OnHealing Therapy is a private mental healthcare practice based in San Antonio, TX.

We offer counseling and group therapy for a wide range of mental health issues.

At OnHealing Therapy, we provide a warm and supportive environment where we can explore your concerns and work together towards healing and growth.

We are proud to accept insurance as an in-network provider with several major insurance companies.

About Us

Meet Our Team

Michelle Ruiz Deal, LPC-S

What if someone handed you a crayon and asked you to write an epic novel? Isn’t that what life sometimes feels like? That you haven’t been equipped with the tools that allow you to imagine that life the way you’d like to. I am your instructor, and I am going to give you an assignment.

It is our job to work together to get you that life you deserve. My goal is to help you develop new tools to navigate life – on your terms.

I have had my own journey. I proudly attended Florida State University student (Go Noles!) to attain my Bachelor’s degree, followed by a master’s degree in mental health counseling at Texas A&M University San Antonio. This laid the foundation for my future in counseling, and I'm grateful for the experiences and knowledge I gained there.

Throughout my career, I've come to understand that each person's path is unique, and I believe in the power of creating a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their best selves.

It's not just about me imparting knowledge, opportunities, and insights; it's about fostering an environment where you can uncover your own strengths and develop the tools necessary to overcome life's challenges.

I've also had the opportunity to work with diverse populations, addressing a wide range of issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. By listening deeply and genuinely caring, I aim to build a strong therapeutic relationship based on trust and respect.

Whether it's through individual therapy or group counseling, my goal remains the same: to provide you with what you need to create a life that's meaningful and fulfilling.

I see you as an individual, not just a client, and I'm here to support you on your unique journey.

Tasha Willens, LPC

As both a veteran and military spouse, I understand firsthand the unique challenges that come with military life and transitions. My journey in mental health began during my service in the Air Force and has evolved into a passion for helping people navigate their own paths to wellness, particularly through mindfulness-based approaches.

Good news! I am now accepting Aetna and United Health Care insurance!

With specialized training in treating anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and depression in teens and adults, I bring a comprehensive approach to therapy that combines evidence-based practices with mindfulness techniques. Through extensive mindfulness training with Ronya Banks, I've developed expertise in helping clients ages 14 and above cultivate present-moment awareness and emotional regulation skills.

My clinical expertise includes:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder- adult/teen (OCD)
Anxiety and Depression
PTSD / Complex Trauma
Perinatal and Postpartum Mental Health
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
Military Life Transitions

I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to each client's needs, including:

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Through secure telehealth services, I offer the flexibility and convenience of receiving therapy from the comfort of your own space. Whether you're a teenager navigating school stress, a military spouse adjusting to a new deployment, or anyone seeking to develop mindfulness skills, I'm here to provide support and guidance on your journey to better mental health.

As someone who has walked both the military and civilian paths, I understand the importance of finding a therapist who "gets it." I'm committed to creating a safe, understanding space.

Kaylynn Root, LPC, LCDC

Kaylynn is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with a wide array of experience in the mental health field, serving children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings. Her career began in the Texas Judicial System, working within the court systems and prison systems focusing on addiction/alcoholism and trauma. She then continued into the military and first responder community.

Kaylynn’s clinical experience spans a wide range of concerns, including trauma and PTSD related to physical, verbal, and sexual abuse, combat trauma, job-related trauma and complex trauma. She has worked extensively with high-risk populations such as veterans, active duty military, military families and children, first responders, high acuity mental health, probation/parole, court-mandated and addiction/alcoholism.

Kaylynn grew up as a military child, moving across the country learning to adapt and change throughout her life. Kaylynn is extremely passionate about helping those within the warrior class and their families as she understands the lifestyle and stressors that come with the warrior lifestyle.

Kaylynn is trained in CCTP-I and CCTP-II (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Certification I and II), as well as DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and Grief and Loss Therapy.

