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Elsie Pena, LPC

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Elsie is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

FSA/HSA accepted
Speaks English and Spanish
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in Texas

More about Elsie

  • 3 years' experience
  • Female
  • LPC

Hi, I’m Elsie. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor, and I believe therapy should feel like a space where you can slow down, breathe, and speak openly about what you’re going through without feeling judged.

Many of the people I work with come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in a difficult season of life. Sometimes it’s the pressure of motherhood, navigating relationships, dealing with depression or anxiety, or trying to make sense of life transitions that weren’t expected. Therapy can be a place where we gently unpack those experiences and begin to find clarity, strength, and direction again.

My approach is collaborative and client-centered. I see therapy as a partnership where we work together to understand your experiences and develop tools that support your emotional well-being. I draw from evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral strategies, while also focusing on creating a supportive and compassionate space where you feel heard and understood.

As a biracial Latina therapist, I also value culturally sensitive therapy and understanding the ways culture, family dynamics, and identity shape our emotional lives.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to go through things alone. My goal is to walk alongside you as you navigate whatever chapter of life you’re in.

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Self-esteem Depression Coping with life changes Compassion fatigue Abandonment Autism and Asperger Syndrome Body image Caregiver issues and stress Guilt and shame Immigration issues Isolation / loneliness Life purpose Postpartum depression Pregnancy and childbirth Self-love Women's issues Workplace issues

Insurance Accepted

  • Cigna
  • GEHA
  • Optum
  • Oscar Health
  • UMR
  • UnitedHealthcare

Licenses

Elsie Pena's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1750183950.

  • LPC · Texas · 92243 · Renews January 2028

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Elsie Pena offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Elsie Pena works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Elsie Pena speak?

Elsie Pena speaks English and Spanish.

How many years of experience does Elsie Pena have?

Elsie Pena has 3 years of experience.

Where is Elsie Pena licensed to practice?

Elsie Pena is licensed to practice in Texas.

Does Elsie Pena accept FSA/HSA?

Yes, Elsie Pena accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.

Does Elsie Pena accept insurance?

Yes, Elsie Pena accepts Cigna, GEHA, Optum, Oscar Health, UMR, and UnitedHealthcare.

Does Elsie Pena accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Elsie Pena does not accept clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

How can I communicate with Elsie Pena?

Elsie Pena can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Elsie Pena?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.

FSA/HSA eligible