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- FAQs | Stanley Psychology
Dr. Amanda Stanley, Ph.D, L.P. and her staff of clinicians provide in-person and remote diagnostic evaluation & therapy in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond with an office located in Mansfield, Texas. Stanley Psychology treats a variety of conditions for patients of all ages, both individually and in group settings. Frequently Asked Questions What is a psychologist? Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, Psychiatric Nurse, Licensed Psychiatric Associate…there are a lot of similar terms in our field! In a nutshell, a psychologist has achieved a doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.) studying the science of human behavior. A psychologist is required to earn a doctorate, and as such have one of the highest levels of education in mental health care. They often surpass ten years of education, in addition to post-doctoral work under supervision to meet rigorous licensing requirements. What is a psychological evaluation? Psychological evaluation is a large part of a psychologist’s training. Licensed Psychological Associates (LPAs) also uniquely receive psychological testing training, which is not a part of most masters-level mental health training programs and licenses. Simply stated, a psychological evaluation involves clinical interviewing, review of collateral data, and various forms of psychological testing which is determined by the referral reason. Anyone who begins the psychological evaluation process with Dr. Stanley hears the same statement: that she dislikes the term “psychological testing” as it is innately anxiety provoking. To simplify the process: clinical interviewing involves asking questions to a client and others if applicable (e.g., parents, medical providers, etc.) regarding psychosocial history and current concerns/impairment. A testing plan is created by Dr. Stanley to assess the clinical concern. This sometimes includes responding to true/false questions, rating scales, and various interactive tasks. Any appropriate collateral data is reviewed, such as medical and therapy records. These pieces of information and reviewed and interpreted, and a clinical evaluation report is written. These reports typically range from 10-20 pages, depending on the reason for referral. This information is typically used to aid in diagnosis and planning treatment or other services. Many evaluations are able to be completed completely virtually, although some require portions if in-person testing. These specifications will be communicated to you when booking. How do I know if I need therapy? As a mental health clinic, we are inherently biased...but we believe just about anybody can benefit from therapy! Whether you are going through a difficult life stressor, have ongoing concerns, or want to develop insight into yourself, therapy can be of great assistance. We all struggle at times, and therapy can help you navigate a variety of life issues. How long does it take to feel better with therapy? This is a difficult question to answer. In our field, sometimes people begin experiencing symptoms relief simply by contacting a provider and making an appointment; that is, knowing help is coming has an impact itself. Other patients describe relief after the first session, once they get an initial read on if the provider is a good fit for them. As far as improvement once treatment begins, this largely depends on symptom severity and other factors of a patient’s clinical presentation. As a general estimate, most patients will report some improvement within ten sessions, and many significantly earlier. However, therapy can be an ongoing process for months or even years, depending on the patient’s needs and wants, as progress continues. What do I do in an emergency? Should a mental health emergency occur, immediate intervention is required. Not only is crisis management a piece of a patient's treatment when indicated, but they should also be aware of options during potential mental health emergencies: - If suicidal, call 911 or report to the emergency room immediately - 988 is the national suicide and crisis lifeline, available 24/7 During any suicide/crisis intervention, the individual should be continuously observed and not be left alone until professionally assessed and recommendations provided. Importantly, Stanley Psychology is an outpatient clinic and does not utilize on-call providers. As such, although we would like to be notified when our patients experience a crisis, this notification should only occur after emergent help is sought and the patient is stabilized. I’m a masters or doctoral psychology student and am interested in a practicum placement with Stanley Psychology. How should I proceed? Thank you for your interest! Dr. Stanley supervises all practicum students directly; please call the office or email her directly to initiate the interview process ( dr.stanley@stanleypsychology.com ). If you want to talk to current practicum students to inquire about their experiences, feel free to contact them- email addresses can be found by their profile in the “About” section. Please note Dr. Stanley does not accept psychiatric nurse practitioner students for practicum due to requirements and office limitations. Why should I choose Dr. Stanley and Stanley Psychology? Patients frequently describe Dr. Stanley as warm, compassionate, open-minded, and appropriately direct. She has a strong track record of building lasting therapeutic relationships—whether with individuals new to therapy or those who have