Our Therapists

Ashley D. Barnes, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist  •  Practicing Since 2007

Dr. Barnes is a licensed psychologist who has been in practice since 2007. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Texas A&M University, along with her M.S. in Educational Psychology and B.S. in Psychology. She completed her doctoral internship at the University of Tennessee Counseling Center in Knoxville and began her career in university counseling centers before transitioning to private practice in 2008. In 2013, she founded Great Oaks Counseling Center.

Dr. Barnes works with adults in individual therapy and has experience treating a wide range of concerns, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, and eating and body image concerns.

Her approach is grounded in both interpersonal and cognitive-behavioral frameworks, with an emphasis on understanding relationship patterns and the broader context of each client's life. She places particular importance on the therapeutic relationship, striving to create a space defined by trust, emotional safety, and thoughtful collaboration. Dr. Barnes' goal is to help clients deepen self-understanding, develop effective coping strategies, and create meaningful, lasting change in their lives and relationships.

In addition to psychotherapy, Dr. Barnes provides psychological evaluations, including presurgical assessments for bariatric procedures and evaluations for neurostimulator trials for pain management. She also provides psychological evaluations for families pursuing adoption.

Dr. Barnes is currently in-network with UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. She also welcomes private-pay clients and provides documentation for out-of-network reimbursement.

Brooke Hersh, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist  •  Practicing Since 2009

Brooke credits her years as a summer camp counselor for igniting her passion for working with youth and families, before becoming a proud Longhorn and double graduate of The University of Texas at Austin (B.A. in Psychology, 1999; Ph.D. in School Psychology, 2008). During her training, she conducted clinical research on childhood depression and psychological assessment, and co-authored publications on childhood depression, self-harming behavior, and assessment feedback with children.

Her approach is grounded in interpersonal neurobiology, family systems, CBT, DBT, and positive psychology — but what she's most proud of is her knack for building genuine, authentic relationships with the people she works with. She has a natural eye for spotting what's already working and using those strengths as a launchpad for growth. Clients often describe her style as warm and down-to-earth, and she's known to weave in humor or creativity when it serves the moment.

Parent coaching is a cornerstone of Brooke's practice across all ages and stages — from helping parents navigate a young child's big emotions to supporting families in launching a young adult into the world. With her background in school-based work, Brooke can also provide school consultation and parent advocacy services.

With nearly two decades of experience, Brooke's current practice centers on what she calls the arc of launching — that rich, sometimes rocky transition from adolescence into young adulthood. She loves working with teens and twenty-somethings who are figuring out who they are, where they're going, and how to get there.

Brooke is a proud mom of two teenage daughters, so sees clients on a part-time basis. When she's not working, you'll likely find her exploring Austin's food and theater scene, dabbling with a yoga practice, or loading up the car for a family road trip.

She is licensed in both Texas and New York.

Amy Melling, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist  •  In Private Practice Since 2015

Dr. Melling is a licensed psychologist. She earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Utah and completed her pre-doctoral internship at the University of San Diego's Counseling Center. Dr. Melling has experience working in university counseling centers, hospital, and community mental health centers. She has been in private practice since 2015.

Dr. Melling enjoys walking alongside people through challenging times of change and transition. She works with older adolescents and adults who are struggling with relationships, family changes, identity, grief/loss, school and work challenges, career indecision, self-esteem, and making decisions about the future. She specializes in adjustment to college, launching into adulthood, and postpartum adjustment, and works with individuals experiencing anxiety and depression.

Dr. Melling's approach to therapy involves a blend of cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and existential approaches. She also incorporates family of origin experiences and relationships that have had a significant impact. She focuses on creating a calm, supportive, and accepting environment which fosters growth, helping clients understand patterns in their lives and make adjustments toward greater balance and congruence with their values.

In addition to individual therapy, Dr. Melling offers ADHD coaching to help clients improve organizational skills, memory, concentration, and progress toward long-term goals. She also provides psychological evaluations for pre-surgical screenings for bariatric surgery and spinal-cord stimulator trials, as well as psychological evaluations for families pursuing adoption.

Dr. Melling is a member of PSYPACT, which authorizes her to practice telehealth in 42 states, with pending legislation in additional states. For more information on PSYPACT and up-to-date information on which states are approved, visit psypact.gov.

Dr. Melling is currently in-network with UnitedHealthcare, BCBS, and Aetna. She also welcomes private-pay clients and can provide documentation for out-of-network reimbursement.

Kruti Patel, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist  •  In Practice Since 2017

Dr. Kruti Patel is a licensed psychologist and maternal mental health specialist who has been in practice since 2017. She earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Ohio University and is currently the co-founder and co-owner of Ritual Wellness ATX, a social-justice-based private practice.

Dr. Kruti works with adults in individual therapy and couples therapy. She has experience working with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, familial and romantic relationship concerns, adjustment to motherhood, parenting concerns, and trauma. She is dedicated to building a welcoming, respectful, inclusive, and supportive space for individuals of all identities and backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity, ability, immigration status, and/or religion.

Her approach is grounded in both interpersonal and experiential frameworks, with an emphasis on understanding the cultural and societal context of each client's life. She places particular importance on holistic healing — taking into consideration the whole person, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. She acts as a guide and facilitator of self-exploration, supporting clients in increasing self-understanding, self-awareness, and establishing new, healthy patterns of behavior.

In her work within BIPOC communities and maternal spaces, Dr. Kruti has authored Postpartum Empowerment, a book specific to addressing the challenges of BIPOC maternal mental health. Designed to walk new mothers through the first year postpartum, it was created to help readers feel seen, supported, and gently equipped with tools to care for both their baby and themselves.

Dr. Kruti is currently accepting clients who are in-network with UnitedHealthcare and Aetna. She is also open to private-pay clients and provides documentation for out-of-network reimbursement.