Find a Licensed Online Therapist in Ruidoso Downs, NM

Hello! My name is Laurissa Bustillos and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families. The decision to seek therapy is a courageous first step toward change, and I want to acknowledge the strength it takes to begin this journey. If you are struggling with anxiety, weighed down by persistent sadness, or navigating a difficult life transition, you don't have to carry that burden alone. I am here to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can be truly seen and heard. In our work together, I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role is to be your supportive guide, helping you connect with your inner wisdom and resilience. I approach therapy as a collaborative partnership, where we will explore what's not working, uncover your unique strengths, and develop practical strategies to help you move toward a more fulfilling life.

My specialty & love are helping individuals at transition points of their lives, with a focus from Adolescence to Mid-life and beyond. These are times of dealing with many changes in one's life. These changes may include family, friends, and your role in community. This is also a time when we are surrounded with "Transition Myths" i.e.; How we SHOULD be feeling, acting and thinking. Some of these are Memory Loss, Depression, Anxiety, Physical Fitness, Sexuality, and being Neurodivergent! My goals are to educate and separate myth from fact while helping YOU ease life's transitions so YOU can continue YOUR life with new hopes and dreams, respect and dignity. Each person is UNIQUE! Issues are NOT AGE SPECIFIC and can impact ANYONE at ANY age! With advanced education & experience, I offer Memory Loss & Cognitive functioning assessments. Not all memory loss is permanent. Let me help you down this journey. And I promise, while some professionals may hand you a diagnosis and walk away, I will provide you with all the research and resources I have to offer and will help you look for more answers. People should never have to go through life and hardships alone. One of my newer areas of focus, which was a great unmet need, has been providing counseling for those who have lost a "4-legged" family member. This is an area that I receive referrals not only from veterinarians but also family doctors and OB/GYNs, "I am referring Mrs. Smith as she recently lost her only child...her child was her 20 year old cat, Roxie..." I offer counseling for Pet Grief & Loss. Some individuals have family members with 4 legs vs 2. Those losses are devastating as well and rarely understood by the general public. I have been providing counseling to individuals, couples and families from many races, religions, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds for over 30 years. I work with preteens to those over 100 years young. I have provided therapy in my office, in individual homes, in schools and in retirement communities, nursing homes and hospitals. I have provided instructional in-services on cultural awareness and aging issues. I have set up memory clinics and performed routine depression and anxiety assessments. For me, helping people live better lives has always been what I am about. It is a gift I share every moment of every day. As an older, more "SEASONED" therapist, I have been where many of you are and survived. It has not been easy. I can tell you that with each action comes not one but many reactions and in many areas. My father was the highlight of not only my life but all the lives he interacted with. He was a teacher and elementary school principal. He saw everyone with the same lens and stuck up for the kids picked on. After school, he would give no charge swim lessons to neighborhood kids who were in need. He had cancer in his 30's and only had a 5% chance of beating it, back then, but he did. He lived till age 45 and died suddenly during a vacation with my mother and my little 7 year old brother. I was 25. Even though it was summer break and most teachers and principals were on vacation, the mortuary was standing room only, inside and out. I have a little brother born when I was a senior in High School. Another highlight of my life. He was always athletic, going to the Hood River in Oregon, when he was a young teen, to compete in the Junior Windsurfing Olympics. He is now a full professor at a state college. He does research in cardiac and ultramarathons. My sister, 18 months younger than I was born blue and had seizures all her life. She died suddenly of seizure and heart attack before the age of 50. My mother was a highly educated strong woman who would never give up the fight. However after watching 2 husbands die, one suddenly in front of her, her youngest daughter die suddenly before she was 50 and then one by one, all of her other family members at home, Great Pyrenees and New Foundlands, died. After that, mom gave up the will to live and died within a few years of a broken heart (even though she would never admit it). I divorced my husband after 50 years, I experienced many areas of stigma, prejudice, shame, loss of friends and family and many other areas of life we often take for granted. Being married to 1 person for 50 years was not always easy, but we made it, just not to 51, good and not so good. I developed tools along the way to cope for me and us. Tools you may also need to develop for you and yours. It was a journey that has been heart wrenching but I can guarantee you that this event(the divorce) like the other traumatic events in my life and other successes in life, they have been identified, dealt with. The constant, "ON THE JOB TRAINING" allows me to offer a more empathetic and knowledgeable therapist for my clients. Not all relationships can be saved in the way we wish. Some need to be reevaluated and redefined. I am here to assist you in whatever way YOU CHOSE and support YOU IN YOUR DECISION. And yes, I have gone to therapy to have a neutral third party to help me navigate my future courses. True, I have the formal education and life experiences as well as a "Dr's Bag" full of information and skills, but sometimes all of us need someone on the outside to truly listen, validate and help us navigate through the storms. Take care and Keep in touch. Dr Michaela Hammer

