VA and Military Therapist in Texas
A veteran-owned practice that already understands the life you live.
Looking for a VA or military therapist in Texas? Strength Within Counseling is a veteran-owned private practice offering secure telehealth anywhere in Texas. Founder Perla Abeyta, LMFT, is an Army veteran who works with veterans, service members, and military families — including those connected to Fort Hood (Fort Cavazos) and communities across the state.
A Therapist Who Has Worn the Uniform
Perla Abeyta is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a U.S. Army veteran. After her time in uniform, she built Strength Within Counseling PLLC in Killeen, Texas, to serve people who are tired of explaining military life before the real work can start.
This is a private practice, not a VA clinic and not part of the Department of Defense. Sessions stay separate from your military record. The practice is veteran-owned, woman-owned, and Hispanic-owned, and Spanish-language assistance is available.
If you're stationed near Fort Hood (Fort Cavazos), living elsewhere in Central Texas, or settled somewhere else in the state after a PCS or separation, we can still work together by telehealth as long as you are in Texas for the session. Meet Perla Abeyta, LMFT, or read more about military and veteran therapy.
Who This Care Is For
We work with veterans, active-duty service members, and military families across Texas, including spouses, partners, and loved ones carrying the weight of service alongside the person who wore the uniform.
Issues we often help with
- PTSD and trauma, including combat-related stress, military sexual trauma, and experiences that still show up in daily life. Learn more on our PTSD and trauma therapy page.
- Transition out of the military, including loss of structure, identity, and community, and the work of figuring out what comes next.
- Deployment and reintegration, from the tension before leaving to the awkward, often overlooked process of coming home.
- Couples and family strain connected to service life, long separations, PCS moves, and the quiet distance that can grow even when everyone is trying. See our couples therapy page for relationship-focused work.
We also work with anxiety, depression, grief, anger, moral injury, and the everyday stress of holding a household together through military life. You don't have to have the "right" kind of story to reach out.
How to Get Started
Getting started is straightforward. You can request a free consultation online, call (833) 433-4090, or send a secure message. Current clients can also use the client portal.
Sessions are telehealth only and available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central Time, from anywhere in Texas. We currently accept Aetna, United Healthcare / Optum, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, and Curative. Self-pay is also available, and we can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement when applicable.
If you have questions about coverage, including benefits connected to military or veteran care, contact us and we can help you check where things stand. For first-session details, see what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my VA benefits to see Perla?
We're working on it. Strength Within Counseling has applied to join the VA's Community Care program, which lets veterans see an approved therapist outside the VA at no cost to them. The approval process takes some time, and we'll update this page as soon as it's final.
In the meantime, you're welcome to reach out. Call us at (833) 433-4090 or request a free consultation, and we'll help you sort out your options, including other insurance we accept like UnitedHealthcare/Optum and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.
How does VA Community Care work?
If the VA can't see you quickly enough or close enough to home, it can refer you to a local provider. Once we're approved, you'll be able to ask your VA care team for a referral to Strength Within Counseling.
Do I need to be a veteran to work with you?
No. We work with veterans, service members, military spouses and families, and civilians. Many of our clients are military-connected, but you do not have to have served to get care here.
Are sessions in person or by telehealth?
All sessions are by secure telehealth. As long as you are physically located in Texas at the time of your appointment, we can meet by video, whether you are near Fort Hood (Fort Cavazos) or anywhere else in the state.
Do you accept insurance?
We currently accept Aetna, United Healthcare / Optum, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, and Curative. Self-pay is also available, and we can provide a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement when applicable. For the latest details, see our FAQ or contact us directly.
Will therapy go on my military record?
This is a private practice, completely separate from the Department of Defense. Nothing from your sessions goes on your military record. Seeking routine counseling is generally not a disqualifier for a security clearance, and your therapist can talk with you about privacy in the first session.
How do I get started?
Request an appointment online, call (833) 433-4090, or send a secure message through our contact page. We'll get back to you personally to set things up.
Ready to Take the First Step?
You don't have to explain the basics of military life here. Reach out for a free consultation, or call (833) 433-4090.
Request an Appointment