About R.E.F. Counseling – Virtual Mental Health Services for Texas Adults

Welcome to R.E.F. Counseling, your trusted provider of virtual mental health services for adults across Texas. We specialize in confidential, HIPAA-compliant online therapy, making high-quality mental health care more accessible and convenient. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, or major life transitions, our experienced licensed therapists are here to support you with compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.

Our Mission

At R.E.F. Counseling, we believe mental health care should be accessible, flexible, and stigma-free. Life’s challenges shouldn’t prevent you from getting the support you deserve. Our telehealth services eliminate barriers such as long commutes, scheduling conflicts, and insurance limitations—allowing you to prioritize your well-being from the comfort of your home.

Our Story – The Journey to R.E.F. Counseling

R.E.F. Counseling was founded by Debbie L. Hart, LPC, and Kathleen Moore, LPC, two dedicated mental health professionals who have served Texas communities since 2006. Their journey began in the rural towns of Smithville and Bastrop, where they operated private practices and saw firsthand the urgent need for accessible mental health care, especially in underserved areas.

To bridge this gap, they established a peer consultation group in Bastrop County, which later became part of the Bluebonnet Chapter of the Texas Counseling Association (TCA). Recognizing the increasing demand for flexible, virtual therapy, they launched R.E.F. Counseling in 2025 to provide high-quality online therapy to adults across Texas, including Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and rural communities.

Meet Our Experienced Texas Therapists

Debbie L. Hart, LPC – Career & Life Transitions Specialist

With over 20 years of experience, Debbie specializes in career transitions, workplace stress, and major life changes. She helps her clients navigate complex challenges such as: 

✅ Career indecision & layoffs
✅ Toxic work environments
✅ Returning to the workforce after divorce or loss

As a Certified Controlled Separation Facilitator, she also provides structured support for couples contemplating divorce. Her approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), career counseling, and solution-focused techniques to help clients regain clarity, confidence, and direction.

Kathleen Moore, LPC – Anxiety, Stress & Personal Growth Expert

Kathleen is dedicated to helping her clients build resilience, navigate challenges, and achieve personal growth. She specializes in: 

✅ Anxiety & stress management
✅ Relationship struggles
✅ Major life transitions

Serving urban and rural Texas communities, Kathleen uses a strength-based, evidence-informed approach that empowers clients to take control of their mental well-being. Through goal-setting and research-backed interventions, she helps clients cultivate confidence and long-term resilience.

Together, Debbie and Kathleen are committed to breaking down barriers to mental health care, ensuring that Texans from Houston to El Paso and Dallas to Corpus Christi can access professional therapy without geographical limitations.

Why Choose Online Therapy in Texas?

R.E.F. Counseling makes mental health care easy, private, and accessible. Here’s why virtual therapy might be right for you:

✅ Convenient & Flexible – Flexible scheduling without the long wait times.
✅ Access from Anywhere – Whether you’re in Austin, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, or a rural town, professional therapy is just a click away.
✅ Complete Privacy – Attend therapy from your home or any private space.
✅ No Commute, No Travel Costs – Save time and money with online sessions.
✅ Ideal for Rural & Underserved Areas – Expanding mental health access where it’s needed most.
✅ No Insurance Barriers – We offer self-pay options and documentation for out-of-network reimbursement.

Our Specialties – Personalized Therapy for Your Needs

We provide therapy for a range of mental health concerns using clinically proven techniques tailored to each individual’s needs.

Our team of licensed and experienced therapists offers a wide range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to address various mental health concerns, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. We understand that each individual is unique, and therefore we tailor our treatment plans to meet your specific needs and goals.

Anxiety & Stress Management

If you find yourself constantly worrying, experiencing panic attacks, or feeling overwhelmed by workplace stress, our team of experienced therapists is here to help. We utilize evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, and relaxation techniques to equip you with the tools to manage anxiety, regain inner balance, and build resilience.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. By recognizing and reframing these thoughts, you can develop healthier coping mechanisms and reduce anxiety levels.

Mindfulness Practices: Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Through mindfulness exercises, you can learn to observe your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them, allowing you to respond to stress more calmly and effectively.

Relaxation Techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery, can help you manage the physical symptoms of anxiety and promote a sense of calm.

Depression Therapy

Experiencing persistent sadness, lack of motivation, or emotional numbness? Our therapists provide supportive, solution-focused therapy to help you rebuild a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Trauma & PTSD Counseling

Healing from trauma is possible. We offer specialized therapies, including: 

✅ Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
✅ Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
✅ Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)

Life Transitions & Personal Growth

Whether you’re facing a career change, divorce, grief, or personal reinvention, we provide tools and guidance to help you navigate transitions with confidence.

Affordable & Accessible Therapy for Texans

We believe cost should never be a barrier to mental health care. That’s why we offer: 

✔ Flexible self-pay options to fit different budgets. 
✔ Transparent pricing – No hidden fees, just affordable, straightforward therapy.

How to Get Started with Online Therapy

Starting therapy with R.E.F. Counseling is simple and stress-free: 

📞 Schedule a Consultation – Speak with one of our therapists to determine if our services are a good fit.
📅 Book Your Session – Choose a convenient time for your virtual therapy session.
💻 Attend Your Secure Telehealth Session – Connect through our HIPAA-compliant platform.
🎯 Work Toward Your Mental Health Goals – Receive personalized support and expert guidance.

Start Your Therapy Journey Today

Your mental health matters. If you’re ready to take the first step toward healing, growth, and a more fulfilling life, we’re here to support you every step of the way.