Richardson Clinical Staff
(972) 437-4698
The counseling staff in Richardson look forward to meeting with you and helping you find practical answers to your personal concerns. After an initial evaluation, our staff will create a personalized treatment plan to meet your specific needs and goals. In creating a treatment plan, your counselor will look at your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. If the counselor feels medication may be helpful in the healing process, we have psychiatrists (medical doctors) who are able to work closely with you and the counselor in prescribing and managing medication. Our counselors all have a minimum of a master's degree, with the exception of some of our interns who are working under supervison, and many have an advanced degree or certification in a specialty area. Every clinical staff member is thoroughly interviewed to assure they have proper clinical training and experience and background checks are performed by an independent agency. All of our treatment team are Christian and have reviewed and agreed to uphold Meier Clinics' Statement of Faith.
Please note that all staff may not be listed and that these are brief biographical sketches. If you are interested in meeting with one of our staff, our Intake Department will assist you in finding someone who best meets your needs. You can reach us Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at 972-437-4698 or toll free at 888-550-8922. We look forward to hearing from you and coming along side you to help you find the answers you are seeking.
PSYCHIATRISTS
Paul Meier, M.D.
Treatment Issues: Clinical Evaluation and Medication Management
Education and Training: Masters of Science in Cardiovascular Physiology from Michigan State University. Master of Arts degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. Medical Degree (M.D.) from the University of Arkansas College of Medicine. Psychiatric residency at Duke University. Graduate courses at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois in 1975-76 while on full-time faculty. Active memberships include: Christian Medical and Dental Society, American Medical Association, American Psychiatric Association, Dallas County Medical Society
Background and Experience: Dr. Meier taught pastoral counseling at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois in 1975-1976, and at Dallas Theological Seminary (in Texas) from 1976 to 1989.
Additional Information: Dr. Meier is the co-founder and Medical Director of Meier Clinics. He is a nationally recognized psychiatrist, and international guest speaker with numerous radio and television appearances. Dr. Meier is acknowledged as a pioneer in the integration of the physical aspects of humans with the psychological and spiritual dimensions. He continues to write, having authored, co-authored or edited over 70 books/publications. Visit Dr. Meier's personal page for more information.
Ilianai Torres-Roca, M.D.
Treatment Issues: Adolescent issues, Anxiety, Aspergers, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Children's Issues, Depressions, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, and more.
Education and Training: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston College, MA, 1994-1998. Medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico, 1998-2002. Psychiatry Residency training 2002-2006 and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship 2005-2007 from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio. Chief Resident in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program from 2006-2007.
Background and Experience: Dr. Torres-Roca has worked in multiple settings including inpatient, outpatient, residential treatment, juvenile detention center, psychiatric emergency center, and hospital and school consults.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Torres-Roca works with children as young as four years old through adulthood on all psychiatric and development issues. She specializes in diagnostic assessment and medication management.
Tamella Trulson, M.D.
Treatment Issues: Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Manic-Depression, Panic Attacks, Psychosis, and other issues and disorders
Education and Training: Medical Degree from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 1991. Psychiatry Residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX, 1995. Board Certified in General Adult Psychiatry and licensed in Texas.
Background and Experience: Dr. Trulson has worked at Meier Clinics since 1995. She was a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas, TX, from 2001-2007.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Trulson specializes in the diagnostic assessment and medication treatment of adults.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
Amy Morrison, PA-C
Treatment Issues: ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Bi-Polar Depression, Depression, Medication Management
Education and Training: Bachelor of Health Sciences from Butler University, 2004. Master of Physician Assistant Studies from University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine with emphasis in Psychiatry, 2008. Amy has been licensed as a board certified physician assistant in Texas since 2004.
Background and Experience: Amy worked at the University of Texas Southwestern in the Multiple Sclerosis outpatient clinic for two years. She decided to change her focus to general psychiatry in 2006 and has worked in outpatient clinics for five years and inpatient for three years.
Special Interests and Services: Amy works with adults, ages 18-65, with a variety of mental health issues. She specializes in addressing the biological or physical aspect of illnesses through the utilization of psychotropic medications. Amy's philosophy is to treat the whole patient, and she screens for other medical illnesses that might be impacting the health of the brain. Her patient treatment plans incorporate healthy lifestyle changes and the use of appropriate vitamins and supplements.
Additional Information: Amy was born and raised in north Dallas and is a long-standing member of Prestonwood Baptist Church. She is fluent in Spanish and enjoys working with patients with Hispanic backgrounds. She also enjoys teaching and is a preceptor for nurse practioner students. She provides educational lectures for clinicians and patients in English and Spanish.
