Therapists in Texas

Hi there! I'm a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who has been in practice for over 20 years. I help adults manage the struggles of life- stress, relationships, caregiving, life changes, chronic health issues, trauma, anxiety, depression, etc. Therapy is not a one size fits all kind of thing so I can utilize several different types of treatment modalities to help you reach your goals.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating—especially if you’re used to carrying everything on your own. Have you ever been told to "get over it", that whatever you are going through will be okay, or that what you're going through isn't a big deal? Then I can help! Hi, I’m Debbie, a therapist who believes healing happens through connection, compassion, and honest conversations. I help people who feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, or unsure of their next step. You don’t need to have everything figured out to begin—just a willingness to start. If this resonates with you, you’re in the right place. 🩷

Ryan Curtiss, LCSW is an Honorably discharged Veteran who was medically separated. Ryan went to The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas, where he earned his Master of Social Work degree in 2015 and his Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2014. Ryan was a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Texas from 2015-2022 and is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Texas since 2022. Ryan has been a licensed therapist for over 11-years. Ryan specializes in stress and anger management, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, obsessions/compulsions, ADHD, phobias, depression, and substance use. Ryan holds the following certifications and/or trainings: Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Certification (TF-CBT), Exposure Response Prevention Certification (ERP), and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Ryan has worked physically in the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio metro areas of Texas along with virtual/telehealth throughout the entire United States as a licensed clinical therapist/psychotherapist. Ryan has treated children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics with mental health issues, acute/chronic disorders, substance use/abuse, end of life issues, chronic pain, medical illnesses, hospice, grief/loss, military and combat related issues, relationship and family issues, personality disorders, conduct and impulse control issues, and so much more in inpatient behavioral, hospitals, primary care, hospice/palliative care, and private practice settings with civilians, Veterans, Military, and Law Enforcement clients.

Hello, I'm a Licensed Psychologist (LP) based in Texas. I received my Doctorate from the APA accredited California School Professional Psychology- Fresno. I and have been practicing clinical psychology over 20 years. I help adults struggling with career stress, relationship issues and mental health disorders become the best versions of themselves. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CT) and Brief Psychodynamic Therapy (BPT) in an eclectic fashion to address psychological issues.

Hi, I'm Jay. I'm a cognitive-behavioral therapist with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. I excel at helping people with mood-, relationship-, and trauma-related issues. I have advanced training from the Feeling Good Institute and continue to train in CBT and other approaches. I provide data-driven care. We'll track your mood before and after each session. We'll also track your satisfaction with our therapy sessions so we can make adjustments to make it as optimal as possible. This is also the primary way that I improve as a therapist - with your immediate feedback. We'll use Google Drive as our hub for your therapeutic growth. You'll have your homework and session tracker, data tracker, and all of our customized work together in one place to take with you after we complete therapy together. I see people weekly, or biweekly, for hour long sessions. The vast majority of people will experience significant improvement in their areas of concern in just 3-4 sessions.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC) based in Texas. I received my Masters from Texas State University and have been practicing for 14 years. I provide individual and family therapy to address a variety of issues. I have extensive training in CBT, solution-focused therapy, and play therapy. My primary area of specialization is in working with school-aged children and individual adults. I specialize in working with clients with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and school related issues (ARD/504).

At the Child & Adult Behavior Center, we help both adults and children, as well as parents. For adults, we help you find ways to cope with stress, anxiety, loss and depression. Not only talking through and understanding, but also concrete "what to do about it" coping skills, lead to calmer, more stable emotions and relationships. We find cognitive behavioral therapy very useful, and within that, learning the skills of mindfulness, a form of in-the-moment meditative thinking, to calm and focus the mind when emotions overtake. This fosters a new way of viewing and handling stressful situations as they arise. For children's therapy, we work with you, and with your child. Parents' feedback is a critical part of helping children feel and do better. We help you with parent-child interactions to find your way as you navigate the seas of child behavior. Our specializations are the treatment for Aspergers/autism, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, emotional self regulation, the behavioral and emotional aspects of sensory issues, anxiety and depression. Our special programs also treat a wide range of neuroatypical, developmentally challenged children. Neuro-typical parent-child relationships, family relations, and parenting issues for all children and teens are also our focus. We help - you help your child - with ideas and techniques to put into action. Ideas that can greatly reduce the stress and storm of being a parent in the trenches. Peace in the home is possible!

