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Testing and Evaluation
  • Men's Issues
  • LGBTQ+

Expertise

  • Anxiety
  • Bisexual
  • Body Image
  • Career Counseling
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Dual Diagnosis
  • First Responders
  • Geriatric and Seniors
  • Grief
  • Life Coaching
  • Life Transitions
  • Mood Disorders
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Sex-Positive, Kink Allied
  • Stress
  • Video Game Addiction
  • Weight Loss
"
I work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, and identity exploration. I also specialize in helping individuals navigate emotional dysregulation, stress, and challenges related to neurodiversity, including autism. During our initial sessions, we will explore your concerns in depth and collaborate to create a personalized plan.
Photo of Ricardo Velazquez Garcia, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
Ricardo Velazquez Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
or call with questions - (737) 232-5332
"
I work with clients who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, and identity exploration. I also specialize in helping individuals navigate emotional dysregulation, stress, and challenges related to neurodiversity, including autism. During our initial sessions, we will explore your concerns in depth and collaborate to create a personalized plan.
Photo of Ricardo Velazquez Garcia, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
Ricardo Velazquez Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
or call with questions - (737) 232-5332

2 Endorsements

Ted Thao
Ted Thao
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate LPC-ALCDC-ICTPNCCEMDR
Ricky is an exceptional clinician, and I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking support. Every interaction with him has been filled with joy, laughter, and encouragement, showcasing his ability to connect deeply with others.
Keiko Hashimoto
Keiko Hashimoto
Licensed Professional Counselor AssociateMSNCC
Ricky is a kind and thoughtful therapist who empowers his clients by creating a safe and supportive space. He takes the time to get to know his clients so that they feel heard and empowered. He is dedicated to helping you through your healing process!

Client Focus

Age

Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Couples

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Little Person Allied

Religion

Secular and Non-Religious

Age

Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Couples

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Little Person Allied

Religion

Secular and Non-Religious

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
  • Existential
  • Expressive Arts
  • Gestalt
  • Integrative
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Multicultural
  • Narrative
  • Neurofeedback
  • Person-Centered
  • Positive Psychology
  • Reality Therapy
  • Walk and Talk Therapy
"
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and neurofeedback in my practice, along with mindfulness-based techniques and innovative interventions such as video game therapy and music therapy. In our first session, we'll explore what brought you to therapy and determine the most effective approach to help you move forward.
Photo of Ricardo Velazquez Garcia, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
Ricardo Velazquez Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
or call with questions - (737) 232-5332
"
I often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and neurofeedback in my practice, along with mindfulness-based techniques and innovative interventions such as video game therapy and music therapy. In our first session, we'll explore what brought you to therapy and determine the most effective approach to help you move forward.
Photo of Ricardo Velazquez Garcia, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
Ricardo Velazquez Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
or call with questions - (737) 232-5332

Location

Primary Location

Guiding Star Counseling & Wellness, PLLC

Tyler, TX 75799

(737) 232-5332

Nearby Areas

Cities

Counties

"
Saturday and Sunday appointments available. I offer virtual sessions only and Walk and Talk sessions in Austin. Sliding Scale available.
Photo of Ricardo Velazquez Garcia, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
Ricardo Velazquez Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
Take the first step to help. Call now - (737) 232-5332
"
Saturday and Sunday appointments available. I offer virtual sessions only and Walk and Talk sessions in Austin. Sliding Scale available.
Photo of Ricardo Velazquez Garcia, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
Ricardo Velazquez Garcia
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MS, LCDC-I, LPC-A, NCC
Take the first step to help. Call now - (737) 232-5332