PSYCHOLOGISTS
Keith Cobern, Ph.D., L.M.F.T., L.P.C.
Treatment Issues: Family Intervention, Marriage and Family Counseling
Education and Training: Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion, Philosophy and Sociology from Dallas Baptist University. Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Counseling and Doctorate degree in Psychology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Licensed in Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Background and Experience: Dr. Cobern has worked for Meier Clinics since 1991.
Special Interests and Services: Includes working primarily with marital and family issues, communication problems, relationship problems, marital affairs, divorce, blended families, alcoholic and dysfunctional family systems, family intervention and family coaching, depression and other mood disorders, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder, and individual coaching.
Additional Information: Dr. Cobern provides supervision for LMFT and LPC interns and is an adjunct Assistant Professor of Counseling at Dallas Baptist University in the Master of Arts in Counseling Program.
Shannan Crawford, Psy.D.
(Under supervision by Dr. Keith Cobern)
Treatment Issues: Abuse, Adolescent Issues, Anxiety, Career Concerns, Children's Issues, Couples, Cross-Cultural Persons/Families, Cultural Reintegration, Depression, Diversity Issues, Family-of-Origin, Family Issues, Identity Issues, Marital, Ministry Leader/Missionary Concerns, Relationship Issues, Religious/Faith Issues, Self-Esteem/Self-Confidence, Sexuality Concerns, Social Anxiety, Spiritual Concerns, Stress Management, Trauma, Women's Issues, Young Adult Issues
Education and Training: Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a double emphasis in Counseling and Ministry from Azusa Pacific University, 2004. Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Regent University, 2007. Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialty track of Marriage and Family Therapy from Regent University, 2009. Dissertation research in the area of marriage mentoring. Provisionally licensed as a Clinical Psychologist in the State of Texas.
Background and Experience: Prior to joining Meier Clinics in 2010, Dr. Crawford provided a wide range of therapeutic services in a vast array of settings, including four years experience providing marriage counseling; a residential treatment center for young children with behavioral and emotional problems; a missionary support service center in which missionaries received online therapeutic support while on the mission field; forensic assessments and therapy for juvenile offenders in the legal system; therapy, assessment, and testing at an outpatient clinic for two years; business consultation on streamlining industrial-organizational management; therapy, psychological testing, and career counseling at a university for two years; Hope-Focused-Couples-Counseling for three years; and implementation of a marriage mentoring program at a church.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Crawford works with clients ages eight and up. She views every client through the lens that humans are beautifully complex, unique, valuable, and precious to God. Dr. Crawford firmly believes that truth and freedom ultimately come from God and, thus, feels confident as a Clinical Psychologist utilizing the tools of the medical, scientific, and psychological fields combined with the power of the Holy Spirit to see people walk in wholeness, purpose, and the knowledge that they are deeply loved.
Additional Information: Dr. Crawford is actively involved in her church and in her community. She enjoys volunteering to work internationally to bring counseling tools to developing nations. She spent two weeks in Indonesia in July 2010 providing seminars and outreach training on mental health. Dr. Crawford loves mentoring and inspiring people to help them accomplish their dreams. She loves traveling internationally and has lived in California, Virginia, Hawaii, and Texas.
Lane Ogden, Ph.D.
Treatment Issues: Adult Psychotherapy, Psychological Assessments
Education and Training: Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Howard Payne University. Master of Arts degree and a Doctorate degree in Psychology from Texas Tech. Dr. Ogden completed a Post–Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychopharmacology at California School of Professional Psychology. He is a Licensed Psychologist and a member of the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology.
Background and Experience: Dr. Ogden has been a part of the Meier Clinics since 1987.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Ogden’s areas of professional interest include adult psychotherapy and psychological assessment as well as behavioral problems related to medication issues. His major focus is on depression and anxiety disorders as well as any adult psychotherapy issues.
Additional Information: Dr. Ogden enjoys speaking and teaching engagements. He is an active member in national, state, and local psychological associations; was formerly President of the Dallas Psychological Association; and has been elected to serve as the President of Texas Psychological Association in 2012.
COUNSELORS
Marcy Blake, L.P.C.
Treatment Issues: ADHD, Adjustment Issues, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Blended Family Issues, Depression, Grief and Loss, Women's Issues
Education and Training: Bachelor of Science from Texas A & M University. Masters in Counseling from Sam Houston State University.
