Panola Counseling Services, PLLC

05/20/2026

Hey Panola County!

Our office is on the road today for the Panola County Mental Health Resource Fair at Panola College! Come check out what it looks like to attend counseling, ask questions and visit with other local resources and organizations!

We are so fortunate to be part of a community that values mental health and community services 💚

05/18/2026

We are so excited to be part of the Panola County Chamber of Commerce's Mental Health Resource Fair this WEDNESDAY, May 20th, 9:00AM-1:00PM at Panola College!

Lauren Stacy, MA, LPC-Associate will be there to answer any questions you have about the counseling process, treatment services provided, and scheduling and billing. She will also have several tools she uses in the therapy room for you to check out and learn more about!

We can't wait to see you!!

04/26/2026

What a day! We are so thankful to be part of this community and eager to serve Panola County. ✂️✨

04/13/2026

For today's and during the entire month of April, we recognize and .

53% of women and 29% of men in the United States have been the victim of sexual assault and there are about 530,000 children in confirmed cases of child abuse nationwide. These statistics are devastating and emphasizes why awareness and support is so important - it is prevalent and anyone can become a victim of assault and abuse.

At Panola Counseling Services, we are committed to fostering a safe, confidential environment for victims of assault and abuse to share and heal. You are not alone in your struggle and we care about your story - no topic is off the table in the therapy room.

If you or someone you know is currently experiencing assault or abuse, we encourage you to reach out to our local authorities or our office so we can assist you in getting the help you need.

03/30/2026

for today features an impactful article by the Dallas Express!

Texas is currently experiencing a mental health service deficit due to lack of licensed mental health professionals, especially in rural areas. Panola Counseling Services prides itself on being focused on and passionate about rural mental health care.

How do we aid in this ongoing struggle?
🌱We offer sliding scale billing so finances aren't a barrier to treatment
🌱We set our office hours around the community and when clients are most available
🌱Lauren Stacy, MA, LPC-Associate engages in resources and advocacy concerning rural populations
🌱We support local organizations and initiatives that serve Panola County and its residents
🌱We partner with local government and departments that provide counseling services to underserved populations

We care about our local population and are committed to providing ethical, evidence-based practices to this community!

TEXAS LEADS NATION WITH SEVERE MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL SHORTAGE

The state has 393 designated shortage areas affecting more than 13.4 million residents and currently meets only 32% of mental health needs.

Rural and border counties are hit hardest, with many lacking any psychiatrists or psychologists.

Full Story: https://dallasexpress.com/state/texas-continues-to-face-shortage-of-mental-health-professionals-as-demand-rises/

03/23/2026

It's and we're answering one of our favorite questions: "What happens during a session?"

This might not be the quick answer you're looking for, but in short, it depends!

What does it depend on, you ask? Each counselor can take a different approach, but at Panola Counseling Services we are passionate about sessions being client-led. This means that each session could look a little different as the client might have varying topics they want to dig through each time.

Your counselor might bring in an activity or coping skill to work through patterns and themes you've been discussing. Sometimes the session is talking and listening. Sometimes the session holds more learning and question asking. Sometimes there might even be some homework to take with you.

Each session might be a little different, but there are aspects of your care that will always be the same:
🌱your will be shown unconditional positive regard
🌱you will be listened to
🌱you will be respected and empowered
🌱you will be stretched and challenged

If you're interested in learning more about client-led treatment, shoot us a message or email! We offer free consultations to answer all of your questions and see how Panola Counseling Services can aid in your mental health journey.

03/16/2026

Welcome back to another , everyone!

Today's question is "what is counselor-client confidentiality?"

This may sound like a boring legal term, but this process is actually the bedrock of the counselor-client relationship and counseling process!

Confidentiality is the ethical and legal duty to protect private information shared by a person and not disclose it to others without their permission. Simply this means whatever is shared here, stays here! There are some limitations to confidentiality that your provider must disclose to you, but those obligations are in place to ensure the safety of the client and those around them.

Why is confidentiality so important?? Knowing that your personal information, your identity, your participation in counseling and the stories you share with your counselor are private and protected can give you the freedom to dig in and trust your counselor in the process of you changing your life and achieving your goals.

While this is a legal and ethical obligation of mental health providers, Panola Counseling Services makes this one of our top priorities so clients can feel assured in their privacy, especially in a small, rural area.

Want to learn more about the counseling relationship and confidentiality?? Schedule your free consultation today!
www.panolacounseling.com

03/12/2026

Panola County - our office is ready for you!

Schedule your free consultation to learn how counseling could support your mental health journey 🌱

www.panolacounseling.com

03/09/2026

We are so excited to part of this community! Come check us out on April 23rd!

✨Welcome New Member: Panola Counseling Services, PLLC✨
Please join us in welcoming Panola Counseling Services, PLLC to the Chamber family, servicing Carthage and those in the surrounding area. Founder and Counselor Lauren Stacy, MA, LPC-Associate (Supervised by Lorraine Turner, MA, LPC-S) is dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with clarity, resilience and hope.

We believe Lauren is a great asset to our community, for both individual and group counseling, taking a thoughtful, whole-person approach and focusing on emotional well-being, personal growth and practical coping strategies.

Currently accepting new clients, Lauren is at the ready to talk you through next steps as you consider Panola Counseling Services. She is committed to walking alongside each of her clients as they work toward healing, balance and meaningful change.

Contact Lauren:
📞(361) 212-6693 (office)
📧lauren@panolacounseling.com
🤝 Available in Person or via Telehealth
🌐Learn More: panolacounseling.com

03/09/2026

Happy !

⭐️Today's question: What's the difference between a licensed counselor an unlicensed life coach, influencer or talking with your close friends or family about what's going on?

When you’re looking for support, it’s important to know who you’re talking to.

⭐️A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas has:
• A master’s degree in counseling
• Completed thousands of hours of supervised clinical experience
• Passed a national licensing exam
• Been approved and regulated by the Texas licensing board
• Ethical and legal standards they must follow to protect clients

⭐️An unlicensed person (coach, mentor, influencer, etc.) may offer support or advice, but they:
• Are not regulated by a counseling board
• Do not have required clinical training
• Cannot diagnose or treat mental health conditions
• Are not held to the same professional and ethical standards

Both can provide encouragement, but only licensed counselors are trained and legally allowed to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health concerns in a confidential setting held to high ethical standards.

If you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or other mental health concerns, working with a licensed professional can ensure you’re receiving safe, ethical, and evidence-based care.

Your mental health deserves qualified support. 💙