Shea Hesselbacher, LPC

As both a professional, and through personal experience, I truly understand how challenging it can be to navigate life while experiencing mental health barriers. The pursuit of wellness is a deeply personal journey, unique to each individual. I believe in not just learning how to cope with the challenges life throws at you, but also to embrace living as your most authentic self.

I proudly started my journey at Texas State University to attain my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, followed by my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Texas at Dallas. Throughout my experience from practicum to a fully Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), I had the privilege to work in a variety of mental health settings that have contributed to my current holistic approach to mental health.

My clinical expertise includes:

ADHD and Autism
Depression and other Mood Disorders
Anxiety Disorders and OCD
Trauma and PTSD
Parenting Concerns
LGBTQ+

I utilize a variety of Neurodivergent Affirming, Evidence-based approaches to help tailor to each client’s unique needs:

Person Centered (PCT)
Gestalt Therapy
Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mindfullness-Based Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)/Trauma-focused CBT
Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)

I believe in a collaborative, strengths-based approach that empowers clients to heal on their terms. Whether you're dealing with daily stressors, life transitions, or deeper mental health concerns, I'm here to guide you toward lasting change. I see adult clients at this time. Sessions are available in-person in San Antonio, or via telehealth, for convenience.

If you're ready to start your healing journey, contact On Healing Therapy today to schedule a consultation. Your well-being matters—let's work together toward a brighter tomorrow!

Courtney Balidoy, LPC-Associate

Supervised by Sarah Rivera, LPC-S

Courtney is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with over a decade of experience in the mental health field, serving children, adolescents, adults, and families in a variety of settings. Her career began in special education, where she quickly discovered a deeper calling to support individuals’ emotional and psychological well-being. This passion led her to work with neurodivergent children as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA), setting the foundation for her trauma-informed and developmentally sensitive approach.

Courtney’s clinical experience spans a wide range of concerns, including trauma and PTSD related to childhood abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and sexual assault. She has worked extensively with at-risk juvenile offenders and their families, as well as military service members and veterans. Her areas of focus also include neurodivergence (Autism, ADHD), parenting concerns, and multicultural identity development.

As an Asian American/Polynesian woman, Courtney is committed to providing justice-oriented and culturally responsive care. She integrates multicultural competence into every aspect of her work, recognizing the unique challenges and strengths each client brings to the therapeutic space.

Courtney is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is currently in Phase 1 of pursuing her Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential. She brings a playful, relational, and compassionate approach to therapy, creating a safe environment where clients can explore, heal, and grow.

Mia Covarrubias, LPC-Associate

Under supervision of Michelle Ruiz Deal, LPC-S

Now Accepting New Clients

I believe that every person deserves a safe, affirming space to explore their authentic self, free from judgment.

As an LPC-Associate and proud lesbian, my practice is dedicated to celebrating and supporting all identities. I am a neurodivergent-affirming therapist who uses my background as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP) to bring a unique, holistic perspective to supporting teens and adults.

My journey in mental health has been shaped by a deep commitment to serving equity-seeking populations, particularly the LGBTQ+ community. Through my work with organizations like The Trevor Project, Fiesta Youth San Antonio, and PFLAG, I've developed a thorough understanding of the unique challenges and strengths of LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.

My specialties & approach:

I specialize in helping clients navigate challenges related to PTSD, OCD, and complex familial relationships. My approach is evidence-based and culturally humble, utilizing:

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): For trauma and PTSD work.
Narrative Therapy: To help clients re-write their personal story.

I help clients address a range of concerns, including identity exploration and affirmation, anxiety and depression, school/academic challenges, and the impact of social and systemic barriers.

I am a Mental Health First Aid certified professional with specialized training in single-session counseling, allowing me to offer flexible approaches to meet your unique needs.

I offer appointments virtually or in person, with weekend and evening times available to accommodate your schedule. Outside of the office, I find joy in running, reading, being outside, and spending time with my dogs. I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey of growth and self-discovery.

