Voted 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 Best Counselor in Otero County
Ana Rodriguez, MSSW, LCSW (She/Her)
⭐ Social Work Board Approved Supervisor ⭐
⭐ Counseling and Therapy Practice Board Approved Supervisor ⭐
...is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of New Mexico. Her undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University is in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Welfare and Gender Studies. She completed her Master of Science in Social Work at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Ana currently works as a social worker and therapist in a behavioral medicine unit and serves as the primary therapist working with active duty service members. Ana emphasizes a multicultural and integrative approach to counseling. She has experience working with those with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma-related disorders, and management of stress and times of transition. She has additional experience working with survivors of domestic violence. Ana utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and other modalities to assist you in your journey to healing and wellness.
Nala
Therapy Bunny & Chief Comfort Officer
Nala is a 4-year-old Lionhead / Netherland Dwarf bunny who has been an important member of the Open Minds Healing and Recovery team since March 2022. As the office’s official Chief Comfort Officer, Nala specializes in greeting visitors, warming hearts, and making therapy feel a little less scary.
Nala frequently joins sessions with the children who come to see his human, Evelyn. With his calm presence, soft fur, and excellent listening skills, he helps children feel safe, relaxed, and more comfortable during their time in therapy.
Although his primary office is with Evelyn, Nala occasionally makes special visits to other therapists’ offices when his comfort services are needed, spreading calm and bunny cheer throughout the agency.
He also considers himself a mindfulness expert, often reminding everyone of the importance of slowing down, taking a deep breath, and enjoying quiet moments—especially if those moments include gentle pets and attention.
When he’s off duty, Nala enjoys zooming around the office, exploring cardboard boxes, taking well-deserved naps, and snacking on his favorite bunny treats.
Nala would like everyone to remember:
“Everybunny needs somebunny sometimes… and I’m all ears.”
Note: Nala is happy to participate in sessions when appropriate and with client consent.
Tera Uhl, LPCC
...has a Master's of Counseling and Educational Psychology degree from New Mexico State University. She has been working as a Clinical Counselor since 2011. Tera has experience working in inpatient settings doing individual and group therapy for adults and children. She worked as a Treatment Foster Care therapist for 5 years specializing in trauma informed care for children 5-21 years of age. Currently, Tera is a counselor for Las Cruces Public Schools where she has been for 4 years. Tera has experience working with those with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma related disorders as well as various crisis situations.
Naomi Lopez, LMSW (She/Her)
...is a Licensed Master Social Worker with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals across New Mexico. She earned both her Bachelor’s (2009) and Master’s (2013) degrees in Social Work from New Mexico State University. Naomi has worked with adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families in a wide range of community and clinical settings, including inpatient behavioral health, state care systems, correctional facilities, and with survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence.
Jo Sims, LPCC (She/Her)
Counseling and Therapy Practice Board Approved Supervisor
...is a graduate of University of the Southwest graduating with a Masters of Science with an emphasis in Mental Health Counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and out lead therapist in Las Cruces, NM. She received her undergraduate degrees in history and psychology from New Mexico State University. During this time Ms. Kirkpatrick discovered an interest in law and pursued a masters degree in Forensic Psychology from Argosy University. Once this was accomplished Ms. Kirkpatrick also attained a masters degree in mental health counseling. As a counselor Ms. Kirkpatrick has had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients in an inpatient, partial hospitalization, and outpatient setting. Her clinical experience includes counseling adults, adolescents, and children. She also has knowledge and training in mental health, substance use, co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, and bipolar disorder. Since graduation Ms. Kirkpatrick has had the opportunity to receive training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. Ms. Kirkpatrick utilizes several treatment modalities and evidence-based therapeutic interventions to help clients achieve the goals they are searching for.
