About Me

 
 

Laura Avila, PhD

Welcome! I am a clinical psychologist with advanced training in health psychology. I received my PhD at Northern Illinois University in 2002. My internship at Hines Veterans Administration in Illinois provided me the opportunity to train in different specialties, including posttraumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, geropsycology, and psych-oncology. I completed a year-long fellowship in Health Psychology at San Antonio Military Medical Center (formerly Brooke Army Medical Center) in San Antonio, Texas. At SAMMC, I provided psychological services to patients in primary care, internal medicine, and pulmonary clinics. Most recently, I received a master’s of science degree in psychopharmacology through Farleigh Dickinson, NJ. This allowed me to complete a practicum at SAMMC as a prescriber of psychotropic medications to my patients.

Specific training and interest include treatment for PTSD, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Insomnia, Stress, and Anger Management. The fellowship provided me with extensive experience in working with preventative health issues and chronic disease management. Some of the areas of practice include diabetes management, medical phobias (i.e. fear of injection, fear of MRIs), palliative care or end-of-life support, geriatric cognitive assessments, and coping with progressive diseases (i.e. cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, ALS, cancer). I also enjoy consulting on psychiatric medications and management.

I am originally from Texas. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and four children. Our family stays active with community and church activities. We particularly enjoy traveling and visiting national parks, lakes, and zoos.

 

Services

  • Individual therapy

  • Couples therapy

  • Psychological evaluations

  • Faith-Based counseling

  • Consultation

  • Bilingual services Se Habla Espanol

Areas of expertise

  • Depression/Mood Disorders

  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

  • Panic Disorder

  • General Anxiety

  • Phobias

  • Anger Management

  • Chronic Disease Management

  • Sleep Problems

  • Weight Management

  • Stress

  • Relationship Conflict

 
 
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