I am a Gottman Couples Therapist located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on helping partners rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen emotional and physical connection. My work centers on a Marriage Positive approach, grounded in research and compassion, and shaped by over a decade of experience with couples and individuals navigating relationship challenges, conflict, intimacy concerns, and emotional distance. I'm Ehsan Adib Shabahang and I integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Gottman Therapy. These evidence-based approaches help clients identify unhelpful patterns, regulate emotions, and create meaningful change lasting beyond therapy. Using structured and collaborative sessions, with a focus on practical skills and deeper understanding of self and partner. I am also the founder of the Self-Reflective Relationship Therapy (SRRT) framework, a model designed to help partners look inward with honesty and compassion. SRRT combines structured exercises with guided reflection to increase self-awareness, empathy, and accountability—the foundation for lasting relational repair. This approach grew from years of clinical work and research into what helps couples not only resolve conflict but transform how they relate to one another. In addition to my work, I am the author of Always and Forever: Goals for a Healthy Relationship, offering couples practical tools for communication, trust, and growth. To build relationships that feels safe, balanced, and emotionally fulfilling. I specialize in couples therapy, sex, premarital counseling, affair recovery, trauma, and individuals seeking to understand their emotions or strengthen their relationship readiness. Clients often describe my style as calm, thoughtful, and engaged. I listen deeply, help clarify the emotions beneath conflict, and guide clients toward connection and repair. If you are looking for a couples therapist in Cambridge, MA, I welcome you to reach out and begin the process of rebuilding trust, deepening intimacy and finding your way back to one another.

Through my journey in the field of counseling, I've come to understand that, no matter what you're carrying when you step into counseling, there's always one steadfast thing you can hold onto: hope. My passion lies in standing with those who are hurting, mending, and who may feel a bit broken, and helping them discover meaning and hope within the unique tapestry of their circumstances.

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the states of Oklahoma and Texas. I received my Masters Degree from Oral Roberts University and have been practicing for 7 years. I help people quit settling for the lives they have and start crafting the lives they dream of. This forward movement helps people become unstuck and often significantly reduces anxiety and depression.

Dr. Kimberly Wilson has completed a post-doctorate in Clinical Research at Harvard Medical School, has earned a doctorate degree in Medicine from Southwest College of Medicine, and graduated from Northwestern University with a Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling Psychology/Pediatric Mental Health. Kimberly is a licensed naturopathic physician, a chemical dependency counselor, a marriage and family therapist, and a licensed professional counselor. Kimberly has experience working with individuals and families of all ages and diverse backgrounds affected by serious mental illness, anxiety, OCD, mood disorders, and addiction in hospital-based mental health care as well as private practice, producing positive outcomes with those impacted by childhood trauma, addiction, chronic illnesses, insomnia, and perinatal anxiety and depression.

Hi! My name is Ruthie. I am from the great state of Texas (Texans are always proud of being from Texas for some reason!). I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), and National Certified Counselor (NCC). I graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and the University of Mobile with a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy. I approach our time together with integrating Christian, biblically, faith-based principles along with clinical treatment approaches and techniques tailored for you. I'm a narrative therapist at heart, which means we all have a story of our lives, and in the sharing of our story, we discover possible meaning, insights, healing, and growth. It is my goal to create an inviting, warm, safe place for you to share that story, and we can discover together how the Lord wants to bring healing and hope. It is my hope that people will take away from sessions feeling supported, cared for, listened to, not alone, comforted, encouraged, and with a spark of faith that it is ok to have the courage to hope again.

I’m Dr. Brittany L. Collins, a licensed professional clinical counselor, certified mental performance consultant, and counselor educator with a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. I work with adolescents and adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, identity concerns, and high-performance pressure. I have experience working in diverse settings, including private practice, college counseling, athletics departments, schools, outpatient, and residential treatment settings. My work is grounded in a humanistic, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approach. My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and strengths-based. I strive to create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to show up as their authentic selves. I believe therapy works best when it is tailored to your unique experiences, values, and goals. I integrate evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, and person-centered therapy. Together, we focus on building practical coping skills, increasing self-awareness, and creating meaningful, sustainable change. I have a special interest in working with high achievers, athletes, leaders, first responders, military personnel, third culture kids, pastors, physicians, and individuals navigating identity-related stress or major life transitions. I also offer faith-based therapy for clients who wish to incorporate their spiritual beliefs into treatment. My goal is to help clients build self-awareness, develop practical coping tools, and move toward a more balanced and values-driven life. Whether you’re seeking support for personal growth, healing, or navigating a challenging season, I’m committed to walking alongside you with compassion, professionalism, and care.

