PSYCHOTHERAPY & BEHAVIORAL SLEEP MEDICINE · HOUSTON
Sleep better. Feel better. Live better.
Evidence-based care for your sleep and mental health needs.
Licensed Professional Counselor · Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine · MA, Clinical Psychology
You don’t have to manage it alone.
Whatever brought you here — whether it's sleepless nights or other mental health concerns — therapy is a place to problem-solve, understand what's getting in the way, and take practical steps toward feeling better, thoughtfully, and at a pace that works for you.
FEATURED SPECIALTY
Getting your sleep - and your nights - back.
Insomnia is one of the most treatable problems in mental health, and it rarely needs medication to resolve. As a Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine, I offer first-line, research-backed care built specifically for sleep.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
- Chronic & short-term insomnia
- CPAP adherence challenges
- Nightmares
- Circadian rhythm disorders
- Sleep anxiety & racing thoughts at night
MY CORE SPECIALTY
What is CBT-I?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia is the recommended first-line treatment for chronic insomnia — a structured, short-term, non-medication approach that gets to the root of what's keeping you awake.
Non-medication
No pills and no dependency — CBT-I works by changing the patterns that keep insomnia going.
Proven effective
Research shows results comparable to sleep medication — and often better over the long run.
Results that last
Because it retrains how you sleep, improvements tend to hold long after our work together ends.
Treats the root
We target the behaviors, thoughts, and emotions that perpetuate poor sleep — not just the symptoms.
Care you can trust: As an active member of the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, I pursue ongoing education and consult with fellow specialists to bring you the most current, effective care.
Most people notice meaningful change in just a handful of sessions. And because sleep, anxiety, and mood are closely connected, better sleep often eases co-occurring anxiety and depression along the way.
HOW ELSE I CAN HELP
Whatever brought you here, you're in the right place.
Alongside sleep, I provide therapy across a wide range of concerns — so wherever you're starting from, we can find a way forward together.
Anxiety & Stress
Using CBT and mindfulness, we identify the thoughts fueling the worry and build practical skills to calm your body and quiet the mental noise.
Depression
Through CBT and behavioral activation, we gently challenge the thinking that keeps you stuck and rebuild momentum, energy, and connection.
Men's Health
Drawing on motivational interviewing, we work with your own reasons for change around stress, identity, and life transitions.
Couples & Relationships
Using Choice Theory, we focus on understanding each other's core needs and the daily choices that bring you closer.
LGBTQ+ Affirming Care
I offer a safe, welcoming space where you can be yourself — met with empathy, warmth, and genuine positive regard for who you are and who you love.
Work & Life Stress
With CBT and mindfulness, we set healthier boundaries and build practical tools to protect your focus and energy.
Grief & Loss
Rather than "moving on," we use acceptance-based and mindfulness approaches to make room for grief while reconnecting with meaning.
Trauma & PTSD
Using trauma-informed CBT and grounding skills, we help you process painful experiences and restore a sense of safety, at a pace that feels safe to you.
GROUNDED IN WHAT WORKS
These concerns respond well to proven, practical methods. I draw on established, evidence-based approaches — chosen to fit you and what you're working on:
ABOUT LUIS
Practical, evidence-based care — tailored to you.
I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine, with a master's in clinical psychology from the University of Houston–Clear Lake. My primary specialty is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).
Alongside sleep, I also work with anxiety disorders, major depression, couples, men's health, LGBTQ+ concerns, and stress management. All sessions are held in person. Whatever brings you in, my aim is the same: practical, evidence-based care, tailored to you and the life you're working toward.
GETTING STARTED
Reaching out is the hardest part. Here's what happens next.
Step 01
Reach Out
Call or email me, and I’ll get back to you within the next business day.
Step 02
Brief consult
We’ll have a conversation to make sure it feels like the right fit before we schedule
Step 03
Begin
I’ll send you a link to register in my secure, HIPAA-compliant portal, where you’ll electronically sign the consent forms and complete a brief intake history. From there, you’ll have access to my calendar to book your first appointment.
FEES & INSURANCE
Clear, straightforward, and worth the investment.
HSA and FSA cards, major credit cards, and cash accepted.
In-network with
- Optum
- UnitedHealthcare
- Aetna
- Carelon Behavioral Health
- Lyra Health
Out-of-network? Ask about a superbill for possible reimbursement through your plan.
GET IN TOUCH
Let’s find a time to talk.
Reach out by phone or email and I'll get back to you personally. My practice is in-person only, held in Houston's Museum District. Virtual sessions are offered upon need or during inclement weather, illness, or times of crisis.
PHONE
(713) 529-6555
counseling@luispenalpc.com
OFFICE
4306 Yoakum Blvd, Ste 538 Houston, TX 77006