Victoria "Tori" Metcalf

Graduate Student Intern

Under supervision of Michelle Ruiz Deal, LPC-S

I approach therapy with genuine curiosity, believing that every person’s story holds meaningful insights and opportunities for growth. As a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student, I blend academic training with a deep respect for each client’s lived experience.

While I welcome clients of all ages, I have a special passion for working with children and adolescents—particularly those who are neurodivergent. I love supporting clients in developing emotional insight, building self-awareness, and gaining tools to navigate their world with confidence and clarity.

In sessions, I help clients explore:

New perspectives on life’s challenges
Creative approaches to problem-solving
Emotions and the behaviors they influence
Family relationships and dynamics
Personal strengths and resilience
The impact of cultural and social influences

With a background in intercultural studies, I bring an appreciation for diverse identities and worldviews into the therapy space. I believe healing and growth happen when clients feel safe to be themselves—and I’m here to walk alongside them in that journey.

Breanna Arvizu

Community Outreach Manager

As the bridge between OnHealing Therapy and our community, I'm passionate about connecting people with the mental health support they deserve. With over 15 years of experience in relationship building and customer service, I understand that taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming – and I'm here to make that step a little easier.

As a veteran's spouse, I bring a personal understanding of the unique challenges military families face. My background includes working with Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center's New Beginnings Program, where I helped coordinate services for veterans and their families, giving me valuable insight into navigating support systems and resources.

My role at OnHealing Therapy combines my passion for helping others with my expertise in building meaningful connections. Whether you're a community organization looking to partner with us, or someone seeking information about our services, I'm here to:

Answer your questions about our therapy services
Connect you with the right resources
Help organizations understand how we can support their members
Build partnerships that strengthen our community's mental health support network

I believe everyone deserves access to quality mental health care, and I'm committed to breaking down barriers that might stand in the way. From my experience managing diverse teams to coordinating complex support services, I bring a solution-focused approach to helping you navigate your mental health journey.

Let me help you discover how OnHealing Therapy can support you or your organization's mental health needs.

Diana Perl

Practice Manager

With over two decades of experience in healthcare administration and a deep understanding of mental health practice operations, I'm dedicated to ensuring your experience with OnHealing Therapy is welcoming and seamless from the very first contact.

As a Certified Special Care Manager and someone who has worked extensively in mental health practice management, I understand the courage it takes to reach out for support. My role is to make that first step as comfortable as possible, helping you navigate everything from initial inquiries to insurance verification and appointment scheduling.

I bring a blend of professional expertise and genuine care to my role, including:

Coordinating with insurance providers
Managing appointment scheduling
Supporting our clinical team
Ensuring smooth office operations
Maintaining a warm, welcoming environment
Protecting client confidentiality and privacy

Whether you're reaching out for the first time or are an established client, I'm here to help you with any administrative questions or concerns. I believe in creating a supportive experience that matches the high quality of care provided by our clinical team.

Having managed both emergency medical settings and mental health practices, I understand the importance of responsive, compassionate client care. I'm committed to ensuring that every interaction with our practice reflects our dedication to your well-being.

My goal is to make the administrative aspects of your therapy journey as smooth as possible, allowing you to focus on what matters most – your mental health and personal growth.

Michelle Quade

Graduate Student Intern

Under supervision of Michelle Ruiz Deal, LPC-S

I see therapy as a space where healing and self-discovery come together. With warmth, curiosity, and a deep respect for your story, I help clients work through the challenges that are keeping them stuck and move toward the life they want.

I enjoy working with children, teens, and adults, and have experience supporting individuals with anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation difficulties, and relationship concerns. My approach blends evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care with creativity and flexibility.

In session, I focus on creating an authentic connection where clients feel safe to explore emotions, make sense of patterns, and develop meaningful coping strategies. I also value working with parents and families to strengthen communication and build support systems at home.

It’s a privilege to walk alongside clients as they find clarity, courage, and hope—and I believe that change is always possible when we work together with intention.