Hello Friend! Welcome to my practice, Pragmatic Solutions Therapy, PLLC! I am an experienced psychotherapist with over 20 years. I've worked in private practice and in the clinical hospital setting and now own my own thriving practice. I have passion, dedication and ethical standards I uphold with every client. My basic mantra in life is simple: Drop the baggage and take the value. Step out of the box and if you can't change the problem, then change the way you see it using a different perspective. Everyone at one point or another in life may experience a host of unbearable stressors that may leave one feeling stressed or 'out of sorts'. We may even describe the feeling as 'lost in a web of frustration', with feelings such as anxious, fatigue, sadness as if our unique threshold is completely depleted. Feeling anxious is normal. Feeling stressed is actually a sense of determination to gain back control with temporary tiredness. Anxiousness is innate in all of us. What's not healthy is when stressors cross the threshold to what feels comfortable, interrupts our daily habits/responsibilities to 'fix things' and ourself in solitude. I’ll help you navigate the web of confusion to find empowerment. My journey began as a young child whose home was a host of struggles and with the insight into what we all experience. Inspired by a helper, I became a psychotherapist, worked in clinical setting, garnered a vast amount of knowledge which helps me to specialize in various modalities of treatment. As a psychotherapist, I hold a high standard for myself and clients, which includes helping those dealing w/depression, grief, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, chronic health and other issues. Together, we'll identify what's not working, find solutions you may use to form goals without rescripting your life. Respectfully, Monica Pina

Hi! My name is Diane Bales MS, LMHC, LPC. I am passionate about what I do. I love walking with clients through their journey of healing. I am known for really caring about my patients and I think that shows. I use an eclectic approach to treatment. I feel that everyone is different and not one approach works for everyone. I want my clients to feel that they have accomplished or overcome something during their time in therapy. Note I do charge for No show and Late Cancellations $70.00

Everyone is familiar with the term “If life gives you lemons make lemonade” That process can leave a person feeling unsettled, doubtful, or anxious. No matter what life brings us rest assured knowing that there is a place we’re the tools to handle those situation exists. This is why a therapeutic relationship is so valuable. Utilizing a person centered approach built around your unique needs and experiences we are able to gain new insight, enhance self-awareness, and cultivate self-compassion. This will help to discover and embrace the best version of yourself

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in trauma, depression, anxiety, life transition, attachment, and grief. I began working as a counselor because of my own past traumas and hardships. Through my darkest days of depression and suicidal ideations, I found Jesus. With God's grace and other professional support, I learned the tools and skills to walk a life of freedom. Living a life full of hope and peace is my desire for everyone I work with. I provide my clients with a collaborative, strengths-based approach and assist every person to be the author of their own life. To my core, I believe everyone deserves healing, transformation, and support to walk in their own freedom! I am nationally trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR). I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, disruptive behaviors, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, addiction, and trauma. I enjoy traveling, reading, building relationships, and integrating spirituality as the source of my personal wellness.

Hi, I'm Sisily and I'm excited that you have taken the time to read a bit about me. I believe that the therapy journey will show improvements in your life as you reach towards the goals you have for healing, self-improvement, growth and any other goals you have. We all deal with various levels of anxiety and depression through-out life; and learning to manage this is a big focus for me. To admit we go through these emotions during stressful times only allows for the tools to be learned to help us push through these emotions. I've been in the counseling profession for about eight years. My passion for healing and self-realization led me to this and I implement and live out the things I share with others. I hope that while on your search to find a therapist; you find that I am a good fit for you.

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired, but unsure what to do about it? Does anxiety, depression, or other life conditions keep you from being your best? If so, I may be able to assist you in your growth and development along your healing journey. I serve to empower my clients and assist them in working through and overcoming their mental and behavioral health struggles. I have 20+ years of experience in helping clients with recovery from trauma and abuse, stress, anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, and anger management. I will work with you to create an open and safe environment where your thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I appreciate you for demonstrating your worth and value as you begin your healing journey.

I’m Dr. S. Kyle Cardwell, a licensed mental health professional with over 17 years of experience providing therapy to teens, young adults, and adults. I specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, trauma, depression, OCD, identity concerns, and life transitions. I’ve worked extensively with adolescents in both outpatient and residential settings, and I understand the unique emotional, relational, and developmental challenges they face. In addition to my clinical work, I’ve also served in executive leadership roles—including as CEO of a residential treatment center for youth—where I oversaw program development, staff training, and systems-level implementation of trauma-informed care. My approach to therapy is both compassionate and direct. I offer a safe space for patients to speak freely, but I also ask meaningful questions and challenge patterns that may be holding them back. I use a range of evidence-based methods including CBT, DBT, EMDR, REBT, and psychodynamic principles, adapting treatment to meet the needs of each individual. For patients who wish, I can also integrate Christian faith into the process in a respectful and thoughtful way. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply ready for change, I’m here to walk with you toward healing, clarity, and a more grounded life.

