What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“My first appointment with Nelly felt very comfortable. She specifically asked what I want out of therapy and what were my goals to work on. She asked great questions to help pull out some repressed feelings that are causing me anxiety in different situations in my life currently. I highly recommend her!”
Sally R.September 22, 2026Video visit
“She is great to work with. Listened and gave advice based on the needs. Gave me great advice on how to process trauma and advice on improving my day to day life. Recommend her for anything on their mental health journey. ”
DELess than 3 months ago
About Nelly Vela
Focus areas
Abandonment issues
Childhood Trauma
Self Esteem Issues
Anger Management
Depression
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Anxiety Disorder
Relationship Counseling
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Families
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Dialectical (DBT)
Attachment-based
Emotionally Focused
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Family Systems
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
Hispanic or Latinx
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
Getting to know Nelly Vela
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience in education and clinical practice, specializing in trauma-informed care, relational healing, and emotional empowerment. I work with individuals and families navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and systemic stressors. My approach combines evidence-based modalities, including CBT, DBT, and mindfulness, with creative tools such as journaling, guided imagery, and narrative work. I’m committed to making therapy accessible, validating, and deeply attuned to each client’s lived experience.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Clients often describe our work together as grounding, collaborative, and emotionally safe. I prioritize clear communication, emotional regulation, and relational growth. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply seeking clarity, I meet you where you are—with compassion, structure, and practical tools. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and tailor each session to your unique strengths, goals, and cultural context.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
In our first session, we’ll explore your presenting concerns, personal history, and goals for therapy. I’ll guide you through a structured yet flexible intake process that feels conversational—not clinical. From there, we co-create a treatment plan that may include psychoeducation, mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, and creative interventions. Sessions are paced to support emotional safety and growth, with space for reflection, skill-building, and advocacy when needed.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
choose insurance
In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $125 for 55 minutes
Ongoing session: $125 for 55 minutes
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Lamar University, MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
NPI number
1710759113
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
42 reviews
Most relevant
Doctor Nelly was very nice and listened to me and very good doctor
March 11, 2026Sammantha R.Verified patientVideo visit
My first appointment with Nelly felt very comfortable. She specifically asked what I want out of therapy and what were my goals to work on. She asked great questions to help pull out some repressed feelings that are causing me anxiety in different situations in my life currently. I highly recommend her!
September 22, 2026Sally R.Verified patientVideo visit
Very nice and kind!
August 26, 2026Cintia V.Verified patientVideo visit
She is great to work with. Listened and gave advice based on the needs. Gave me great advice on how to process trauma and advice on improving my day to day life. Recommend her for anything on their mental health journey.
Less than 3 months agoDE
Nelly is really sweet and caring. I feel like finally I’ll make progress and process most of the things that I still carry with me.
Less than 6 months agoAS
I truly love how Nelly is able to connect with me as a patient, even with a screen between us. I was honestly very scared to start therapy, and this was my first experience, but I am so grateful I did. From the very first sessions, I felt comforted and supported. I only wish I had found her years ago, as it would have helped me work through some very difficult moments in my life sooner.
Nelly is incredibly kind, compassionate, and such a thoughtful listener. She has helped me more than I can put into words, and I always feel genuinely heard and understood. Starting therapy with her has been one of the best decisions I have made. I truly cannot recommend her enough.
Thank you so much, Nelly. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel, and that means everything to me. I am deeply thankful to continue this journey with you and to have you in my life.
Less than 6 months agoGM
She is a very great listener and was willing to help me out as much as she could, easy to talk to and at no point did I feel judged or uncomfortable
March 25, 2026Jordan D.Verified patientVideo visit
Nelly creates a safe space for me to open up about my past and helped me recognize long-buried trauma that’s impacted my life for years. She’s an excellent listener, takes thoughtful notes, and asks the right follow-up questions that challenge me to be honest with myself. Because of this work, I’ve been able to stay sober for over four weeks—something I struggled with consistently before. I’m truly grateful for her support.
Less than 1 year agoRS
Nelly is easy to talk to, she’s warm and fun at the same time, her genuine personality its all you’ll need! Very professional and is great following up with you.
Less than 1 year agoAF
Outstanding service provided by Nelly! Her voice and reasoning has helped me navigate through difficult times in my recent life has helped me immensely.
Less than 1 year agoGG
Nelly is really good therapist that listens and very helpful when it comes to giving tips and techniques when it comes to healing from your wounds and past traumas.
October 31, 2025Nathaniel Y.Verified patientVideo visit
Honestly really good first impression and she spoke very clearly and explained exactly what she does and even explained very well and even asked if I was comfortable with her or if I had any feed back. Totally recommend.
October 28, 2025Joseph B.Verified patientVideo visit
Less than 3 months agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Less than 3 months agoInitials hidden
Less than 3 months agoInitials hidden
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
June 15, 2026Noah O.Verified patientVideo visit
Less than 6 months agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Less than 6 months agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
Less than 6 months agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoJA
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoInitials hidden
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
December 16, 2025Crystal A.Verified patientVideo visit
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
December 9, 2025Francisco M.Verified patientVideo visit
November 16, 2025Jazmine D.Verified patientVideo visit
How soon can I make an appointment with Nelly Vela?
Generally, Nelly Vela has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Nelly Vela's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Nelly Vela accepting new patients?
Nelly Vela generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Nelly Vela's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Nelly Vela accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Nelly Vela is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Nelly Vela online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Nelly Vela using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Nelly Vela work with?
Nelly Vela works with Counseling by Nelly.
What are common reasons for patients to see Nelly Vela?
Nelly Vela frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Nelly Vela on their profile.
What languages does Nelly Vela speak?
Nelly Vela speaks English and Spanish.
How do patients rate Nelly Vela in reviews?
28 patients have reviewed Nelly Vela. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.