Serena Messina(She/Her/Hers)

Dr. Serena Messina is a licensed psychologist who provides psychotherapy and psychological assessment to children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. She has particular expertise in Therapeutic Assessment and offers services in person in Austin, Texas, as well as virtually in all PSYPACT-participating states.

Drawing on her international educational background—Dr. Messina holds two Ph.D.s in Psychology, one from Sapienza University of Rome and one from The University of Texas at Austin—she takes an integrative approach to therapy. Her work combines evidence-based behavioral approaches (such as CBT and ACT) aimed at symptom relief with deeper, insight-oriented work focused on understanding the emotional and relational roots of clients’ difficulties. Her diverse life and professional experiences allow her to connect empathically with clients from a wide range of backgrounds and with varied life experiences.

One of Dr. Messina’s core passions and areas of expertise is attachment theory, which she engages with both clinically and through research. This perspective informs her understanding of how early and ongoing relationships—with caregivers, partners, and close friends—shape emotional well-being. As an attachment-focused clinician, Dr. Messina helps clients explore their challenges within the context of their relational histories, identifying patterns that may contribute to current struggles as well as relationships that can serve as sources of support and resilience.

When working with children and adolescents, Dr. Messina views emotional and behavioral concerns within the context of the caregiver–child relationship. She actively involves caregivers in the therapeutic process, supporting the family as a whole in fostering meaningful and lasting change.

In addition to therapy, Dr. Messina has extensive expertise in psychological assessment. She provides comprehensive evaluations and thoughtfully integrates assessment tools into ongoing therapy when helpful, using them to deepen understanding and enhance the effectiveness of treatment.