A practice rooted in this community
Serving the Rio Grande Valley, we're a team of counselors who believe this community deserves better mental health care.
Feel heard
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Find clarity
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Move forward
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Feel heard · Find clarity · Move forward ·
How we got here
In 2023, Dr. Clarissa Salinas opened Heartsease Counseling Center, PLLC in Edinburg, Texas after recognizing a gap she couldn't ignore. The Rio Grande Valley had too few mental health providers, too many barriers to access, and a community that deserved better.
What started as one clinician's commitment has grown into a full team serving individuals and families across the Valley with care that meets each client where they are.
Catch our feature on Edinburg Spotlight.
Who you'll work with
Clarissa Salinas,
PHD, LPC-S, RPT-S™
FOUNDER
Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST-SUPERVISOR™ through the Association for Play Therapy, Dr. Salinas holds a doctorate in counselor education from UT San Antonio and a master's in professional counseling from Texas Wesleyan University. She teaches graduate counseling courses and has published research on play therapy, sandtray therapy and counseling supervision.
Natalie Hardy,
M.ED, LPC
CLINICIAN
Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Natalie completed undergraduate studies at UT Austin before earning her master's in mental health counseling from UTRGV. Pursuing her REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST™ credential, she works with adults, adolescents and children with trauma, depression and anxiety. She believes healing grows from genuine connection.
Vanessa Castellanos,
M.S, LPC
CLINICIAN
A bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor with six years of experience, Vanessa holds a master's degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from UTRGV. She works with at-risk youth and adults navigating anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges and life transitions, and takes an eclectic approach — tailoring each intervention to the unique needs of the client.
Ziomara Tirado,
M.ED, LPC
CLINICIAN
A Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Education in Counseling from UTRGV, Ziomara works with children, adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, anger and grief. She is passionate about creating a space where clients feel genuinely seen and supported, and where healing can unfold at their own pace.
Evana Rendon,
M.Ed, LPC
CLINICIAN
With over six years of experience, Evana holds a Master of Education in Counseling from UTRGV and works with clients navigating grief, anxiety, trauma and identity. She believes healing is a lot like a kaleidoscope — dynamic, layered, and often revealed in small shifts of awareness. Her work offers clients space to explore whatever they are carrying.
Paola Salinas,
M.Ed, LPC, RPT™
CLINICIAN
Licensed Professional Counselor and REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST™ with a background in educational and clinical settings, Paola brings specialized play therapy training to her work with children. She is passionate about supporting children expressing their emotions through play and believes a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation of growth.
Jessica Guerrero,
M.Ed, LPC
CLINICIAN
Licensed Professional Counselor serving children and families, Jessica specializes in trauma, anxiety, ADHD, depression and divorce or separation. She uses a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy approach with play-based interventions and is pursuing her REGISTERED PLAY THERAPIST™ credential. She believes healing begins with safety and connection.
Isabel Schroeder
FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST
State-certified Peer Support Specialist with a master's degree in International Management and Intercultural Communications, Isabel brings a background in mental health, project management and intercultural communication to her role at Heartsease. She is also a certified yoga instructor and is passionate about mental health and holistic approaches to well-being.
Alex Gutierrez
FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST
Committed to making every client feel welcome from the moment they arrive, Alex is passionate about creating a calm, supportive environment for people seeking care. She brings warmth and attentiveness to every interaction and takes pride in ensuring visits feel comfortable. Outside the office, she enjoys outdoor walks and spending time with friends and family.
Clarissa Heredia
FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST
With experience in front office administration, insurance verification and medical billing, Clarissa is passionate about helping others and ensuring each client's experience is smooth and compassionate. She is committed to creating a warm, welcoming environment where every person feels supported from the moment they arrive at Heartsease.
Join our team
We're always looking for passionate people to grow with us. If you're interested in becoming part of the Heartsease team, we'd love to hear from you.