Aurora Álvarez, MSW, LCSW (She/Her)
…is a licensed as a Clinical Social Worker as well as a bilingual therapist serving families and adults with behavioral health services. Also, I am committed to providing individual and family psychotherapy with a multicultural sensitive, inclusive and LGBTQ affirming lens with therapeutic underpinnings that include attachment based, neuro-diverse and trauma-responsive approaches. Furthermore, I am currently providing online behavioral health services (telehealth) for residents of New Mexico as well as home and office-based visits to the residents located in Las Cruces, NM. I have a passion for working with parents raising toddlers who are seeking to have support and encouragement in creating a safe and secure attachment. But as a clinician I’m also dedicated and honored to offering to families, adolescents and adults guidance and a curious stance to explore how to have stronger and genuine relationships with each other and with themselves. As a daughter of Mexican immigrant parents and a daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, I am very familiar with the unique stressors of Latinx and military families as they build their lives within very challenging situations they may encounter within the community. I strive to provide to my clients and families a positive, mutually competent and caring approach with empathetic communication where ruptures within the therapeutic relationship are handled with clear responsibility and genuine repair. My direct practice and clinical training include trauma informed practices, trauma responsive systems, attachment throughout the lifespan, infant mental health, early intervention, early childhood development, LGBTQ affirming, child welfare, holistic and energy approaches.
SE HABLA ESPAÑOL
Krystle Williams, MSW, LCSW (She/Her)
... is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She completed her Master’s in Social Work with a specialization in substance abuse counseling in 2009, followed by a Master’s in Communication with an emphasis in interpersonal communication in 2010. Krystle has practiced as a therapist to assist individuals and families regarding issues related to depression, anxiety, conflict management, domestic violence, mood disorders and substance abuse. Most recently Krystle has worked in the medical field assisting individuals and families to cope with complex medical issues, past and recent cancer diagnoses, grief and loss of loved ones, life course planning and crisis intervention. Krystle is dedicated to supporting any individual who is struggling with the complexity of life’s circumstances.
Whitney Katzenbach, LPCC (She/Her)
⭐ Counseling and Therapy Practice Board Approved Supervisor ⭐
... is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in the state of New Mexico. Whitney has always had a love and passion to help others. She is committed to assisting her clients with change and improving their overall life. Whitney has experience working in private practice, partial hospitalization programs, on behavioral health units, and psychiatric hospitals. She works with a wide range of ages (13+) and diagnoses (anxiety, depression, addiction, bipolar, schizophrenia, PTSD, etc). Whitney is also certified in the trauma therapy known as Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She strives to provide support, empathy, and encouragement along the healing journey. Whitney has been a military spouse for 14 years and has had the opportunity to live all over the world. Those experiences have exposed her to multiple cultures and belief systems. Whitney enjoys learning and growing with her clients.
Tacy Perkins, LPCC, LADAC (NM); LPC, LCDC (TX); NCC
...has worked as a counselor serving client populations with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders since 2015. She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor in New Mexico. She is also a Licensed
Professional Counselor and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor in Texas. She earned a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston—Downtown in 2010. In 2021, she earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella
University. Tacy has experience working with justice-involved adult clients with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders in residential and outpatient treatment settings. She has
provided services such as crisis intervention, assessment and diagnosis, treatment planning, individual psychotherapy, and group therapy facilitation and curriculum development. She works with adults ages 18 and older.
Tacy's primary treatment approach is Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. She completed Level 1 and Level 2 trainings with the IFS Institute and has volunteered to be a program assistant for the IFS Institute multiple times to support other clinicians in learning the IFS model. She also participates in ongoing IFS consultation groups and completes several workshops and trainings each year to continue to grow in the IFS model. She is also in the process of becoming an IFS
Certified Therapist through the IFS Institute. These learning experiences allow Tacy to provide a non-pathologizing therapeutic space for clients to gain insight around their growing edges and to access resources within themselves to foster their own healing.