As a licensed therapist in Texas and New Mexico, I bring 15 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My approach is compassionate and holistic, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. I offer a welcoming space for clients from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals, older adults, and those navigating significant life transitions. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients explore deep personal growth, addressing issues like social anxiety, isolation, relationship dynamics, and self-worth. I understand the intricate connections between mental health, life purpose, and personal healing. Whether you're struggling with workplace stress, relationship challenges, or seeking to understand yourself more deeply, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. I draw from evidence-based practices to support clients in developing healthier coping strategies, improving communication, and building resilience. My goal is to create a supportive environment where you can explore your experiences, challenge limiting beliefs, and move towards meaningful personal transformation.

Hello ; My name is Garry Cowles and I am a New Mexico Licensed Clinical Counselor. I have 48 years working as a counselor. I began my counseling career working with emotional distressed children who were committed to residential treatment because of their violent behaviors. I spent most of my career assisting incarcerated clients reestablish themselves with their families and in the community with appropriate relationships and effective vocational and educational goals. I have focused on helping individuals with anger management, substance abuse, relationship issues, depression, and anxiety. I use a non judgmental client centered solution focused cognitive approach to assist you in making and following through with effective life decisions. Specialties Anger Management Substance Abuse Relationship Issues Depression Anxiety Foster Parenting

Hello, my name is Craig. I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of New Mexico with over five years of experience working as social worker in the medical field and in my private practice. My community is tri-ethnic and I have worked with many people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including, but not limited to, persons from Indigenous and Hispanic heritages. My work in the medical field has also brought me experience working with others who have a wide range of concerns including chronic illness, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and financial concerns. My counseling style is open, warm, and inviting. My goal is to work in tandem with clients and provide a safe and non-judgmental environment. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, understanding, and patience. I believe that everyone possesses the answers that they seek within in, but sometimes they need some gentle assistance to lead them to those answers that they seek. I am a practitioner and strong believer in using solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic, and psychodynamic therapy to address your specific and unique needs. I also believe that therapy is not cookie cutter or one size fits all, and I will ensure that you receive a treatment plan and dialogue which is directly catered for you. It takes courage to seek treatment and I commend you for taking action and self-care, so that you may live a more fulfilling and happier life filled with growth and positive change. I am here for you, ready to be of service, support, and empowerment. I look forward to working with you!

Bruce Lindsey is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW/MSW) based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 2000, he earned his Master of Social Work degree with honors at Simmons University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Gettysburg College from 1996. He has practiced in Massachusetts and New Mexico. Bruce has more than 24 years of diverse practice experience. He has worked with individuals, families, and couples. Bruce has worked in public school systems for 12 years, with the justice system and residential treatment facilities for 12 years, and in outpatient therapy for 13 years. He has concentrated experience with special needs including Autism, chronic mental health disorders, trauma, substance abuse,and foster care. Mr. Lindsey's personal experience with dyslexia/dysgraphia gives him a unique empathy and insight into Specific Learning Disabilities.

Hello! My name is Elena and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my Bachelor Degree in Individualized Studies with an emphasis in Community Health/Education Psychology and my Master in Social Work . I have worked with diverse populations in different settings to include; School Social Work, Outpatient Adult Therapy, Behavioral Health Provider (high school based), and a Domestic Violence Counselor. I have provided therapy to individuals who have faced a variety of life challenges such as, relationship issues, self-harm/suicidal ideation, self-esteem issues, domestic violence, stress management, anxiety, depression and much more. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based approaches, solution focused techniques, and mindfulness practices. I strive to provide a warm, welcoming, and relaxed safe space. My focus is to ensure that you feel heard and respected. I believe having an authentic therapeutic relationship with honesty at the foundation, is key to your journey! I consider you to be the expert on your life; my role is to support and guide you, drawing from your strengths and empowering you to overcome challenges and attain personal growth! Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try, I am here to walk beside you!