previously struggled to find the right fit. Dr. Stanley is also committed to training her team to reflect the same supportive and effective approach. To hear directly from patients, we invite you to visit the testimonials section of our website. Click here to learn more about Dr. Stanley. Which therapist will I see? How can I tell if they're a good match for me? When you call, our Patient Care Coordinator will discuss several factors with you, including availability and specialties of our clinicians, to help you find a great fit. If you have a particular clinician in mind, you are able to request them. Why should I see a practicum student at Stanley Psychology for treatment or evaluation? Even before Dr. Stanley began employing her own practicum clinicians at Stanley Psychology, she often recommended the services of student clinicians associated with local universities. This recommendation is primarily influenced by two factors: Most importantly, because these student clinicians are under heavy supervision, this is oftentimes some of the best treatment and evaluation one can find. Not only are patients exposed to their treating clinician, who is heavily emerged in the education of psychology at the time of treatment, but a licensed supervisor is closely overseeing their work. Secondly, because these individuals are pre-license, fees are often far more affordable than licensed providers, opening access to individuals who may have financial difficulty seeking services. I've had issues with "fit" with past providers. How do I know Stanley Psychology clinicians will be any different? Not to sound pessimistic, but you don’t! Although we pride ourselves in patient retention, our psychological research consistently points to rapport as being the number one predictor of successful outcome in therapy. We realize that our personalities cannot possibly be a perfect fit for everyone! If there are any concerns with fit, we encourage patients to discuss apprehensions with their clinician- if we are not the ones to help you, we absolutely still want you to get help, and we may know someone in our network to refer you to. Do you prescribe medication? Although psychologists have a foundational understanding of psychopharmacology as part of training, psychologists are not able to prescribe medication in Texas. For medication, we typically refer to psychiatrists, who hold a medical doctorate (MD or DO) and prescribe psychotropic medications. Psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs)are also medical providers trained specifically in psychotropic medication. Additionally, some primary care providers will also prescribe psychotropic medication, depending on complexity of the patient and training with psychotropics. Does the office offer free phone consultations before making an appointment? Although many mental health offices utilize this practice, we have found that it is hard to gain significant benefit or get a read on therapeutic fit from a 10-15 minute phone call. As a result, the ultimate decision of having a phone consultation is up to the individual clinician. Although Dr. Stanley does not provide these calls, many of the staff at Stanley Psychology do. Regardless of if you have a consult call or not, our Patient Care Coordinator will ask for referral information and be able to answer questions about our practice. At the first appointment with your clinician, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and if you decide your clinician is not a good fit, we can provide you with alternatives, including referring to local providers who may be a better fit for you. It is important to remember that by making an appointment, you are signing up just for that- one appointment! There is no additional commitment if you do not want to continue. I am looking for an evaluation - what do I need to know? We conduct a wide variety of evaluations, including for general mental health, substance abuse, pre-surgery bariatric, veteran's benefits, behavioral concerns, learning disabilities, adult and childhood ADHD, and various forensic evaluations for individuals involved with the legal system. Dr. Stanley is an approved evaluator for several monitoring groups and boards, including the Texas Peer Assistance Program for Nurses (TPAPN), the Texas Board of Nursing (TBON), and the Texas Physician Health Program (TxPHP). Our Patient Care Coordinator can discuss various factors for evaluations and answer questions you may have, including if your evaluation can be conducted remotely, insurance benefits, scheduling factors, clinician options, and report rush availability. What is therapy with Stanley Psychology like? Whether in person or remote, therapy sessions typically last between 50-55 minutes. Your provider will discuss what to expect with timing at your first session. What should I expect at my first therapy appointment? During your intake session with your provider, you will first be thoroughly informed of limits to confidentiality. Then, an open discussion on what brings you in, followed by gathering information about your psychosocial history, will occur. This process can sometimes take up to three sessions, in order to be thorough and best build your treatment plan. Most importantly, this is an interactive process between clinician and patient. Does what we talk about in therapy remain confidential? Your confidentiality is vital in therapy- you need to feel safe talking with us! There are a few limitations of confidentiality, including for child, elderly, or disabled person abuse, immediate threat to life, and court orders. These