University Park Counseling & Testing Center, PLLC

06/02/2026

Summer break is here! While a break from school can be exciting, children often benefit from having some structure and predictability throughout the summer months. Read our latest blog to learn more!

Learn how to create a summer routine that supports your child's mental health, reduces stress, encourages healthy habits, and promotes emotional well-being.

05/31/2026

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, let’s keep the conversation going. This month, we have shared resources, information, and inspirational messages to highlight the importance of mental well-being, but mental health matters every day.

Whether you are taking the first step or continuing your journey, know that support is always here. At UPC, we are committed to walking alongside you with compassion, understanding, and care.

Let’s carry the awareness, kindness, and self-care into every month ahead.

05/30/2026

Today we are highlighting Rebecca Farrar, our Administrative Coordinator at University Park Counseling & Testing Center. Rebecca has been part of UPC since the very beginning, and she plays a central role in keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. From coordinating schedules to supporting families and providers, she brings consistency, organization, and care to every part of her work. For many of the families we serve, Rebecca is one of the first points of contact and she helps create a welcoming, supportive experience from the very start. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication, reliability, and heart Rebecca brings to our team each day.

05/29/2026

Self-compassion isn’t about being perfect. It is about showing up for yourself with gentleness, especially when it’s hard.

05/28/2026

As we approach the end of May, we are revisiting two of our blogs that are relevant to summer. While summer is often associated with fun and ease, it can also bring changes in routine, sleep, expectations, and emotional well-being. For some, this can lead to increased stress, low mood, or feeling a bit out of sync.

These two blogs offer helpful information:

☀️ Summer Depression
A reminder that it’s okay if you’re not feeling your best this season — and ways to better understand and support your mental health.

💊 Summer Safety + SSRIs
Helpful guidance on staying safe, supported, and informed when it comes to medication and the impact of heat, routines, and seasonal changes.

Read both blogs:
https://www.universityparkcounseling.com/post/summer-depression
https://www.universityparkcounseling.com/post/summer-safety-tips-ssris

If you find yourself feeling more irritable, tired, or emotionally off during the warmer months, you're not alone. Summer depression is real, and understanding it is the first step toward feeling better.

05/27/2026

Ella brings a warm, thoughtful presence to her work with individuals and families. She focuses on creating a space where clients feel safe, understood, and supported as they work through challenges and build new skills. Her approach is grounded in connection and curiosity, helping clients make sense of their experiences while developing tools for emotional regulation, communication, and confidence. We are grateful for the care, intention, and authenticity Ella brings to the families we serve.

05/26/2026

Life isn’t always predictable, but your choices, your values, and your voice matter more than you think. Every small step you take, every boundary you set, every time you listen to your inner truth, you are shaping your path.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to keep choosing what aligns with your growth, your healing, and your hope.

Your future isn’t written for you. It is created by you.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a time to pause and remember.

We honor those who have lost their lives in service, and we hold space for the families and loved ones who carry that loss every day.

For some, today includes gatherings and time together.
For others, it may bring grief, reflection, or quiet moments of remembrance.

However this day meets you, we invite space for both gratitude and whatever emotions may come with it.

05/24/2026

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Balch brings deep clinical insight and a thoughtful, relational approach to her work with individuals of all ages and their families. Her work reflects a strong commitment to neurodivergent-affirming care and to helping clients better understand themselves while building meaningful, lasting connections. Dr. Balch is also a licensed supervisor and adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University, where she is passionate about training and mentoring the next generation of counselors. We are grateful for the leadership, vision, and care she brings to our team and the families we serve every day.

05/23/2026

✨ We have exciting news to share! ✨

Dr. Jenifer Balch and Twila Farrar have been so working hard to create something, and we are so excited to finally share it with you!

Our 40-Hour Texas Clinical Supervisor Training is now open for registration!!

This hybrid training was thoughtfully designed for LPCs, LMFTs, and social workers who are ready to step into the supervisor role with confidence, clarity, and practical, real-world skills.

What makes this training different:
• A balance of structure, flexibility, and real-world application
• 40 total hours (20 face-to-face + 20 independent study)
• Option to attend in-person or virtually
• Practical tools you can use immediately in supervision

Training Dates:
📅 July 24–25, 2026
📅 August 21–22, 2026

Stepping into supervision is a big step, and this course was created to help you feel prepared, supported, and confident in that role.

We can’t wait to share this experience with you!

🔗 Learn more & register:
www.universityparkcounseling.com/training