Alicia Ang, LCSW (She/Her)

Meet with Alicia

• In person at the South Austin office, and online appointments.
• Ages 12 and up: Preteens (10–12), Teens (13–17), Young Adults (18–25), Adults (26–64), and Older Adults (65+)
• Languages: English.

Payment options: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Private Pay / Self Pay, Sana, Optum, Oscar, Oxford, United Healthcare, and Cigna.

Availability and insurance coverage are confirmed before scheduling.

Request an appointment with Alicia

Professional profile

Alicia is an LMSW with an MSW degree specializing in mental health and substance abuse from the University of Texas at Arlington. Alicia has experience working with adolescents and adults and has completed an internship working with older adults and their caregivers. She is knowledgeable in the treatment of a wide variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship issues, parenting, and disordered eating. Alicia is a musician and martial arts instructor and teaches trauma-informed self-defense classes.

In her free time, Alicia loves to spend time with her family, friends, and two dachshunds. She enjoys live music, camping, cooking, knitting, and reading cheesy novels.

Welcome

Seeking therapy is an empowering decision that takes courage and commitment. I want you to know that you are not alone on this journey. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can learn to navigate the challenges life brings.  I believe in an integrated approach to therapy because every individual is unique and deserves personalized care. We will work together to explore how you can use your inherent strengths to discover the underlying causes of your difficulties, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and foster positive change in your life.

How I work

I am here to be your advocate and supporter. My goal is to provide you with a comfortable space in which you feel safe to express your thoughts and feelings without any fear of rejection or judgment. Together, we will build a great working relationship so we can explore your unique path to healing. I like to balance deep compassionate work with lighthearted exploration. Your concerns and goals are important to you and are therefore important to me. We will explore your challenges and obstacles and find solutions that align with your values and priorities.

My approach is different for each individual, but I pull from many modalities including Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Brief Treatment therapy. We will use talk therapy and mindfulness and may explore the use of journaling, art, music, and meditation. I am honored to help you learn more about yourself and help you reach your therapy goals.

What Alicia helps with

• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Attachment Concerns
• Body Image
• Chronic Pain / Health Adjustment
• Depression
• Giftedness
• Grief and Loss
• Life Transitions
• Parenting
• Relationship Concerns
• Self-Esteem
• Substance Use

Who Alicia works with

• Gifted Adults
• Parents & New Parents
• Chronic Pain / Chronic Illness

How Alicia works

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• EMDR
• Mindfulness
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Therapist spotlight

What made you decide to become a counselor?

I have always had a passion for guiding and helping people. As a musician, teacher, and parent of two children, I saw a serious need in my community for more mental health care specialists and decided to become a part of the solution.

If you could teach the world one skill or technique to improve their lives, what would it be?

I would love to teach everyone how to soothe their inner conflicts. Most of us are carrying a lot of pain. When we learn to practice self-love and compassion, we free ourselves to build meaningful relationships and realize our dreams.

If you could recommend one book to all your clients, what would it be?

Brene Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. This book opened my eyes to the idea that striving for perfection might be the very thing that is holding us back from meaningful growth.

How do you personally practice self-care?

When I need to quiet my mind, I knit, read, and listen to music. I also find that nurturing my playful and adventurous side helps restore my energy. I do this through hiking and camping, playing the piano and cello, and practicing and teaching martial arts.

Have you personally been in counseling and if so, what did you learn about yourself?

I have had the privilege of being counseled by some really smart and compassionate therapists who helped me heal past wounds and embark on new adventures in my life. Therapy has given me the tools I need to be my most authentic self, and help others overcome the challenges they are facing.

What inspires you to help others?

Some really amazing people helped me through the inevitable difficulties life can bring. I want to pay their support forward by helping others become their best authentic selves.

Who is your ideal client?

I am lucky in that I genuinely like working with just about everyone, but I have a special connection with parents, young adults, adolescents, and people who are identified as gifted and talented.

How do you relate to Mindfulness? How do you incorporate it in your sessions?

Mindfulness practice has so many benefits for physical and mental health. I teach mindfulness strategies like meditation and breath work to empower clients to manage the challenges they are facing and to help them connect with themselves in a loving, compassionate, and non-judgmental way.

If you are hosting a dinner party, who are the 3 people you would invite and why?

My father was a really cool person and a fantastic dinner party guest. I would invite him and my two adult children so they could meet the grandfather they never knew.