limits will be thoroughly discussed at your first session in order to have a solid understanding of any confidentiality issues. Where will my sessions take place? If your session is in-office, we are proud to be located in historic downtown Mansfield, Texas, about one block off of Main Street. The address is 108 N 1st Ave, Mansfield TX 76063. Look for the charming blue house with red doors! The area is walkable with residential and commercial businesses nearby. Feel free to shop or eat while downtown! We also offer remote sessions, and you will be provided a link to access your session prior to your appointment. Do I need to see a provider with a doctorate? Many individuals seeking treatment are focused on finding a doctor, and thus limit their provider search to psychologists. But is this necessary? This answer may sound shocking coming from our office considering that Dr. Stanley is a psychologist, but the answer is a resounding no! There are a lot of masters-level providers who are fully equipped, trained, and licensed to provide psychotherapy. Our Licensed Psychological Associates, or LPAs, are a vital part of our practice and offer both therapy and evaluation services. Click here to learn more about LPAs. MORE QUESTIONS? CONTACT US Does Dr. Amanda Stanley Use EMDR in Treatment? Hot Topic: Have you heard that EMDR works because of the eye movements? Let's break down Dr. Stanley's perspective behind the trend—and what actually helps people heal from trauma. More About EMDR
- Testimonials | Stanley Psychology
Dr. Amanda Stanley, Ph.D, L.P. and her staff of clinicians provide in-person and remote diagnostic evaluation & therapy in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond with an office located in Mansfield, Texas. Stanley Psychology treats a variety of conditions for patients of all ages, both individually and in group settings. Testimonials Scroll down to view the incredible feedback Dr. Stanley and Stanley Psychology has received from patients and fellow professional clinicians. PATIENT TESTIMONIALS "I have experienced anxiety and depression for many years. I have seen many therapists and nobody has been able to help me ... until I found Dr. Stanley. I’ve been in her care for over 8 months. During that time, Dr. Stanley has brought light and hope into my frequently dark world. She has taught me how to deal with difficulties when they arise, and provided the tools to deal appropriately with life’s challenges and quickly recover. As a result my dark despair has lifted, and I finally have hope for a much happier and brighter life. I see Dr. Stanley virtually on my computer screen which is very convenient as I don’t have to travel to and from her office. Dr. Stanley is a kind and caring person, she listens, she helps. She has the highest credentials ….. and it shows. Dr. Stanley is, quite simply, the very best of the best!" "I have suffered from depression which at times has been completely debilitating. When I first met Dr. Stanley I wasn’t sure if she would be able to understand my issues since I am much older than she is. But, I needed a therapist and decided to give it a shot. That was a great decision! In the time that I have been seeing Dr. Stanley she has helped me redo my thinking patterns. I used to just spiral down when stress hit me, thinking there was no way out and that it would just get worse. Now I realize that Dr. Stanley has been guiding me to change my thinking patterns to more positive and healthy ways of dealing with life’s hard times. I am much more able to handle stress by thinking differently when the challenge first arises. I come up with healthier ways to look at the situation and come up with healthier alternatives. I am not “cured” and may never be, but I am so much happier and healthier than ever before. If you are looking for a very competent and caring therapist I definitely recommend that you give Dr. Stanley a call." "Dr. Amanda Stanley has been a godsend to me. Up until about a month ago, I was in a very emotionally abusive job. I was referred to Dr. Stanley who has helped me to realize that I AM a good and caring person. I was always doubting myself and feeling I was worth nothing to others. I could not sleep or eat, and dreaded going to a job that I once loved. After just a few sessions with Dr. Stanley, I realized I am a better person, have a lot to offer others and can begin believing in myself. She has helped me find the good in myself. She is kind, soft-spoken and is the greatest listener I have ever known. I will continue seeing Dr. Stanley, as it uplifts me more than anything else. I am forever grateful to have met her!" "I started seeing Amanda in May 2018. Our first meeting was not your typical 1st time visit. I had a major crisis (in my eyes) about seeing a family member in the next week. She calmed me down, gave me excellent advice and I survived. Now, years later, Amanda has been fantastic. She listens to everything I have to say and then explains everything I need to know about how to live my life without guilt, confusion, anger and helps me navigate to becoming a better version of myself. I’ve been to several counselors, and Dr. Amanda Stanley has been my life savior and I am forever grateful for the things she has taught me and I look forward to the many lessons she will help me with in the future." "I was lost and now I'm found. I fought our Department of Veterans affairs for over 13 years. What I was telling them was true, but the words that I was using were emotional. Dr. Amanda Stanley saved my life. She took an enormous amount of her time to test me, to learn