I am a Clinical Mental Health Therapist with over 16 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families in community mental health, educational and private practice settings. Prior to that, I spent 20 years in pastoral ministry. I completed my Masters in Counseling Psychology in 2008 from Northwestern Oklahoma State University, and soon after moved to Northwest New Mexico/Southwest Colorado. My professional experience includes: Administrator of a Residential Treatment Center, Clinical Administrator for Children's Behavioral Health, Student Assistance Coordinator for a school district, Visiting Professor at a School of Social Work, Private Practice, Outpatient Clinical Manager, Health Services Coordinator for a school district, and Integrated Behavioral Health Provider in a family medical practice setting. In addition to working with high risk/high needs children and adolescents, I work primarily with trauma as well as anxiety and depression. I also serve as a Certified First Responder Counselor. My counseling approach is collaborative and skill based from the perspective that people aren't "broken" and need to be "fixed" and instead are seeking to improve their lives to be stronger and healthier. My role then becomes a guide and companion on the alternative life journey that people choose. The first step on your new journey has been taken by reaching out for help. I look forward to traveling along that journey with you for a while.

Hello, My Name is Edward I am a fully licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 10 Years of experience working with individuals that are or have been suffering from Mental Health or Substance issues. Issues ranging from I also have experience in Grief and Loss. I am called to serve, empower, and help people heal to become their best selves. I have followed my passion to assist people in thriving using Evidence-based modalities and techniques proven to be effective. I have worked various human service capabilities such as Acute Behavioral Case Manager Therapist, Medical/Hospital Social Worker, Family Consultant, Hospice and Bereavement Grief Specialist Social Worker. Responsibilities included conducting psychosocial assessments, coordinating care, providing counseling and psychotherapy, intervening in client crisis situations, and educating patients and families about their treatment plan and the resources and support systems that are available to them. Implementing interventions and counseling practices using patient-centered, strengths-based strategies with empathetic care and compassion. SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Relationship issues Self-esteem Depression Coping with life changes Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy Also experienced in: Family conflicts, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Coping with life changes, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Caregiver Issues and Stress, Codependency SERVICES OFFERED MESSAGING LIVE CHAT PHONE VIDEO LICENSING LCSW # C 12082 (Expires: 2023-07-01) Years of Experience: 10 Years of Experience: 10

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and I have been counseling individuals for 20+ years. My education and training include a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a Masters of Science degree in Counseling from the University of the Southwest. My experience with diverse participants has allowed me to acquire the therapeutic and coaching skills needed to work effectively with adults from all walks of life to address a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, grief and loss, trauma, as well as important life transitions. I treat individuals with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I utilize evidenced based trauma informed approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy in a positive and optimistic atmosphere. I provide the support needed to share, become aware and address life challenges in a way that result in a client driven individualized treatment plan designed to meet your unique and specific needs. I recognize the strength it takes to strive towards securing a more balanced and fulfilling life. Especially, the courage you exhibited by taking the first steps towards seeking help. That is why, I am here to support you on your journey. Carrie Cooper, MS, LPCC

I am licensed in New Mexico with 24 years of clinical work and 39 years of Relationship Coaching experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in New Mexico with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & anger management. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Connecticut with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, depression and other life issues. I operate from a mental wellness perspective as opposed to a mental illness perspective. This means that you, the client must be seeking mental wellness and believe that it is possible. If you have been told that you are damaged, broken, or defective and you prefer not to view yourself that way I can help. I teach clients how they are creating their moment to moment experience using three universal concepts of mind, consciousness, and thought. When clients are able to realize how they are creating their painful experience of life, they become able to stop doing that. They experience a dramatic paradigm shift that empowers them to be happier, more content and peaceful than they ever imagined possible. *** This is not to deny that you are currently having or have had very painful experiences. It is an invitation see something new that can empower you to move forward with a calm and clear confidence.

As a dedicated therapist with a decade of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients develop self-compassion, overcome social anxiety, and explore life purpose with genuine empathy and understanding. I work collaboratively with individuals facing challenges like workplace stress, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and personal identity exploration. My therapeutic practice is deeply rooted in creating a supportive environment where clients can authentically examine their experiences, build resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. My expertise spans diverse areas including stress management, relationship healing, self-esteem development, and multicultural sensitivity. I'm committed to meeting each person exactly where they are, offering compassionate guidance that honors their unique journey and inherent strengths. Through evidence-based practices and a person-centered approach, I aim to help clients transform challenging emotions, develop healthier coping strategies, and move towards a more fulfilling, balanced life.