Licensed to practice in Texas and accepts 36 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD and 10 more.
My name is Tiffany Pangarakis, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Texas. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2016 and my Master of Social Work degree from Texas State University in 2018. Before transitioning into outpatient mental health practice, I worked as a medical social worker in the hospice setting for more than four years. During that time, I provided emotional support, counseling, and care coordination to patients and families navigating serious illness, grief, loss, and end-of-life concerns. This experience strengthened my understanding of the emotional challenges individuals and families face during difficult life transitions. Today, I provide evidence-based psychotherapy to adolescents and adults of all ages. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing symptoms related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), as well as a variety of personality disorders and adjustment-related concerns.
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, and it is normal to feel nervous or uncertain about what to expect. During our first session, we will spend time getting to know one another and discussing the concerns that brought you to therapy. I will ask questions about your current symptoms, personal history, relationships, strengths, and goals for treatment. This initial assessment helps me gain a better understanding of your unique experiences and allows us to begin developing a treatment plan together. The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about the therapeutic process, discuss any concerns you may have, and determine whether I am a good fit for your needs. There is no expectation that you share everything at once or have all the answers. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, supported, and with a clearer understanding of how therapy can help you work toward your goals. Together, we will create a plan that focuses on the areas most important to you and begin building the tools needed to navigate life's challenges more effectively.
My approach to therapy is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), two evidence-based approaches that help clients create meaningful and lasting change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Many individuals find themselves stuck in negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or unhealthy coping behaviors. CBT helps clients identify these patterns, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding to life's challenges. By learning practical coping skills and strategies, clients are often able to reduce symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and build greater confidence in managing stress. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative and client-centered approach that helps individuals explore their own motivations for change. Rather than telling clients what they should do, MI helps them identify their personal values, goals, and strengths while working through ambivalence or uncertainty. This approach is particularly helpful for individuals who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about making changes in areas such as relationships, self-care, substance use, health behaviors, or personal growth. By fostering self-awareness and empowerment, Motivational Interviewing helps clients build confidence in their ability to make meaningful changes that align with their values. My goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. I believe therapy is a partnership, and I strive to help clients develop practical tools, increase self-awareness, and build resilience so they can navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and emotional well-being.
I am experienced in working with adolescents and adults of all ages including veterans, trauma victims, and those suffering from grief, anxiety and depression.
I identify as
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I’ve been implementing CBT in my practice for the past two years. CBT can be very affective in helping clients challenge reoccurring or intrusive thoughts and better manage their anxiety. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less anxious and stressed life.
Faith based therapy
I have been implementing faith-based therapy in my practice for over 7 years. Faith-based therapy integrates spiritual or religious beliefs with traditional counseling techniques. FBT taps into the client's personal spiritual and/or religious beliefs and can significantly decrease anxiety, depression, hopelessness, grief, and relationship problems by helping to renew faith and inspiration.
Grief Therapy
I have been providing grief therapy to clients for over 7 years. I previously worked as a Hospice social worker for over 4 years and assisted many families and individuals with anticipatory grief, as well as those who previously experienced significant loss.