Tacy is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and is in the process of becoming an EMDR Certified Therapist through the EMDR International Association
(EMDRIA). She has completed EMDRIA-approved advanced training in integrating EMDR and IFS to support clients with PTSD, Complex-PTSD, and many other presenting issues. Tacy's clinical interests include the impacts of being a neurodivergent person living in neurotypical
spaces; the use of evidence-based and trauma-informed practices for the treatment of trauma and complex/relational trauma; the neurobiology of trauma, substance use disorders, and other
mental health disorders; and the effects of substance use disorders and other types of dysfunction on family systems.
Frances Dudley, LMSW (She/Her)
…is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Eastern New Mexico University in 2021 and her Master of Social Work from Western New Mexico University in 2023. Frances has experience working with a wide range of populations, including individuals affected by domestic violence, traumatic brain injury, personality disorders, PTSD, addictions, anxiety, depression, and infertility-related challenges. She approaches her work with empathy and understanding, particularly for individuals navigating infertility and various complex life stressors.
Frances has professional experience in the military, inpatient psychiatric care, and crisis intervention. She also serves as a Board Member of the New Mexico Brain Injury Alliance and has specialized training and knowledge in brain injury. Additionally, Frances is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and utilizes evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches to support healing and recovery.
Frances is committed to ongoing professional growth and expanding her expertise in effective therapeutic modalities to better serve her clients' diverse needs. She strives to prioritize each client’s care by fostering a therapeutic environment where individuals feel seen, respected, and valued as people—ensuring their experiences, identities, and voices remain central to the healing process.
Candance Clements, LCSW (She/Her)
...is Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a master’s degree in Social Work from Walden University, specializing in military families, active service members, and veterans. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from the University of West Florida.
As a military spouse for 16 years, Candance brings personal insight and empathy to the unique challenges faced by military communities. Her professional experience spans a wide range of populations, including juveniles in residential treatment, incarcerated adults, and clients in inpatient psychiatric settings.
Candance has provided both individual and group therapy and is trained in various evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), psychoeducation, and programs addressing stress, anger, conflict management, and substance abuse prevention and treatment. She integrates human behavior, the social environment and multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to provide compassionate, ethical and effective care.
In her free time, Candance enjoys reading, cross-stitching, and spending time with her husband Jeremy and their two dogs Lando and Cheech.
Crystal Cooley, LCSW (She/Her)
...with over 11 years of experience in the mental health field, Crystal Cooley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, and families through life’s challenges. Her professional journey includes eight years working in the foster care system, where she provided trauma-informed care and advocacy for children and families navigating complex transitions.
Crystal began her clinical work during her field placement in a substance abuse treatment setting, gaining hands-on experience in addiction recovery and relapse prevention. Over the past three years, she has worked in private practice, providing therapy to children, adults, and couples. She has experience providing couples counseling, helping partners improve communication, rebuild trust, and navigate conflict in healthier ways.
Her therapeutic approach is compassionate, strengths-based, and tailored to each client’s unique needs. Crystal utilizes evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, an effective treatment for processing trauma and distressing life experiences. By integrating these approaches, she supports clients in developing coping skills, building resilience, and creating meaningful change in their lives.
In addition to her broad clinical expertise, Crystal has experience working with military service members and their families, addressing the unique stressors and transitions related to military life.
She is passionate about creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to grow.
Hannah Richardson, LMSW (She/Her)
...is a dedicated and compassionate therapist with experience in helping individuals navigate life's challenges and achieve personal growth. Holding a master’s degree in social work from the University of Nevada, Reno, Hannah is a licensed therapist specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and a range of other therapeutic interventions.
Hannah is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for clients. Through a tailored approach, she focuses on empowering individuals by exploring their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to foster resilience and healing.
Hannah is passionate about working with a wide range of clients including adolescents and adults and is dedicated to continuous learning in innovative therapeutic techniques to better serve her clients. In addition to traditional therapy, she incorporates mindfulness and holistic practices to promote overall well-being.
When not working with clients, Hannah enjoys watching sports, hiking, and spending time with her family, which brings balance and harmony to her life.