Practitioner record · Checked 8 Nov 2026
Laurie Ann Pena has been in practice 5 years and is licensed in Texas. Laurie lists stress, Anxiety, addictions and self esteem among 11 subjects on the BetterHelp roster.
Everything below is either quoted from Laurie's own BetterHelp listing, taken from public licensing records, or written by Maker Therapy and labelled as such. Nothing here is an availability promise, a review, or a rating.
01 · Who Laurie works with
Laurie lists 5 specialisms and 6 further focus areas. Specialisms are the subjects Laurie chose to list first, which is the closest a listing gets to “this is my actual practice”.
02 · In Laurie's own words
Reproduced in full and unedited - not summarised, not tightened, not rewritten in a house voice.
I hold a Master of Science in Counseling with a specialization in Addictions from Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, which I earned in 2015. I have over 10 years of experience within the behavioral health field with 5 of those years as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
As a licensed therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges, I bring compassionate expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, and personal growth. My approach centers on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication, and navigate feelings of isolation and purpose.
With a deep understanding of mood disorders and life transitions, I create a supportive environment where individuals can explore their experiences and develop meaningful coping strategies. My work focuses on healing shame, building self-esteem, and empowering clients to overcome personal obstacles.
I am committed to walking alongside you as you discover your inner strength, challenge limiting beliefs, and create positive change. Whether you're struggling with stress, addiction, or feeling stuck, I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to support your unique journey of healing and self-discovery.
Laurie Ann Pena, on the BetterHelp listing · read 8 Nov 2026
03 · What happens next
Laurie practises through BetterHelp, so the route in is BetterHelp's. This is that sequence, written by Maker Therapy from the platform's published process - not a description of Laurie's own practice, and not a promise about how quickly anything happens.
BetterHelp opens with a set of questions about what you are dealing with, what you want from therapy, and any preferences on the therapist. You are not booking Laurie at this point.
BetterHelp matches algorithmically by default, so asking for Laurie is a step you have to take. There is a field for requesting a specific therapist during sign-up, and you can switch afterwards from your account. Starting from a link on this page does not by itself assign you to Laurie.
You will be offered somebody else rather than put on a waitlist. Worth knowing, because it is easy to assume a match is the person you asked for.
A first session is typically history and orientation: what brought you, what has been tried, what you want to be different. It is also where the questions in the next section belong.
Changing therapist on BetterHelp does not need a reason. A first session that does not click is common and is not a verdict on therapy. That option existing is the main practical difference between a platform and a private practice.
04 · Practical details
05 · Provenance
Laurie's name, credential, state, subjects, approaches and biography are read from BetterHelp's therapist roster, which Maker Therapy re-reads once a day; this page reflects the reading taken on 8 Nov 2026. The licence number and NPI are cross-checked against public registers.
The plain-English method descriptions, the first-session walkthrough and the questions are written by Maker Therapy and labelled as such wherever they appear.
Maker Therapy is not BetterHelp, does not take bookings, and has not met Laurie. There are no reviews or ratings on this page because we have no way to verify one. If you start therapy through a link here, we may be paid a commission - it does not change your price and it does not affect who appears here or in what order.
Something on this page wrong or out of date? Report it and it will be checked against the source.
Maker Therapy is user-supported - when you start through our links we may earn a commission from BetterHelp at no extra cost to you.