who I am and to understand what combat in Viet Nam had done to my brain. She then compared those findings to world knowledge and put ink to paper in words that the VA could understand. After years of near death desires – the VA understood the clinical effects that over 300 days in combat had on my life. The VA granted me Service Connection for everything that she examined me for. I have referred other Viet Nam Combat Veterans to Dr. Stanley with the same results." I was very satisfied with my experience in therapy with Veronica! feel like our discussions led to deeper understanding of my anxiety, but also the root of it and how to cope in healthy ways. We had great talks about the brain, too, and I loved learning more about how the brain works in relation to anxiety. What we talked about were things I could relate to all areas of my life, too, and I've been able to share with others around me! Veronica did a great job of validating my feelings and anxiety. She had the perfect combination of allowing me to feel comfortable and validated, while also challenging me in gentle ways that I know was really helpful. I felt very comfortable and safe and never felt like I needed to hold anything back. I felt that I could be honest and vulnerable in each of our sessions. I'm very thankful for therapy. A year ago, I was in a place where I thought I would have this debilitating anxiety forever. I am a completely different person now and have grown immensely and am so excited to go through each day without the lingering anxiety I dealt with before. "One candle wipes out darkness. One step can start a journey. One voice can speak with wisdom. One life can make a difference….this is Dr. Stanley! Dr. Stanley has demonstrated to me that consistent hard work leads to success. She is kind and caring, and has helped me beyond measure in the toughest of times." "Dr. Stanley, thank you for your professional assessment and diagnosis. The judge issued a favorable decision and order of 100% Service connection for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. It is very clear that your report and diagnosis was a major factor in the judge finding in our favor. Without your professional evaluation, I am convinced all appeals would have been continually denied. Your patience, procedures, and detailed evaluations were excellent. You are a first class professional and psychologist." "Your encouragement and constant reminder to not put added pressure on myself to control every outcome has drastically changed my outlook on life. I am forever grateful for you seeing the need to change for the betterment of my mental health and pushing me to go after it." Morgan Brown has always been so patient with my kids and does well to connect and engage with them. "I cannot thank you enough for walking with me through the most difficult journey. You show me over and over that you will continually give your all & do everything in your power to help me, however you can, for as long as I need. I can’t explain how much you’ve helped me live a more normal life!" PROFESSIONAL TESTIMONIALS "I’ve had the pleasure to work with Dr. Stanley since 2018. The success of individuals participating in our program is dependent on competent, complete, and thorough assessments – Amanda has provided us with above-and-beyond competent, complete and thorough evaluations. Her level of knowledge, skill and expertise in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use disorders & mental health/personality conditions is exceptional and what I consider the “gold standard” in our field. Her report writing skills are fantastic and she always maintains excellent communication with me regarding our mutual clients. Without hesitation, I would recommend Dr. Stanley to provide the highest level of evaluation with integrity, attention to detail and professionalism.” Roland Rodriguez, LCDC, TPAPN Case Manager "Dr. Stanley is a highly skilled evaluator, diverse, and knowable on both DSM-V and ASAM criteria. As a professional in the field, Dr. Stanley has always been giving of her knowledge and expertise and as a case manager her services is greatly valued." Corinne Hernandez, MS, LCDC, TPAPN Case Manager I completed my Master’s-level Practicum and Advanced Practicum hours with Dr. Stanley at her private practice. During my time at Stanley Psychology, I learned a lot from Dr. Stanley’s previous experience and expertise in criminal psychology, substance abuse disorders, Veteran assessments for disability, testing/assessment including report writing, and therapy. It was such a delight being able to observe Dr. Stanley’s unique approach to every client based on case and client needs. I learned more about professional “tough love” with clients that tend to deceive or deny personal shortcomings. I LOVED IT. Dr. Stanley and I still maintain a positive relationship to this day. Veronica Guerrero-Quan, Licensed Psychological Associate, Former Practicum Clinician at Stanley Psychology MORE QUESTIONS? CONTACT US
- Patient Portal | Stanley Psychology
Dr. Amanda Stanley, Ph.D, L.P. and her staff of clinicians provide in-person and remote diagnostic evaluation & therapy in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond with an office located in Mansfield, Texas. Stanley Psychology treats a variety of conditions for patients of all ages, both individually and in group settings. Current Patient Information CLIENT PORTAL VIRTUAL SESSION LINK This link is for Dr. Stanley's patients only. Additional Stanley Psychology clinicians will send out a separate virtual session link prior to your appointment.
