LGBT therapists in Surprise, AZ

I provide individual therapy services for adults experiencing general mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, health issues, relational issues, grief, life transitions, trauma, and/or abuse. ​My degrees include a BA in Psychology from UCSB, a Masters of Education in Counselor Education from ASU, and a PhD in Counseling Psychology from ASU. I completed an APA-Accredited Doctoral Internship in Psychology and a Postdoctoral Psychology Residency with at UC Davis.

Hi, I’m Breecole Valdez! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and the owner of Moods Counseling Services. I earned my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2018 and have since dedicated myself to helping people navigate mental health challenges with compassion, understanding, and a down-to-earth vibe. My experience includes leading mental health and DBT IOP groups at Aurora Behavioral Health, and interning at Healthy Futures in Scottsdale.

I am a double board-certified Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience across the continuum of psychiatric care, including acute psychiatric emergencies, inpatient and outpatient psychiatry, geriatric mental health, intellectual and developmental disability services, and healthcare management. I hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and am currently completing my Doctorate, reflecting my ongoing commitment to clinical excellence, evidence-based practice, and lifelong learning.

Throughout my career, I have worked with individuals and families navigating a wide range of psychiatric conditions, from situational anxiety and depression to severe and persistent mental illness. My clinical experience includes extensive work with schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma-related conditions, and mood instability across the lifespan. I am particularly experienced in caring for geriatric patients, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and patients with complex medication regimens requiring careful evaluation, simplification, and long-term stabilization.

I also work closely with college-aged patients and adults who are navigating academic pressure, career transitions, family dynamics, identity development, and the cumulative stressors that can emerge during periods of high responsibility or change. Many of my patients are high-functioning individuals who appear “put together” on the outside but struggle internally with anxiety, rumination, intrusive thoughts, emotional dysregulation, or burnout. Others are managing chronic psychiatric illness while striving to maintain independence, relationships, and quality of life.

I work best with driven people experiencing a big change. Perhaps, despite your best efforts, things aren’t working out as you’d hoped. Or perhaps you’ve gotten all you wanted and it doesn’t satisfy. I work often with D1 athletes & pros (as well as their family members). I love supporting the romantic partners of people in the public eye. Though I often work with athletes I am not a Sports Psych. In fact, I don’t even follow sports! I’m here for the rest of your life and identity.

Christopher has over 10 years of experience working with adolescents and adults struggling with a variety of life stressors including LGBTQ+ issues, chemical dependency, depression and anxiety. He also has extensive experience working with neurodiversity, eating disorders, and PTSD.