Meet Our Team
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor- Supervisor (LPC-S) and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) in the state of Texas. I am board certified as a Nationally Credentialed Counselor (NCC). My professional values are demonstrated in my precision and deep commitment to my research, evaluation, and clinical work. I exemplify the core value of equity and inclusive practices through my clinical, research, and scholarly activities. Clinically, I work with people from all walks of life. Most recently, I see a lot of healthcare professionals and first responders. More importantly, I am known for working with various peer assistance programs and licensure boards; I help clients navigate these systems and remain on the road to recovery. I am also a TPAPN and TXPHP-approved evaluator, the monitoring programs for health care professionals.
I am also well known for my work with clients with addiction issues. I believe in healing, restoration, and hope. I am humbled by the work I get to do with others. Counseling and clinical consultation is the greatest privilege of my life. As an agent of change, I value the courage of my clients and do not take their willingness to come to counseling lightly. This inspires me to do my best work.
Embracing my dream: I am the owner and Executive Director of Salient Clinical Services – a company created to provide optimal clinical, evaluative, and consulting services. I am also a nationally recognized speaker; having given multiple talks and workshops on the topics of mentorship, relationships, LGBTQ+ Ally-Development, and Cultural Responsiveness. Additionally, I have published several book chapters and peer-reviewed manuscripts on addiction, trauma, mentorship, and grief.
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Carly Friedman
Clinician
I am deeply motivated by a belief that we all deserve to experience joy and a healthy life. My counseling provides a safe place to heal from difficult experiences, develop skills, experience growth, and appreciate your strengths. I offer virtual & in-person counseling with teens and adults, couples, and families, and I have experience with anxiety, gender and sexual orientation identity and expression, depression, life transitions, family difficulties, grief, substance use, ADHD, career development, and marriage and parenting issues. My affirmative approach includes learning new skills and changing beliefs and behaviors that are no longer serving you, all in a supportive and accepting environment.
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I was raised in San Antonio and returned home over 10 years ago with my family. I have degrees in Developmental Psychology in addition to my Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate license with supervision under Dr. Scott Peters. I completed my internship with the Pride Center San Antonio during which I worked with many trans, nonbinary, and others in the LGBTQIA+ community. My counseling approach combines cognitive behavioral, gender-affirming, feminist, strengths perspective, and person-centered approaches. Together, we will explore how your thoughts, behavior, and feelings are connected and how changes in one can result in overall improvement. We will also discuss your strengths, skills, resources, and sources of joy. You are much more than "what is wrong" - let's use what is right to make positive changes.
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cfriedman@salientclinicalservices.com
I’m a proud first-generation graduate from The University of Texas at San Antonio (Go ‘Runners!). I enjoy spending spare time with my 3 dogs, traveling, and the occasional board game night with family and friends. I have a bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with focus areas in psychology, political science, and communications, and recently graduated with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate under the supervision of Leigh Rainwater LPC-S. I primarily work with children, adolescents, and families due to my experience in shelter environments and a children’s outpatient clinic. I believe that this population faces many challenges as they are learning and striving to meet certain expectations every day.
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I also have experience working with children and adults who have experienced trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and many other mental health diagnoses. Growing up, all I knew is that I wanted to help people, but what I get to do today is beyond my wildest imagination. I believe that people (even my littlest clients) are capable, resilient, and strong - but sometimes in life, we don’t always feel that way. I help people find peace and power by building their communication and problem-solving skills. My sessions include a strengths-based approach that allows my clients to be the true guide for how we make progress. I strive to bring you my most authentic self. I sometimes use humor or play therapy aspects to help clients feel at ease because I know that being vulnerable can be scary or difficult. It is my hope to be a light in my clients’ unique journeys as they learn to cope with the twists and turns of life and discover confidence within themselves.
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llopez@salientclinicalservices.com
Bea Blackmon
Clinician
Are you seeking a compassionate and skilled therapist to help navigate life's challenges? I'm Bea Blackmon, a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) dedicated to providing a safe, empathetic, and supportive environment for my clients. With years of experience in the mental health field, I specialize in helping adolescents, individuals, couples, and families overcome a range of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and life transitions.