- Our Team | Stanley Psychology
Dr. Amanda Stanley, Ph.D, L.P. and her staff of clinicians provide in-person and remote diagnostic evaluation & therapy in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond with an office located in Mansfield, Texas. Stanley Psychology treats a variety of conditions for patients of all ages, both individually and in group settings. Our Team Stanley Psychology is a group of experienced, unique, and passionate employees who work together to create a welcoming and supportive therapeutic environment for you. Each staff member is committed to evidence-based practice and ongoing professional development. Please see below to learn more about the team! Dr. Amanda Stanley Supervisory Psychologist & Owner of Stanley Psychology Qualifications: Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Sam Houston State University M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Sam Houston State University B.S. in Psychology, Summa Cum Laude, University of Houston 15+ years of practice, 8 years as the owner of a private practice Selected Additional Trainings/Certifications: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Neuropsychotherapy Advanced Clinical Supervision Has instructed university-level courses in: Research Methodology (undergraduate) Psychology and the Law (undergraduate) Advanced Psychological Testing and Assessment (graduate) Rape Law (ad hoc lectures) Expertise: Trauma Recovery & PTSD Abuse & Violence Psycholegal issues Psychological Testing & Evaluation Anxiety, Mood Disorders, & Adjustment Disorders dr.stanley@stanleypsychology.com Dr. Amanda Stanley is a graduate of Sam Houston State University’s renowned Clinical Psychology doctoral program. During her tenure at SHSU, she published several articles in peer-reviewed journals on areas including trauma and psycholegal issues under her maiden name of Amacker, and worked as an instructor and peer supervisor for less-senior students. Her clinical experience spans areas including inpatient treatment, neuropsychiatrics, forensic psychology, outpatient clinics, and the federal prison system, where she worked in mental health services for seven years. Although she treats a wide range of clinical issues in her practice, areas of specialty include trauma recovery, substance abuse, and women's issues. Due to her training and research, she is an expert on sexual assault and has a passion for providing talks to groups on rape laws, psychological sequalae post-assault, and post-traumatic growth. She also enjoys providing talks to groups on substance abuse diagnostics and recovery. In addition, Dr. Stanley has developed expertise in conducting psychological evaluations and considers this a primary part of her clinical practice. In her free time, Dr. Stanley enjoys time with her husband, Adam, and their dog-children Roxy (16), Roux (6), and their latest addition, Raider (4); Riddle, also pictured, gained his angel wings in 2022, five weeks shy of 15. As an avid sports fan, she spends much of her down time watching New Orleans Saints football and Houston Astros baseball- she was born in New Orleans and grew up in Houston, hence the team loyalties. She relocated to the Dallas/Fort Worth area with her husband in 2016 and is happy to call this area home. Whenever possible, she enjoys spending time with her father, siblings, and kiddos of the family who range in age from 7 to 26 years old. The memory of her beloved mother, who passed in 2018, keeps her motivated to be the best she can be every day, in both personal and professional endeavors. Adam Stanley Co-Owner of Stanley Psychology Adam is a co-owner of Stanley Psychology, and as you may have guessed (or read above), Adam is Amanda's husband. Adam has an MBA from Texas Tech University and is an experienced strategic sourcing professional who currently works as a director for a large healthcare system. Additionally, Adam is often behind the scenes at Stanley Psychology, handling most of the business issues and allowing Amanda more time to focus on patient care. As a result you may see him in-office from time to time doing various tasks, such as checking the A/C system, running payroll, meeting with other professionals, and networking. In his spare time, Adam focuses on family time with Amanda and their dog-children. He also has a love for all things Texas Tech, his alma mater. As a sports-lover like Amanda, Adam's favorite time of year is the college football season, although he also promised to be a Saints fan for his NFL team in his wedding vows. The Stanley Psychology Team Proficient. Open-Minded. Empathetic. Dedicated. Veronica Guerrero-Quan, M.S. Licensed Psychological Associate - Independent Practice Veronica is a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) with Independent Practice (License # 38808), which is the most advanced Psychological Associate license. Click here to learn more about LPAs. Veronica attended Nelson University and earned her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Veronica's clinical experience includes diagnostic testing and evaluation, trauma-informed therapy, assessing and addressing acculturation challenges, crisis intervention, family therapy, and spiritual integration. Additionally, Veronica has completed post-masters training to become a Certified Mindfulness-Informed Professional and integrates these skills into her treatment approach. She is also currently a seminary student who happily integrates faith into therapy treatment for people of faith. veronica@stanleypsychology.com Do you experience excessive worry? Do you experience significant fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation? Or