Background and Experience: Marcy has lead parenting workshops in the community and lead groups for teens. She is involved in her church's counseling ministry.
Special Interests and Services: Marcy works with children as young as six, adolescents, and adults. She treats children and adolescents struggling with anger issues, ADHD, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, behavior problems at home or school, and other school related issues. She counsels adults struggling to cope with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and grief and loss. Her special interests include blended family issues, women's issues, and parenting guidance.
Jordan Davis, M.A., L.P.C. Intern
(Under supervision of Dr. Keith Cobern)
Treatment Issues: Abuse, Anxiety, Depression, Dug and Alcohol Addictions Education and Training: B.A. in Biblical Studies with a minor in Psychology from Dallas Baptist University. Currently serving his internship at Meier Clinics in pursuit of an MA in counseling from Dallas Baptist University. Special Interests and Services: Jordan works with adolescents through adults on a variety of issues. He has a special interest in working with clients who struggle with anxiety. Additional Information: Jordan was in youth ministry for five years and a coach for the Special Olympics for four years. He is currently involved in a church plant in Midlothian, Texas, where he serves as a youth minister and worship leader.
(Under supervision of Dr. Keith Cobern) Treatment Issues: Adolescent Concerns, Anxiety, Boundary Issues, Depression, Substance Abuse Education and Training: Bachelor of Science from College of Public Affairs and Community Service at the University of North Texas, 2003, Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University, 2010. Licensed in Texas as a Professional Counseling Intern since January 2011. Background and Experience: Jason completed his counseling practicum at the Child Advocacy Center in Denton County where he conducted play therapy sessions with children who were victims of suspected abuse and with adult family members seeking treatment for anger and depression related to crises. Jason also has several years of work experience mentoring and teaching. Special Interests and Services: Jason works with clients of any age and with a wide range of issues. His passion is helping people with substance abuse issues. Jason's therapy style is interactive, insightful, cognitive behavioral and integrative. He sees private pay clients and offers reduced fees for those who meet the financial criteria. Additional Information: Jason and his wife are involved in their church including participation in a church life group. Jason enjoys playing softball in his spare time.
Jason Hithersay, M.A., L.P.C. Intern
Heather Hodges Harris, M.Ed., L.P.C.-S., N.C.C.
Treatment Issues: Abuse Healing, Anxiety, Child and Adolescent Issues, Crisis Intervention, Depression, Family-of-Origin Issues, Family Issues, Grief/Loss, Identity Issues, Inner Healing, Marital, Personality Disorders, Premarital, Rape Healing, Spiritual Burn-Out, Spouses of Sexual Addicts, Victims of Crime (including family members), Women's Issues Education and Training: B.S. in Psychology and B.A. in English from LeTourneau University. Master of Education in Counseling and Human Development from Hardin-Simmons University with an emphasis in family issues, children, adolescents, and children with disabilities. Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Texas A & M University; graduation pending completion of dissertation. Training in Victim Services through the Attorney General of Texas' Office. LPC-S license in the State of Texas. Background and Experience: Heather worked in crisis intervention with victims of crime for the first five years of her career. She was in private practice for three years before joining Meier Clinics. She has taught law enforcement officials and other victim liaisons how to effectively help the victim and their family members. Heather has written multiple papers and been a quest speaker on subjects such as decreasing trauma during the forensic interview, becoming the wounded healer, crisis intervention in a family system, suicide prevention in you and young adults, the biblical perspective of thoughts and emotions, and helping families of autistic children. Heather has a strong background in working with children with disabilities and helping families to gain clarity in how to cope as a family system with the challenges they face. Special Interests and Services: Heather feels each client is wonderfully unique and precious to the Creator. She enjoys working with all populations, but especially children, teenagers, young adults and families. Her therapy style is best described as a holistic approach that emphasizes Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. She believes in treating the mind, body, and spirit of patients for optimal results. Heather believes that inner healing that is lasting is only achieved through the power of the Holy Spirit and, as a result, she incorporates prayer, scripture, and biblical examples in therapy when appropriate.
Chelsey Kinney, B.A., Practicum Intern
(Under supervision of Dr. Keith Cobern)
Treatment Issues: Adolescent Concerns, Anxiety, Depression
Education and Training: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas Tech University, 2008. Currently pursuing Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University.
Special Interests and Services: Chelsey works with adolescents through adults on a wide range of issues. Chelsey describes her therapy as cognitive behavioral.