Thinking about starting therapy can feel scary, but it can also be a powerful tool for growth and healing. I’m a bilingual Licensed Therapist (Spanish/English) with over eight years of experience in mental health and more than 15 years of experience working with individuals and families. I specialize in supporting children and adults who are navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and life changes. I take an empathetic, collaborative approach to therapy, meeting you where you are and helping you move toward the life you want to live. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can explore your experiences, gain new insights, and develop practical tools to manage stress, improve relationships, and strengthen self-esteem. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in private practice and nonprofit settings, supporting clients from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, I’m here to help you find clarity and build confidence in your next steps.

Hi, I’m Elvia, a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in Texas specializing in anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. I help individuals who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or emotionally drained learn how to manage their thoughts, process past experiences, and regain a sense of control. Using evidence-based approaches like CBT and EMDR, I provide a supportive, goal-oriented space where you can feel heard and empowered. I also have a passion for supporting perinatal mental health. You don’t have to do this alone — I’m here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Are you feeling stuck in frustrating patterns or struggling to find joy in the monotony of life? Are you easily overwhelmed by emotions? Do you struggle with overthinking, worrying, and obsessing over little things, big things, and everything in between? Perhaps you've tried different strategies on your own, but continue to find yourself falling back into old habits. Life is too short to be controlled by anxiety, depression, past traumas, or unsatisfying relationships. Let's get you moving in the right direction and help you find peace, control, and clarity. I can help you build a life that you feel excited to wake up to each morning. Together, we will create a plan to move you toward your goals, help you break free from the burdens that you carry, and cultivate a life of meaning and purpose. I offer a supportive space that incorporates mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy and couples counseling. Each of these modalities provide a way of integrating the mind-body connection and working through emotions, thought patterns, and experiences. Here, you will be free to share your concerns, fears, and insecurities while acquiring the necessary tools to propel yourself forward and live your best life. I can't wait to join you on your journey!

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned her Master of Arts in Counseling at Wayland Baptist University. Currently, I am working with a consultant to become an EMDR therapist. I believe that this therapy is beneficial to individuals with trauma-related experiences. I specialize in helping individuals with anxiety, ptsd, anger issues, mood disorders, behavioral issues, self-esteem issues, schizophrenia, and depression. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I help individuals, families, and couples identify goals as well as possible solutions to issues that hinder their growth. I believe that my passion for counseling stemmed from my desire to help people at an early age. I have experience working within the community, inpatient treatment centers, and outpatient treatment centers. I have experience working with children and adolescents with autism as well as other disabilities for over seven years. I enjoy giving back to the community as well as helping others live a successful and rewarding life.

I am Bradley Chamberlain, a licensed clinical social worker/mental health professional located in Iowa, but clinically licensed in IA, NE, CO, VA, FL (telehealth license), NH and TX. I work with individuals with ADHD, OCD, Trauma, anxiety and sexual concerns such as men's issue and polyamory. My treatment modalities focus on the individual and it's not a cookie cutter approach. I incorporate modalities like CBT, Mindfulness, Stages of Change, Person Centered Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy and Solution Focus therapy, and with use YouTube, Insta and TikTok videos as supplements as well.

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Texas. I received a Master's in Social Work in 2017 from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. I have been practicing social work for 7 years and have been a therapist for over 5 years. I help adults, individuals and adolescents cope with life's stressors and current challenges. I guide them in learning how to navigate the world by learning coping skills to face their challenges. I assist them in learning that self-care and self-healing honors who they are now, and aids them in taking back their power.

