Matthew Balli, LPC-Associate, LCDC-I

Matthew Balli is a compassionate and dedicated therapist who specializes in working with children, teens, and adults. With a Master’s degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and years of hands-on experience, Matthew brings a wealth of knowledge and a heartfelt commitment to supporting individuals and families through life’s challenges. His approach is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and a deep belief in the potential for growth and healing in every person.

Matthew is highly trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), having received personal training and supervision from Dr. Sylvia Gearing and GearingUP’s DBT Team. He also has extensive experience applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based techniques to help families, parents, and their children and teens achieve meaningful and lasting results. Whether he’s guiding parents through challenging family dynamics or helping young clients build emotional resilience, Matthew’s clinical skills and warm, supportive approach make him a trusted ally in the therapeutic process.

Matthew’s professional journey reflects his passion for helping others. He has served as a School Recovery Counselor and Peer Recovery Counselor, providing individual and group therapy to students and families, and has worked extensively in case management and crisis intervention within school settings. His experience includes coordinating mental health services, advocating for mental health awareness, and leading educational presentations on topics such as suicide prevention and trauma-informed care. Matthew’s ability to connect with individuals of all ages—whether through one-on-one sessions, group activities, or community outreach—has made him a trusted and effective counselor.

Beyond his clinical work, Matthew has a rich background in community engagement and youth development. He has taught chess, guitar, and sign language to children, supervised summer programs, and organized recreational activities and retreats for young people. These experiences have honed his ability to create safe, supportive, and enriching environments where individuals can thrive.

Matthew is deeply committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those he serves. Whether he’s working with a child navigating emotional challenges, a teen building resilience, or an adult seeking personal growth, Matthew’s warm and professional demeanor ensures that every client feels heard, valued, and empowered.

When he’s not working, Matthew enjoys staying active in his community and continues to advocate for mental health awareness and accessibility. His dedication to helping others, combined with his extensive training and experience, makes him a trusted partner in the journey toward healing and well-being.

Matthew’s Experience Includes:

• Child Individual Therapy
• Adolescent Individual Therapy
• Adult Individual Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Patient Assessment
• Mood Disorders (Depression/Anxiety)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Complex Trauma Disorder
• Bipolar Disorders
• Phobias
• Panic Attacks
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
• Anger Management
• Grief and Loss

Specialized Training In:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Among Matthew’s many accomplishments are the following:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation Services from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
• Master’s in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
• Licensed Professional Counselor – Associate in Texas
• Under supervision with Melissa Woods, LPC-S