COUNSELORS
Bret M. Menassa, Ph.D, LPC
Bret M. Menassa is a Licensed Professional Counselor, psychotherapist, and board-approved clinical supervisor. Before joining North Pointe Psychiatry, Bret was the Director of Clinical Services at Mayhill Hospital in Denton, and a clinician in the department of Psychiatry at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Dallas.
Bret has counseled adults, couples, families, and adolescents facing difficulties with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, and other mental and emotional health issues affecting relationships, work, and family. Bret received both his Master’s and his Doctoral degrees in counseling at the University of North Texas and has been an adjunct professor of counseling at both UNT and SMU since 2006. Bret believes that emotional well-being is a lifelong process of personal growth, and is confident that counseling can help people live fuller, more satisfying lives.
Chad Bost, MS, LPC
Chad Bost is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR.) He graduated with his Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2018. Before joining North Pointe Psychiatry, Chad was an Inpatient Therapist at Mayhill Hospital in Denton. He also worked as an Outpatient Therapist with Connections Wellness Group in Denton.
Chad has counseled adults and adolescents experiencing a range of issues associated with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, self-esteem, eating disorders, relationship problems and others. Chad believes in utilizing an integrative approach, often including a range of therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused.
Valerie Ryse, Marriage and Family Therapist
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Texas. I earned my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas Woman’s University. Passionate about helping people make sense of their emotional world, I work from an attachment-based and Dialectical Behavior Therapy perspective.
I have experience working with teens through adults, and I especially enjoy working with creative individuals who want to understand themselves on a deeper level. I believe that emotions, even the confusing or overwhelming ones, hold important information. I work with clients to explore their experiences while building practical tools for coping.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or complicated family dynamics, I offer a safe space to sort through what you’re feeling and build the confidence to figure out what to do next.
Kayla Clark Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas with a masters in Counseling and Development from Texas Women's University. I have worked with a variety of clients including those in crisis, depression, anxiety, mood issues, and general trauma. I love to work with young adults and teens, specifically those who enjoy a more direct approach, with a twist of humor and sarcasm. I have also worked with fostering, adopted, and in state custody adolescents. I have special training in substance use, incarcerations, rehabilitation, and veterans in the court system.
As a Solution Focused Therapist (SFT) I aim to create realistic goals for us both to open, work on, and achieve through out the therapeutic process. I also draw from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and use CBT techniques to address someone's needs by encouraging positive self-thoughts and reframing.The counseling journey can be really tough, and it's important you find the right fit. I enjoy learning about each client individually, while empowering change within. I am here to provide support through compassion and empathy each step of the way!
David H. Laubach, MS, LPC
I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas. I earned my M.S. degree in rehabilitation counseling at the University of North Texas. Before coming to North Pointe Psychiatry I worked at Grace Counseling Center in Lewisville, Denton County MHMR, West Texas Counseling &
Rehabilitation, and the vocational rehabilitation division ofthe Texas Workforce Commission. My therapeutic experience mostly has been with the problems of depression, anxiety, substance and behavioral addictions, relationship and work problems, adjustment to aging, and counseling couples. My clients have ranged in age from teenagers up to people in their 80's.
My theoretical orientation is primarily based in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, but therapy is also personalized to fit the needs of individual clients and the problems that they are seeking to solve. I see each person as unique with his or her own path to walk in life. Life is diffcult, but there is still much joy to be realized and enjoyed. My goal is to help each client solve problems and to grow and learn from the therapeutic relationship that will help and prepare them to live more fulfilling lives after counseling has ended.
Marissa "Rena" Mendez, LCSW
I am a licensed therapist with extensive experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges and transitions. I am currently licensed as a clinical social worker and have 15-plus years of experience in social work. I earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Texas at Arlington and have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds, bringing compassion, respect, and a deep appreciation for each person’s unique story.
My approach is strengths-based and trauma-informed, grounded in evidence-based practices such as mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). I focus on helping clients build practical skills, shift unhelpful patterns, and create meaningful change.
My areas of expertise include: anxiety, depression, PTSD, geriatrics, LGBTQ+, and women's issues. I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and collaborative space where clients feel heard, empowered, and able to grow at their own pace while reconnecting with their strengths and overall well-being.