Find a therapist in Rio Rancho, NM — covered by insurance

I'm Russ! As your therapist, it is my goal to see you become a better version of yourself. Asking for help is not easy for many, and you're to be commended for taking that first step. Life's challenges can be difficult to navigate, and everyone needs some help from time to time. I have seen a multitude of clients of all ages with diverse backgrounds. Being a good listener and having a non-judgmental approach are two of the things people ask for most in a therapist. With me, you will get both of those things! I am always present when my clients are experiencing stressful life challenges. My areas of expertise include Depression, Anxiety, Men's Health, Trauma, PTSD, Grief Issues, and Couples Therapy, I am specifically very experienced and specialized with Anxiety Disorders. I use a Cognitive Behavioral and Humanistic approach to help my clients bring out the best in themselves, but am also able to help those who may need to be in therapy more short-term with Solution-Focused therapeutic approaches. I like to use humor, challenging questions, and a direct approach. I think that growth and progress come from addressing the difficult issues head-on, but we can also make therapy a little more fun along the way.

As a provider with 40+ years of sobriety, I offer real solutions for substance abuse problems. What makes my practice unique is my personal and professional background in disabilities that goes decades in Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, hearing and vision impairments, severe mental illness (psychosis) and cerebral palsy. In addition, I have completed Certificates In Jungian Psychodynamic Psychotherapy with adolescents and Young Adults, TF-CBT (trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy) and Compassionate Bereavement Care. My education includes a M.S. in Special Education at Johns Hopkins, post-graduate certificate in Behaviors in Autism from University of Massachusetts Lowell, a MSW from Western New Mexico University, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from University of Southern California. In addition, I serve all ages.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience supporting adolescents, college students, and adults of all ages navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, OCD, and life transitions. I use evidence-based therapies including CBT, ACT, DBT, and mindfulness to help clients develop practical tools for emotional regulation and follow-through. My approach is direct, supportive, and focused on long-term growth. I believe meaningful change happens when insight is paired with skill-building and self-respect.

I want all my clients to know that they are safe to discover whatever they want to learn about their lived experiences. Working with me is very autonomous and rooted in self-determination. You will act as the guide along your healing journey. I am happy to serve as a resource center, grounding presence, and conversationalist throughout your journey. I will always encourage you to show up as you are and trust that the rest will follow as we untangle the many strings that make up our mind, heart, and lived experiences.

My name is Carolina. I've been a therapist for nearly 9 years in NM.

I am a licensed mental health therapist with a background in social work. I have a master's in clinical social work from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. I have experience working in outpatient therapy and medical settings, which has shaped my grounded and integrative approach to care. I work with adults and children navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, professional stress, grief, and patterns that feel difficult to shift. I also support individuals experiencing self-doubt, boundary concerns, emotional overwhelm, and relational dynamics that leave them feeling unseen or unheard.

Compassionate therapist experienced with all age groups and diverse backgrounds. I am able to develop strong connections quickly. I have experience working with addictions and substance abuse. Active involvement in the community as a facilitator and advocate provides me with an awareness and knowledge for all challenges in life that impact mental health.

Therapy should be a place where you can talk honestly about the things that are difficult to say out loud without being judged or reduced to a diagnosis—or to the hardest chapter of your life.

I work with adults and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, suicidal thoughts, sexual trauma, intimacy and sexual-health concerns, grief, life transitions, military and veteran concerns, first-responder stress, and relational distress. Relational distress can include communication breakdown, recurring conflict, loss of trust, emotional distance, intimacy concerns, separation or divorce-related stress, changes within a family, parenting-related strain, or simply reaching a point where you are unsure how to move forward.

My role in therapy is to help you understand what is happening, identify what you want to change, strengthen your ability to respond differently, and work toward healthier functioning and relationships. My clinical style is direct, collaborative, trauma-informed, practical, and shame-free.

I am independently licensed for clinical social-work practice in Washington, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Florida; EMDR-trained; a Certified Psychosexual Assessment Specialist (CPAS); a Board-Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE); a Board-Certified Forensic Psychometrist (CFP); and a U.S. Army veteran.

My broader professional practice includes forensic mental-health evaluation and consultation. Those services are separate from psychotherapy. Once I am retained as your treating therapist and a clinical treatment relationship has been established, I cannot also serve as your forensic evaluator, expert witness, or child-custody evaluator in the same matter. Therapy is treatment-focused and is intended to support your clinical needs—not to generate an independent forensic opinion for litigation.