My therapeutic approach is client-centered and integrative, drawing from various evidence-based modalities to tailor sessions to your unique needs. I believe in the power of a collaborative relationship, where we work together to explore your strengths and develop effective coping strategies. My goal is to empower you to achieve your best emotional wellness.
If you're ready to take the first step towards a more balanced and meaningful life, I invite you to reach out and begin this journey with me.
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bea@salientclinicalservices.com
I work to empower clients to access their authentic selves, learn to love/accept themselves as they are, and use this radical self-love to make the changes they want to see. We can explore what it means to be you, check unrealistic expectations against what it means to be human, and discover what it means to be whole. I am a non-binary Latine therapist, and I help clients by using humanistic/strengths-based and Eastern philosophies in tandem with their current interests. By targeting thoughts and behaviors at their source (the underlying core belief system), I help clients confront and rise above their fears to live in line with their dreams. I am passionate about using this approach with clients experiencing concerns related to addiction/recovery, social anxiety, gender/sexuality issues, adjustment to life changes, and existential crises.
Additionally, work including people's special interests excites me. I love incorporating passions into therapeutic goals, and I welcome individuals with media/internet passions, special hobbies, and creative talents. Ask me how we can incorporate your interest in counseling and help you grow by doing what you love!
If you've made mistakes along the path of self-discovery or are unsure how to get back on track, that's okay! The road is long to walk if you're feeling alone, let's walk together.
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Nikki Lewis
Clinician
As a Black and Queer counselor with a deep understanding of systemic oppression, relational dynamics, and the power of personal narratives, I am passionate about providing culturally sensitive counseling services to adolescents, adults, and couples. My gifts lie within my organic knowledge of harnessing the authentic self and its complexities. I compassionately help those struggling with relational difficulties, self-esteem, and intergenerational trauma to build a roadmap for personal growth and healing. My approach is relational, empowering, and real AF!
I was born and raised in San Antonio Texas and attended Holy Cross High School before joining the Marines and deploying to Iraq. Once completing four years within the Marines, and two combat deployments to Iraq, I attended community college at Northwest Vista and obtained my associate degree in psychology. I also completed my bachelor’s at the University of Texas at San Antonio with a major in Psychology and a minor in Wellness. I am currently a master’s student in the Clinical Mental Health program at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
I enjoy traveling to different states and camping in Texas state parks in my free time. I also run marathons and triathlons as an ambassador for a nonprofit called Semper Fi Fund, a nonprofit that uses sports to battle Post Traumatic Stress and other mental health issues. I love taking what I have learned, and my own experiences, to help others overcome their own issues and become the best versions of themselves.
I plan to one day specialize in working with Veterans and Law Enforcement officers. As a Marine, it is my honor to serve my brothers and sisters who served alongside me. Moreover, I value helping first responders and individuals who dedicate their lives to the betterment and protection of our citizens.
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Andy Thornton
Clinician
Too often we feel like we can't say everything we want to say, or that we said something wrong and there's no fixing it. In therapy, we can figure out what we want, what we want to say, and who we want to be. We can let it all out, make mistakes, and try again until it feels right. The freedom to speak honestly about all the parts of our experience is a key component to recovery. I am here to listen to you without judgment and to support you in understanding yourself, your relationships, your work, and your meaning. When you can coexist peacefully with all the parts of yourself, you may find your options opening up.
I am trained in EMDR and have experience with Mindfulness, CBT, TF-CBT, and TBRI, among others. I have worked with people experiencing trauma, domestic violence, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, grief, relationship struggles, and big life changes. I provide in-person as well as telehealth counseling, and have worked with children, teens and adults.
Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community is a hard-won point of pride. I am attuned to the unique and beautiful perspective we bring to the world as well as the isolation and marginalization that many of us endure. Radical self-acceptance is a key phrase in building the safe haven of ourselves. I look forward to meeting you and hearing your story.
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(210) 369-9424
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Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday: 8am to 8pm
Friday: 8am to 6pm
Saturday/Sunday: 8am to 4pm