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Therapists answer…

How does Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) work?

Mahesh KumarM

Mahesh Kumar

M.D.
Online & In-PersonAccepting New Clients
Dr. Mahesh Kumar is a highly skilled psychiatrist with a deep commitment to improving mental health. With over a decade of experience, he currently serves as an Attending Psychiatrist at Aspire BHP in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Kumar is fully certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and holds medical licenses in both Texas and Minnesota. In his career, Dr. Kumar has handled various roles, including Service Director at Laurel Ridge Treatment Center and Unit In-Charge at Regions Hospital's inpatient unit. He is passionate about patient care in both in-person and virtual settings, contributing to Teladoc Health Services. Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Kumar has made notable contributions to medical research and publications, reflecting his dedication to advancing his field. His expertise spans emergency, consultative, and outpatient psychiatry, proving his adaptability in diverse healthcare environments. Dr. Kumar's emphasis on care and compassion is driven by his aim to enhance the mental well-being of each individual. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, Dr. Kumar offers expertise you can trust and personalized care to guide you towards better mental health. Specialties Mental Health Adult Psychiatry Conditions Treated Depression Anxiety Bipolar disorders Schizophrenia Eating disorders ADHD PTSD Practice Description Dr. Mahesh Kumar is a dedicated psychiatrist with extensive experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings. He has a strong foundation in medicine, with a degree from Liaquat Medical University and specialized training from top programs in the U.S. Dr. Kumar is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He currently practices at Aspire Behavioral Health in San Antonio, TX, where he provides compassionate care tailored to each individual. Dr. Kumar believes in building trusting relationships and is committed to enhancing the mental well-being of his patients. Your mental health journey is important, and Dr. Kumar is here to support you every step of the way. Treatment Philosophy My treatment philosophy centers on compassionate, patient-centered care. I believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment where every patient feels valued and heard. I engage with patients through active listening, ensuring their concerns guide our treatment plans. I emphasize collaboration, as I see healing as a partnership. With a solid foundation in psychiatry, I specialize in mental health, focusing on tailored therapies that meet individual needs. My goal is to empower patients, helping them regain control over their lives. Together, we will navigate the complexities of mental wellness, fostering resilience and promoting overall health. Your journey is important, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. Treatment Approach Psychiatric evaluation and diagnosis Medication management and monitoring Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Trauma-Informed Care Crisis intervention strategies Collaborative treatment planning Mindfulness-Based interventions Family-focused therapy approaches Integrative outpatient care
Kelly BrackenK

Kelly Bracken

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Online & In-PersonAccepting New Clients
Procrastinating on work or running on autopilot? Struggling to stay focused, get quality sleep, or keep your routines on track? Maybe you’re feeling drained, frustrated by nutrition, exercise habits, or hormonal shifts, or just not like yourself lately. You’re not alone. I help people stop wasting their energy on things that drain them and start investing it where it counts. I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and work with adults ages 19 to 45. My focus is on comprehensive medication management for ADHD, Depression, Insomnia, PMDD, PTSD, and weight management. I treat the whole person, not just their symptoms. This includes looking closely at sleep habits, screen time, food choices, weightlifting, communication, mindset, and daily routines to support lasting change. My focus is on making sure you’re strong in every area, not just surviving. With 10 years of experience as a travel nurse, including 6 in psychiatry, I bring a strong clinical foundation to my current role as a nurse practitioner. Over the years, one thing has become clear to me: at the core, we are all more alike than different. Most people want peace, autonomy, and real enjoyment in their lives. My philosophy is a lot like sports. In baseball, maybe you can catch, run, and hit line drives, but if you can’t throw the ball, you’ll never reach your full potential. Mental health works the same way. Medication, sleep, movement, and daily habits all work together. That’s how real change happens.
Araya BakerA

Araya Baker

Licensed Professional Counselor Associate
Online & In-PersonAccepting New Clients
My most important commitment is that you feel truly affirmed, empowered, and heard. I listen with deep curiosity and humility, always honoring your unique story and how your lived experiences have shaped your values, hopes, and emotional needs. Whether you’re grappling with anxiety, self-doubt, grief, people-pleasing, or power struggles in your relationships, I create a nonjudgmental space to explore complex feelings like guilt, insecurity, jealousy, regret, resentment, and more. I also offer a deep understanding of cultural pressures, marginalization, and power dynamics. For over 15 years, I've worked alongside diverse communities in public health and education––from LGBTQIA+ centers, sexual health programs, and reproductive justice organizations, to disability centers, trauma-informed crisis lines, and under-resourced schools. Across nearly two decades, I have supported numerous people of color and immigrants––many of them queer and/or trans––as they negotiated multiple perspectives on belonging, cultural authenticity, discrimination, failure/success, faith, family, sexuality, and social class. Witnessing the tenacity, self-awareness, compassion, and character of cycle-breakers was one of a few major motivators for entering the profession. I earned an M.Phil.Ed. in Professional Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education and an Ed.M. in Human Development & Psychology at Harvard's Graduate School of Education.