Grow With Confidence. Connect With Purpose.
Move Forward - Together.

I help individuals, families, and organizations turn insight into practical growth, building greater confidence, stronger connections, and a clearer path forward.

Author · Coach · Speaker · Consultant · LPC · LMFT

Meet James Castro

Helping Clients Flourish and Thrive

James Castro has been a licensed counselor and therapist since 1999, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy. He obtained his Master's degree in this field from St. Mary's University, and is widely recognized as a leading expert in his profession. Known for his empathetic counseling style, James takes his clients past the obvious ‘positive self talk’ and leads them to a place of ‘knowing’ they will overcome their challenges.

  • With decades of experience, James has the expertise to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to discuss their concerns. His approach is empowering & educational, allowing the development of healthy coping mechanisms to overcome obstacles, therefore leading to a more fulfilling life.

  • James works with a wide range of clients, including adolescents, adults, couples, and families, and his experience spans a variety of issues. From minor personal problems to severe mental health concerns, James has helped clients navigate addictions, criminal justice issues, psychiatric hospitalizations, abandonment, abuse, and loss.

    Above all, James is committed to helping his clients achieve personal growth, self-discovery, and new opportunities.

  • James’s years of experience as a therapist laid the groundwork for his debut book, Hand in Hand: Growing Up Together. From there, his work naturally expanded into coaching, speaking, and consulting.

    Hand in Hand brings practical tools to adults, parents, and teens to build confidence, strengthen communication, deepen connection, and create healthier, happier lives.

Ways to Work With James

Through coaching, speaking, consulting, and counseling, James helps individuals, families, and organizations build confidence, strengthen communication, and create meaningful, lasting growth.

COACHING
SPEAKING
CONSULTING
COUNSELING

HAND IN HAND

Growing Up, Together: 12 Themes for Parents and Teens to Thrive.

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO BUILDING RESILIENT CONFIDENCE.

  • "Growing Up Together" is a month-by-month emotional growth guide designed for parents and teens to build resilience, communication, and confidence—together. Each chapter explores a core emotional skill through science-backed insights, weekly action steps, and meaningful conversations, helping families navigate the teenage years with clarity and connection.

  • Blending psychology, real-life tools, and reflective practices, this book empowers parents and teens to understand themselves and each other. From gratitude and emotions to motivation and technology, each section is designed to spark lasting transformation through shared learning and honest dialogue.

Buy Now

  • James at Conscious Health has been a true blessing.  In only a few sessions he has really helped transform our family dynamic in a purely positive way.  I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for clarity in their relationships and/or personal guidance and growth.  I have recommended him to many of my friends and colleagues and will continue to do so.  

    Client

  • James has been a terrific leader and provider of mental health services over the years in Bexar County. Any time I made a referral to him I was always confident the child and family would receive exceptional services.

    Associate Judge Charles Montemayor | Bexar County Children’s Court Division

  • I’ve known James for over ten years because of our initial involvement with non-profit businesses together. In all his decisions he puts the client first, seeking how to offer the best in quality, compassionate care. This is his constant pursuit for others.

    Founder/CEO, SAMSAT (San Antonio Museum of Science & Technology)

  • James believes in the purpose of helping children in need. He demonstrates a deep commitment to serving with integrity and with a deep knowledge of foster care and behavioral health services.

    Jeffrey L. Smith, D.C., LCPAA | Executive Director Therapeutic Family Life

  • James helped me tremendously get organized and reduce the clutter in my home. I didn't even know where to start.

    C.M. / Senior Relational Client

  • I always found James to be a visionary leader, organized executive and knowledgeable and passionate advocate for children in the foster care system. James truly made a significant impact. I have no doubt he will continue to make a difference in the lives of local children and families.

    Joanna Weidman | Senior Vice President, NuStar

  • James helped me overcome limiting beliefs and grow further than I could have imagined. His insight and compassion, coupled with his unique perspectives guided me around obstacles I've struggled with for decades.

    Coaching Client

Coaching Vs Counseling

Coaching is future-focused and action-oriented. It helps individuals clarify goals, build confidence, strengthen communication, develop healthier habits, and take practical steps toward meaningful growth.

Counseling is a licensed clinical service designed to help individuals, couples, and families address emotional, relational, behavioral, or mental-health concerns through assessment, treatment, and therapeutic support.

Who Counseling Is For?

  • Adolescents experiencing emotional, behavioral, or mental-health concerns

  • Adults working through anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or significant life challenges

  • Couples experiencing conflict, disconnection, or relationship difficulties

  • Families facing ongoing relational or communication concerns

  • Individuals who need licensed clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment

  • Those working through deeper patterns, past experiences, or emotional distress

  • Anyone whose needs extend beyond goal-focused coaching and require therapeutic support

Who Coaching Is For?

  • Adults seeking greater clarity, confidence, or direction

  • Parents wanting stronger communication and healthier relationships with their teens

  • Teens working on confidence, motivation, responsibility, or independence

  • Parents and teens who want to grow together and improve connection

  • Individuals navigating change, transition, or new goals

  • Leaders looking to strengthen communication, self-awareness, and effectiveness

  • Anyone ready to turn insight into practical action and forward progress

Client Rights + Fee Structure

COUNSELING:

Fees for counseling sessions and executive consulting services vary depending upon the circumstances, with emergency sessions and telephone consultations available at additional costs.

  • Clients are responsible for paying fees at the time of service, regardless of insurance policies, and are expected to give at least 24 hours' notice for appointment cancellations. Short notice cancellations or no-shows are subject to a $75 fee. There is also a $35 fee for returned checks.

  • Professional services such as consulting and records preparation are available at $40 per 15 minutes, with legal-related work requiring a $500 retainer.

  • Clients are responsible for paying fees at the time of service, regardless of insurance policies. Payment can be made by cash, personal checks, or Venmo. Please note, all fees are subject to change and will be made known prior to payment deadlines.

  • If you want your records, you can request them by emailing or mailing me a letter and requesting them.  When you reach out, please be sure to include your contact information so that I can fulfill your request in a timely manner.

  • If you have questions about the treatment you received from me, or any behavioral health provider, you can reach out to the professional Behavioral Health Executive Counsel (BHEC) to learn more about the rules and even file a complaint if that is what feels right.

  • In addition to being able to reach out to BHEC to file a professional complaint, you have the ability to reach out to the Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protectionwebsite.  You can reach out to them any time you feel as though a business has not done what they claim they would.