about social situations? Do you intentionally avoid what you fear? Do you ever experience unexplained heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, chest pain, lightheadedness, difficulty breathing, tingling sensations, chills/heat sensations, or nausea? Do you struggle with insomnia, fatigue, or muscle tension? If you answered yes to ANY of the above questions, Veronica is your girl! She believes you deserve a life FREE from the crippling control of fear and anxiety. Her clinical experience includes treatment for anxiety, trauma, OCD, phobias, panic attacks, and stress management. In her personal life, Veronica is happily married and loves spending time with loved ones. Meet her niece in the picture! She places a high priority on faith and family, because life is too short not to! Her greatest joys also include learning, traveling, playing board games, hiking, and spending time outdoors. Veronica is first generation bilingual Mexican-American, meaning she is the first in her family of origin to be born in the United States. For this reason, Mexico holds a dear place in her heart and she easily relates to people of Latino origin. Morgan Brown, M.S. Licensed Psychological Associate Morgan is a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA; License #40486). She earned her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at Nelson University and has worked at Stanley Psychology in progressing positions since 2022. She has a heart for helping others since childhood and has a desire to make sure people feel heard and supported throughout life. With this passion, she sought education for this career path, having completed her Bachelor of Science in Human Services and Psychology before enrolling in and completing her graduate studies. mbrown@stanleypsychology.com Morgan is a compassionate therapist with a special passion for helping children and adolescents navigate anxiety, self-esteem challenges, and ADHD. She brings warmth and creativity to her work with young patients and their families, particularly those from underserved communities. While Morgan specializes in working with kids, her clinical skills extend to adults as well—especially those managing anxiety, struggling with adult ADHD, and navigating life transitions. Whether you're a parent seeking support for your child, or an adult ready to work on your own growth, Morgan creates a welcoming, judgment-free space where change and healing can begin. In her personal life, Morgan loves spending time with her husband and her pug puppies, Frankie and Harper. Her hobbies include crocheting, painting, and jigsaw puzzles. Morgan Flores, M.S. Licensed Psychological Associate Morgan Flores, M.S., LPA (License #40186), is a Licensed Psychological Associate who earned her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Nelson University. Since 2022, she has been grateful to serve as a clinician at Stanley Psychology. Morgan is committed to meeting clients where they are, offering support and evidence-based tools to foster intentional healing, personal growth, with the belief that the best is yet to come. She is honored to work with both individuals and couples, with clinical focus areas including marital and family conflict resolution, affair recovery, maternal mental health, and teenage/young adult girls. Additionally, Morgan is trained and experienced in conducting psychological evaluations. mflores@stanleypsychology.com Morgan is Christian and holds a pastoral license as an ordained minister. She has an academic background that includes training in Christian-integrated clinical care. She believes a person’s journey of faith can be beautifully coupled with the intentional work in therapy to see breakthrough, healing and truly abundant life as a believer. While this is certainly not an expectation that her patients hold this perspective, one of her joys is to make space in therapy to process emotional distress related to deep faith questions and use the Bible as a foundation for growth for those who center their life in Christ. If you find yourself wondering… Is this all life is meant to be? Am I doomed to always be depressed? Will my emotions run the show out of control forever? Will I always feel like a doormat to others? Will my past always cloud my future? Will I ever be able to open up and love my spouse again? Will “mom guilt” ever get easier? Is genuine peace even possible? … Morgan would love to meet you, express - you are not alone! And you do not have to navigate this alone. What is, and what always has been, does not have to be your story forever. Therapy can be a tool to turn the page and begin a new narrative today. Outside of her professional work, Morgan enjoys a full life with her husband and their three young children. Morgan is bilingual in English and Spanish, having lived in Nicaragua for several years in her early adult life, and enjoys Latino culture and Latino food. Her hobbies include enjoying a cup of coffee, playing strategic board games, painting, and organizing almost anything and everything. Jessica Simonetti, M.S. Licensed Psychological Associate Jessica is a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA; TX License #40699). She earned her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Nelson University and also holds a Master of Science in Forensic Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. She has a background in neuropsychological assessment and has experience supporting individuals in acute mental health crises. jessica@stanleypsychology.com Jessica provides comprehensive mental health services