Grief counselors and therapists in Kansas

My name is Marcelo Benalcazar. I am a father of four and a first generation son of two immigrants. I grew up in Topeka as a biracial/bicultural child and know all too well the feelings that come from being "different" than everyone else. In my free time I play video games (I have multiple systems and enjoy multiple genres), watch movies, read graphic novels, and LOVE all forms of music. Educationally I received my Associates Degree in Addictions Counseling from Kansas City Kansas Community College and my Bachelors and Masters from the University of Kansas where I graduated Cum Laude as an Integrated Behavioral Health Scholar. I am currently a dual licensed therapist with an LSCSW and an LMAC.

Life doesn't come with a roadmap — but building one is exactly what we do together.

I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 17 years of experience working with youth, adults, families, and military communities across school, clinical, and community settings. I've sat with people in some of the most demanding circumstances imaginable — from inpatient mental health facilities to active military bases — and I've learned that what helps most isn't a script. It's connection, clarity, and a practical plan that actually fits your life.

I grew up on a farm, where I learned early that hard work and determination lead to better outcomes. That belief has shaped every corner of my career — and how I show up for every person I work with.

Hello! I am Ellen Heckerman, LSCSW, I have 48 years' experience in counseling with families, and individuals, both adults and children. I enjoy helping clients become their best self and beginning to flourish. Some of the areas I specialize in are Family therapy, marital therapy, treating ADHD in adults and children, treating depression and anxiety, and adjustment disorders . I am a Christian counselor and I can work with you from a faith-based perspective if you like.

Hello! I am a licensed Clinical Social Work. I have been licensed for 15yrs and mental health is my passion. I graduated from New Mexico Highlands University School of Social Work. I specialize in anxiety disorders, depression, suicide ideation, and mental health crisis work.

I believe in meeting my clients where they're at. They are the expert in their own story. I'm just here to listen, help process, maybe challenge, and encourage them in their journey. I went to Newman University for my Master's Degree and went on to get my Clinical License. I have worked with varying populations including teens, adults, geriatrics, the prison population, couples counseling, and Christian Counseling. I enjoy working with people who have been through trauma or grief or have experienced anxiety or depression.

Hello, and welcome! I'm a licensed therapist with eight years of experience in the behavioral health field. I became fully licensed in 2021 and have enjoyed helping clients develop insight and change behaviors through their journey with me. I started my professional life as an educator in 2003, but life had a different path and I discovered my passion was to provide psychotherapy to individuals across the lifespan. I treat ages 10+ and assist individuals understand their moods, develop strategies to manage them, or simply provide a safe space and a listening ear.

As a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, I believe investing in your mental well-being can foster greater happiness, resilience, and stability. I look forward to helping you navigate your journey toward improved mental health.

For 30 years, I've worked inside schools alongside children and adolescents — as a social worker, an advocate, and someone who genuinely understands how young people think, struggle, and grow. I know what anxiety looks like in a middle schooler. I know how ADHD shows up in a classroom. And I know that the kids and families who need support deserve to get it without spending years trying to find relief.

I'm a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker — a credential I earned in November 2025, after raising two kids of my own while completing every requirement along the way. It took longer than I planned. I wouldn't change it. That experience shapes how I show up for every client.

I hold a Master's in Social Work from the University of Kansas and work as both a school social worker and a therapist, giving me a perspective on young people and families that's grounded in their real, daily lives.