Milstead & Associates Counseling Group is a collaborative collection of therapists who are invested in the overall wellbeing of our clients.
We serve a variety of populations in an open and accepting environment. We are available for individual, group, and couples counseling as well as crisis counseling and educational speaking engagements.
Contact us at 936.615.7927 for additional information or read about our therapists to decide who might be the best fit for your situation.
Brittany Brown Milstead, M.A., LPC-Supervisor (She/Her)
Offering sessions in person and online.
brittany@milsteadcounseling.com
Brittany is a Texas native who completed her undergraduate degree in psychology and communications at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene and her masters degree in Professional Counseling at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth.
She has over 10 years of professional experience working with individuals, couples, and families. Brittany works with many issues and disorders including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, depression, and anxiety.
In addition Brittany is an open and accepting therapist experienced in working with the LGBTQIA+ population specializing in Trans and Non-binary care.
Tristan Hathorn-Wilkins, M.A., LPC (He/Him)
Offering sessions in person and online.
tristan@milsteadcounseling.com
Tristan Hathorn-Wilkins is a Licensed Professional Counselor from Shelby County and Austin. He earned his MA in Professional Counseling from Texas State University in 2011, and has worked in a variety of treatment settings to find his passion- helping people who don’t match the mainstream find and learn to love who they really are. He specializes in individual and group treatment of adults & teens for gender and sexuality issues, anxiety, depression, grief, self-destructive behavior, chemical and behavioral addictions, and general mental health.
Tristan’s approach to therapy focuses on trying to help his clients understand what beliefs/ideas are bothering them and whether those beliefs/ideas are necessarily true and useful. Using authenticity, warmth, humor, and a variety of therapeutic techniques, he can create a comfortable environment to help clients guide him through their stories.
Tristan is also a non-binary transmasculine native of Center, TX. This combination has allowed him insight into the complexities of not fitting into established boxes, as well as insight into the problems faced by women, men, and the rest of us in today’s society. His goal in this gender liaison role is to facilitate his clients’ and others’ understanding and appreciation of themselves and those around them. (Please email for information about consultation with schools, workplaces, and churches.)
Grant Howarth, MA, LPC, MT-BC (He/Him)
Offering sessions online.
Grant is a Nacogdoches native, born and raised. He completed his undergraduate degree in Music Therapy through Sam Houston State University and his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Stephen F. Austin State University.
Grant’s passions lie in community activism and supportive services. He has experience working with Co-dependency, Trauma/PTSD, gerontology, and with neurodivergent individuals (including ADHD). He specializes in death/dying, grief, and loss as well as the LGBTQIA2+ community.
Grant’s therapeutic goal is to create a brave space for people to process, empower self-awareness, and cultivate a life story that best supports and serves their needs. By combining music therapy, gestalt therapy (cultivating awareness of self and environment), and narrative therapy (redefining the story you’ve told yourself), Grant hopes to support people as they learn and explore more about themselves.
Shelby Brown, M.A., LPC-Associate (She/Her)
Offering sessions in person and online
Shelby grew up in New Albany, MS, and has lived in Nacogdoches for the past six years. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi, and then went on to obtain her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Stephen F. Austin State University.
Shelby specializes in PTSD, sexual assault, domestic violence, anxiety and depression, and identity related issues. Specifically, she applies a person centered approach with cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help clients navigate the emotional complexities of trauma.
As a member/advocate of the LGBTQIA2+ community, she understands the importance of a judgement free environment. She strives to foster a safe space for her clients to begin healing, and achieving their goals. Her fervor for counseling resides in helping others recognize their value, despite any obstacles they might be facing.
As an LPC-Associate, Shelby practices under the direct supervision of Brittany Brown Milstead, M.A., LPC-S.
Carrel J. King, M.A., LPC-Associate (She/They)

Carrel, a New Jersey native, holds a B.A. in Integrative Philosophy with Anthropology from Wheaton College in Illinois. She actively participated in service-oriented organizations in Chicago, IL, and Pittsburgh, PA during her college years, reflecting her enduring commitment to social justice. Having resided in Texas for the past two decades, Carrel obtained an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Stephen F. Austin State University.
As a therapist, Carrel believes that improving mental health involves transforming our perspectives to navigate challenging emotions and situations more effectively. Through collaborative efforts, she empowers clients to address problems by acquiring skills that foster thoughtful responses rather than impulsive reactions to distressing circumstances. Carrel firmly believes that we are all striving to do our best with the knowledge we currently possess, while recognizing that continuous learning and growth are possible.
Carrel specializes in supporting individuals who have experienced distress or harm within faith-based institutions. She approaches this area with respect for each person’s faith, acknowledging its potential for positive impact. However, she also recognizes that many individuals struggle with the messages and experiences from such institutions. Carrel is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for recovery and healing in these cases.
As an LPC-Associate, Carrel practices under the direct supervision of Brittany Brown Milstead, M.A., LPC-S.