to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She tailors her therapeutic approach to meet the unique developmental and emotional needs of each client, with a focus on creating a safe, respectful, and empowering environment. Her areas of specialization include perinatal mental health, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, grief and trauma, and behavioral challenges in children. Jessica is deeply committed to the belief that all individuals are inherently worthy of dignity and compassion. This principle informs every aspect of her work, from therapy sessions to psychological evaluations, allowing her to offer personalized care that honors each person’s story. In addition to her clinical work, Jessica co-owns a local gym in Abilene with her husband. Her passion for fitness and wellness informs her holistic approach to mental health, recognizing the profound connection between physical activity and emotional well-being. She often integrates lifestyle and wellness strategies into her therapeutic work to support clients in achieving balance and resilience. Outside the office, Jessica is a proud mother of two toddler boys and has been married for six years to her amazing husband. She enjoys playing tennis, hiking, traveling, and diving into true crime podcasts and mystery novels. Most of all, she cherishes quality time with her family. Karla Palma Practicum Student Clinician Karla Palma is a practicum student clinician at Stanley Psychology. Originally from Houston, Texas, Karla is currently completing her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology at Nelson University. She holds her bachelor’s degree in Pre-Professional Psychology from Nelson University. At Stanley Psychology, Karla offers reduced-cost services under the supervision of Dr. Stanley. Karla was drawn to the field of psychology by a strong desire to provide accessible mental health services to Spanish-speaking individuals. As an aspiring clinician, her goal is to serve immigrant communities, especially those navigating the complex and often distressing immigration process by offering culturally responsive care. In addition to her focus on immigration related mental health concerns, Karla is interested in practicing in the areas of identity development, family therapy, anxiety, and depression. In her free time, Karla enjoys listening to music, especially the Korean boy band, Straykids. She also enjoys reading books in the mystery and contemporary romance genres. karla@stanleypsychology.com Lisa Viviano Patient Care Coordinator Lisa Viviano, our Patient Care Coordinator, is dedicated to ensuring a smooth experience for all our clients, from scheduling appointments to managing the intake process. She is happy to assist with any challenges that arise. Lisa has over a decade of experience in administrative roles within healthcare and education, specializing in streamlining operations and enhancing client relations . Outside of work, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and reading. info@stanleypsychology.com Norlisha Gistarb Billing Specialist Norlisha Gistarb, our Billing Specialist, has worked for over 18 years in the field of Physician Revenue Cycle Management, developing a wealth of knowledge in the field of medical billing. She earned her B.S. in Psychology and her M.A. in Adult Learning and Development from Northwestern State University at Louisiana. She has a passion for applying the vast skills and knowledge she has gained over the years for such a meaningful role in assisting mental health providers. Stanley Psychology is very blessed to have her as a part of the team! As Norlisha works behind the scenes, please direct any billing questions to our Patient Care Coordinator, Kelsye, who can consult with Norlisha as indicated. Raider Stanley Certified G.B. (Good Boy) Raider Burreaux Stanley is our 45-pound bundle of love and goofiness. As proof of the Stanley love of sports, Raider is named after Adam's Red Raiders of Texas Tech and Joe Burrow ("Burreaux" is the Cajun way), a legend in Louisiana. Raider is a mix-of-mixes (our favorite kind) and the youngest pup in our pack. Raider has completed two initial trainings and is working towards certification as a therapy dog. Although a bit shy at first, when he warms up, he brings a calming presence. During remote sessions, Raider has strong instincts with when he makes an appearance, often popping up when hearing a patient emotional. If you see him, feel free to say hi! Raider spends his free time lounging on the couch, playing football fetch with his dad, and following his mama around. If Amanda says “let’s go do the therapy, buddy!” he runs with excitement to the remote therapy area and gets comfortable in his spot. I have seen many therapists and nobody has been able to help me...until I found Dr. Amanda Stanley. Dr. Stanley has brought light and hope into my frequently dark world. I finally have hope for a much happier and brighter life.
- Blog | Stanley Psychology
Stanley Psychology Blog Click the posts below to hear from Dr. Stanley and her staff! All Posts Search Jul 22 3 min Am I Shy or Socially Anxious? Veronica Guerrero-Quan, LPA-Independent Practice Ever wondered if you are struggling with social anxiety? Or if you are simply shy? I’m a... 6 views Jun 27 3 min Gratitude and Plentitude Veronica Guerrero-Quan, LPA-Independent Practice “Without gratitude, we will never understand plentitude.” – Veronica What is gratitude?... 5 views Jun 27 3 min Coaching Versus Therapy Petrona Kautz, M.S., M.A. As of late, coaching (sometimes called "life coaching") has become increasingly more popular- but what is it?... 7 views