Let me guess: You've been thinking about therapy for a while now. Maybe months, maybe years, but something kept stopping you…too busy, too expensive, "it's not that bad yet," or maybe just the fear of opening up to a stranger who might judge you or not really get it. Here's what I want you to know: You're already doing the hardest part by being here, you don't need to wait until things get worse, you don't need permission to ask for help, and you definitely don't have to figure this out alone. That's literally what I'm here for. As a board-certified bilingual therapist (MS, LMHC, LPC, NCC) licensed in Florida, Texas, and New Jersey, an Army veteran, and the founder of Time to Talk Therapy, I have spent over 10 years supporting more than 3,000 clients through trauma, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions that once felt impossible to navigate. I've worked everywhere from crisis units and corrections facilities to refugee shelters and quiet therapy rooms, supporting people through chronic mental illness, personality disorders, abuse, trauma, ADHD, OCD, addictions, and some of the hardest moments of their lives... and here's what I know for sure: healing doesn't require perfection, it requires honesty and someone who actually gets it. You're not broken, you're dealing with hard things, and you deserve help that feels supportive, not cold, not judgmental, not like one more thing you're supposed to "fix" about yourself. I specialize in trauma and PTSD, anxiety and depression, self-sabotage and recurrent patterns, complex PTSD and personality disorders, as well as life transitions. 📣 I know life can get busy, so I offer weekend availability, early-morning sessions, and after-hours appointments (6:00 AM–10:00 PM EST), along with self-pay options to give you a little more flexibility.

I’m Lakeya Mitchell, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience supporting adults through life transitions, trauma, stress, and emotional overwhelm. I offer a compassionate, practical, and client-centered approach meeting you where you are while helping you build clarity, resilience, and healthier coping skills. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen, heard, and empowered to move forward at your own pace.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor dedicated to working with young adults and adults who may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck due to life stress, ADHD, OCD, grief, or other challenges. I use a supportive and structured approach to help clients better understand themselves, develop healthy coping skills, and build confidence. My goal is to provide a safe space where clients feel understood while gaining the tools they need to create positive and lasting change in their lives.

I am licensed in Texas with over 20 years of Therapy experience. I have experience in working with children, adolescents, and adults. I received my M.S at William Carey University in Psychology. My treatment approach is CBT, solution-focused, and client-centered. I specialize in working with individuals with anxiety, panic attacks, depression, PTSD, grief, marriage and family related problems, stress, and LGBTQ+.

Hi There, I'm April Kitchens, LCSW I practice as a Licensed Therapist in the states of Texas as well as Mississippi. I am passionate about helping others during struggles in their lives. I have 10+ years of experience assisting others during some of the most challenging times of theirs lives. I have an extensive history in working with children, adolescence as well as young adults. We live in a world that we are in constant "go mode". Many of us feel as though we can't slow down long enough to process our life. The constant chaos along with trauma that many of us carry around can effect how to step forward in life. Im here to help. I want to see you break through to reclaim your tomorrows.

Hello and welcome! Starting therapy can be scary and intimidating and so I'd like to share a little bit about myself that way you have a chance to know more about me before your first session! I completed my Bachelor of Science degree from Monmouth College and my Master of Science degree in counseling from Western Illinois University. I'm a licensed clinical professional counselor in the state of Illinois and Texas. I have worked in the mental health field as a counselor since 2010. I was a therapist and crisis counselor for Bridgeway Community Mental Health starting in 2010 and then went on to become the Director of Crisis/Mental Health Juvenile Justice/and First Episode Psychosis Program. I then went on to work in private practice at Crossroads Counseling in Galesburg, IL. I have significant experience working with children and adolescents in the private sector as well as young adults. I enjoy working with clients who are healing from traumatic experiences. I have worked with survivors of trauma and abuse throughout my entire counseling career. I am EMDR trained and have a deep compassion for those dealing with the results of trauma and abuse. Additionally, I have worked with children and adults experiencing depression, mood disorders, anxiety, OCD and trauma using DBT and cognitive-behavioral therapy as treatment modalities. I live with my husband, Dustin, in Galesburg ,IL and have three active boys ages 18, 14, and 11. I enjoy reading, fishing, camping, being outdoors, and watching my children in various activities.

Hi, I’m Julie. I’m a therapist with over 17 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges—including anxiety, depression, trauma, and major transitions. I’ve had the privilege of working with people of all ages in a variety of settings, which has deepened my respect for each person’s unique journey. My style is warm and collaborative, grounded in trust, compassion, and genuine respect. I use an eclectic, strength-based approach to help clients build practical tools, navigate difficulties, and reconnect with what matters most. Above all, I strive to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and truly understood—because healing begins when you feel seen and accepted just as you are.

Hello, I have been a Counselor for 15 years and I love my work. I grew up loving working with animals, competing in sports, reading everything, and having a great curiosity for how nature and people worked. I have been blessed with many wonderful and loving people in my life; and know how much it means to experience kind and helpful people in hard times. I provide an organized and easy to follow process using EMDR to address the difficulties my clients are facing and help them achieve the outcomes they are looking for. I provide a calm and accepting presence to my clients as they tackle some of the biggest challenges in their life. I value the effort they are making and how important to them and their loved ones their progress is.