Luigi Leos, M.A., L.P.C., L.M.F.T.-Associate
Treatment Issues: ADHD, Anxiety, Anger, Bipolar, Borderline, Depression, Family Issues, Marital/premarital, OCD, Relationship Issues
Education and Training: Master of Arts in Management-Organizational Behavior from University of Phoenix, 1990. Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling and Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary, 2007. Licensed Professional Counselor Intern since August 2007 and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate since December 2007.
Background and Experience: Luigi has been an Executive Coach to business owners, CEO's, and executive managers since 1998 and a Business Consultant since 1996. He has been a lay leader of Divorce Recovery and other self-help groups since 1997.
Special Interests and Services: Luigi works with families, couples, individual adults and adolescents. He describes his style of counseling as experiential as well as goal- or insight-oriented and interactive. He currently accepts only private pay clients and offers reduced fees to those who meet the financial guidelines.
Additional Information: Luigi is very involved with his church and has served as a leader of several educational classes.
Deborah Newman, D.Phil., L.P.C., L.M.F.T.
Treatment Issues: Adolescent Concerns, Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues
Education and Training: Doctorate of Philosophy from Oxford Graduate School, Dayton, TN 1991. Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling from Grace Theological Seminary, Winona Lake, IN 1984. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Bryan College, Dayton, TN 1983. Licensed in Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor and as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Background and Experience: Dr. Newman has worked in outpatient and inpatient counseling with the Meier Clinics for many years.
Special Interests and Services: Dr. Newman focuses mainly on women's issues, specifically with eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.
Additional Information: Dr. Newman is the author of several books and writes a weekly devotion for her website www.teatimeforyoursoul.com. Her most recent books are Comfortable in Your Own Skin and Beauty Secrets (March 2007, Focus on the Family/Tyndale). She serves as the Minister to Women at Christ Church Plano.
John Nord, MA, M.Div., CSAT, LPC
Treatment Issues: Addictive Disorders, Anger Management, Anxiety, Codependency, Depression, Men's Issues, Pastoral Counseling, Self-Esteem, Sex Addiction Stress Management
Education and Training: Master of Arts in Counseling (1990) and Master of Divinity (1995) from Oral Roberts University. Chaplain Residency (Clinical Pastoral Education) at Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX, 1996-1997. Licensed as a LPC in the State of Texas. Obtained certification as a Certified Sex Addiction Therapists (CSAT), 2011, through the International Institute of Addiction Trauma Professionals (IITAP).
Background and Experience: John has six years experience in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings. Additionally, he worked for over 12 years as a supervisor/counselor at Parkland Hospital in the adult alcohol and drug program. John provided services such as screenings, crisis intervention, short-term counseling, case management, referrals, family counseling, education services, and consultations.
Special Interests and Services: John works primarily with adults experiencing issues related to addictive disorders. He has a particular interest and focus in working with men recovering from sexual addiction. John's counseling approach is insight-oriented and cognitive-behavioral.
Additional Information: John is actively involved in the 12-step community.
Judy Rayburn, M.A., L.P.C.
Treatment Issues: Abuse/Trauma Recovery, ADHD, Anxiety, Burnout, Codependency, Communications, Depression, Divorce Recovery, Grief/Loss, Life Transitions, Marital/Pre-Marital, Marriage Recovery after Infidelity, Parenting, Relationship Issues, Stress Management, Women's issues
Education and Training: Bachelor of Science from California State University, 1984. Master of Arts in Counseling from Amberton University, 2002. Licensed in Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2004. Special training in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing.
Background and Experience: Judy currently is a critical incident response team member and gets called into crisis situations in the workplace in addition to her counseling at Meier Clinics. Prior to joining Meier Clinics in January 2010, she worked with a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner south of Dallas working with a wide variety of issues and ages, including children. Judy developed a big heart for children and adolescents and a passion for working with them and their parents to facilitate better interpersonal relationships. Judy has worked off and on leading CPS groups for children that have been sexually abused, as well as with their siblings and the non-offending parents. For nearly a year, Judy worked at a dual diagnosis residential treatment center with women who had both mental illness and an addiction, including prostitution, physical and sexual abuse, rape and other traumas. For three years following licensure, she provided counseling services to nursing home residents who presented with a variety of issues, particularly grief and loss of lifestyle/functionality as well as varying stages of dementia and all the related behavioral aspects.
Special Interests and Services: Judy works with all ages - children though geriatric. She brings a variety of life experiences to the counseling services.
