Licensed to practice in 3 states and accepts 45 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Life Transitions, Trauma and PTSD and 2 more.
Ashleigh Varela
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who is passionate about helping individuals heal from wounds caused by trauma, relationships, and/or deep-rooted emotions as a result of life experiences. I have worked with a variety of populations including children, teens, and adults for the past several years. However, in the last year have transitioned into working in private practice with teens and adults. I believe in creating a warm and inviting space to serve as environment of healing.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During the first session, we will complete a intake session with each other that will cover and review the intake paperwork, discuss and confirm treatment goals and focus on building a therapeutic relationship.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I have sat with client's in very difficult and emotionally charged situations throughout my career as a therapist. I do my best to create and provide a safe place for client's to freely and safely express their emotions. My ultimate goal as your provider is to create a safe place that allows you to process emotions, thoughts and behaviors.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I enjoy working with adolescents, and adults that have experienced trauma or stressful life experiences.
Specialties
Top specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
Other specialties
Coping Skills
Military/Veterans
I identify as
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
Louisiana
South Carolina
Texas
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Cash - $100 per session
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
GTEB
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize CBT in therapy to help support a client's ability to manage their problems . CBT works by changing how an individual thinks and behaves. CBT's goal is to help people identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, learn practical self-help strategies, and change or modify their behavior.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I utilize TF-CBT as a focused treatment that helps children, adolescents and adults cope with trauma and related concerns. TF-CBT also helps the client develop skills to cope with their own emotional distress
EMDR
I utilize EMDR with client's as an additional tool to help client's process traumatic or adverse life experiences. EMDR assists with healing from trauma or other distressing life experiences by processing upsetting memories, thoughts, and feelings
5 ratings with written reviews
May 1, 2026
Ashleigh was so attentive while I rambled on, and when she interjected, it was always with helpful information to empower me and help me see my worth. I know that I know that there is a reason I gravitated towards her after reading her profile. I will definitely be continuing care with her. So relieved to find a therapist that wasn't disturbed by my traumatic life, and was validating at the same time time. I'm glad to know healing is possible. Thank you, Ashleigh.
Verified client, age 45-54
November 5, 2025
I felt very comfortable talking to Ashleigh and am looking forward to our next appointment. She was warm and friendly and made me feel comfortable telling her everything! : )
Verified client, age 45-54
October 1, 2025
She is awesome. I had one session with her and I will be coming back weekly! I've been doing therapy for over 10 years and just recently found Ashleigh and she is one of the best I've encountered on my journey.