Areas of Specialty
Depression
Mood Disorders
Anxiety/Panic/OCD
Trauma/PTSD
Health, Medical or Dental Procedure fears
Chronic Disease Management (stress related to various medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, COPD, etc)
Sleep problems
Coping with Chronic Pain
Substance abuse and other addictions (gambling, cybersex, gaming)
Marital/Relationship problems
Geriatric Cognitive Assessments
Immigration Evaluations
Insurance Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Medicare Part B
Please note, Dr. Laura Avila provides telehealth services only.
with Wright Wellness since 2020
I am a clinical psychologist with a special interest in health and wellness, both physical and emotional. I completed a PhD in clinical psychology from Northern Illinois University in 2002. My training includes an internship at Hines Veterans Administration in Illinois, and a fellowship in Health Psychology at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. These opportunities allowed me to specialize in the treatment of trauma, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, substance abuse, insomnia, and stress. I completed rotations in the treatment of PTSD, substance abuse, and psych-oncology. I have also completed specialized training in Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy, evidence-based therapies for the treatment of PTSD. During my fellowship year, I worked alongside other disciplines, including physicians, physical therapists, nutritionists, and chaplains to assist patients in managing their health-related problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, smoking cessation, geriatric cognitive assessment and caregiver support, and chronic pain. More recently, I completed a master’s degree in psychopharmacology. This has allowed me to consult with patients and their physicians on medications used to treat psychological symptoms.
I have enjoyed working with medical populations as this has deepened my understanding of the mind-body connection, particularly how health conditions can contribute to emotional problems and how emotional problems can contribute to health conditions. Put simply, our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors contribute to our physical health and vice versa. For example, managing diabetes can be very stressful and contribute to anxiety. Depression can worsen the experience of migraines, and stress can interfere with the management of irritable bowel syndrome. My primary therapeutic approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy as there is significant research to support its effectiveness in treating a wide variety of problems, and it fits well within the mind-body connection framework. Other therapies I have found helpful include relaxation techniques, psychoeducation, mindfulness, problem-solving strategies, motivational interviewing, faith-based counseling, and supportive therapy. I find it important to stay up-to-date with the latest research in clinical psychology and health psychology topics through workshops, conferences, and independent reading.
I believe very strongly that there is always hope. Throughout my years in practice, I have seen people in the worst seasons of their lives, experience change, healing, and a renewed purpose for life. Although we may not always be able to choose or change our current circumstances, we are able to choose how we think about, manage, and cope with our circumstances which can lead to a change in our quality of life and overall wellness.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and children. Our family stays active with community and church activities. We particularly enjoy traveling and visiting national parks, lakes, and zoos.