Additional Information: From 1999-2004, Judy led a growing and popular ongoing group at her church covering Cloud/Townsend video seminar topics of Boundaries, Boundaries in Marriage, Boundaries in Dating, Safe People, Changes that Heal, 12 Christian Beliefs that can Drive You Crazy, Hiding from Love, and Learning About Love. She has a passion for educating people in ways that will help them with life and relationships. Judy also volunteers at a grief camp for kids in the summer.
Jana Schmitt, M.A., L.P.C. Intern
(Under supervision of Dr. Keith Cobern)
Treatment Issues: Anxiety/Panic Attacks, Depression, Grief, Marital, Self-Worth, Sexual Trauma/Abuse, Spiritual Issues
Education and Training: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a minor in Psychology from Texas A & M University, 1984. Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University, 2008. Passed LPC licensing exam in 2009 and currently completing internship requirements.
Background and Experience: Jana has worked as a therapist at the Meier Clinics since 2008. She is currently working with clients in the Day Program as well as with Outpatient clients. She has provided counseling in an inpatient setting, in a women's crisis center, and has worked with women and youth.
Special Interests and Services: Jana works with adults, couples, families and adolescents ages 17 and up. She offers reduced fees to clients who meet the financial guidelines.
Additional Information: Jana is actively involved in her church and community. She is passionate about helping her clients find hope, healing from past trauma or hurts, and deeper meaning through their pain.
Andrew Siefers, MA, LPC Intern
(Under supervision of Dr. Keith Cobern)
Treatment Issues: Adolescent Concerns, Anxiety Disorders, Boundaries, Burnout, Career Concerns, Church Relationships, Conduct Disorders, Crisis Intervention, Depression, Family Issues, Grief and Loss Issues, Hostility and Anger, Loneliness, Marital/Pre-Marital, Men's Issues, Narcissism, OCD, Panic Disorder, Personal Relationships, Personality Disorders, Psychological Testing, PTSD, Self-Esteem, Sexual Issues, Spiritual Concerns, Stress Management, Substance Abuse
Education and Training: Master of Arts in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University, 2010. Nine months of intensive practicum experience at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. Licensed as a professional Counseling Intern since the summer of 2010 in the State of Texas.
Background and Experience: Andrew worked with dual diagnosis patients though group process therapy and individual therapy sessions at a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility. Andrew earned a Bachelors degree in International Business; his understanding of international situations and seven years of business experience are helpful in working with many of his clients.
Special Interests and Services: Andrew works with adults and teens as young as 15 for a wide range of issues. He describes his therapy style as open, interactive, insight-oriented, cognitive behavioral, existential with the ability to integrate and seek out proven techniques and theory which provide finite and broad realization and understanding. He sees private pay clients and offers reduced fees to those who meet financial criteria. Andrew has a heart for people of all backgrounds and diverse nationality. He integrates his broad experiences and unique perspective on life into assisting people who are struggling with life transition, emotional hardship, addictive thinking, problem-solving skills, and challenging circumstances.
Additional Information: Andrew has had much life experience in different cultures; he grew up in Portugal while his parents served as missionaries. He is actively involved in teaching pre-school children at his church, reading new material on history and counseling theory, training for 5K's, and going with his wife on date nights to various attractions in the Metro area. Andrew is passionate about his personal missions statement, "Intentionally Meeting People Actively Creating Trust" (IMPACT).
Audrey M. Steinle, L.P.C.
Treatment Issues: Anger, Anxiety, Childhood Trauma, Depression, Eating Disorders, Family Issues, Grief & Loss, Marital/Premarital, Self-Esteem/Identity, Sexual and Relationship Addiction, Sexual Abuse, Trauma Survivors
Education and Training: Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling and Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2008. Certified as a Licensed Professional Counselor in 2010.
Background and Experience: Prior to her joining Meier Clinics in 2008, Audrey worked as a Behavioral Health Technician in an inpatient child/adolescent hospital. She has also provided counseling services to various locations in the Forth Worth area where she worked with clients for a variety of needs including troubled marriages, adolescents, and women and men in group and individual settings.
Special Interests and Services: Audrey takes a cognitive-behavioral and systematic approach to treating adults (18-45 years old) and families. She offers group therapy in the evening, which provides more curative factors than individual therapy affords in most cases. Audrey's primary experience is with severe anxiety/depression, eating disorders and addiction recovery. She describes her ultimate goal as meeting a person or family at the greatest point of their pain and facilitating healing, growth, and change through a holistic, systematic approach. Her aim is to build a therapeutic and trusting counselor-client relationship to promote hope and support for the hurting and confused while providing preparation to handle future struggles. Audrey maintains a Biblical worldview and has a passion to see families restored and marriages healed.
