Find a therapist in Santa Fe, NM — covered by insurance

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker experienced in helping clients navigate anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, and major life changes. I have a strong background in both mental health and addiction recovery, which allows me to meet clients with empathy, honesty, and real-world understanding.

My work is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and collaborative. I use CBT, grounding techniques, and practical coping tools to support clients in building emotional stability, confidence, and resilience. I believe healing happens when you feel safe, heard, and empowered.

Two decades of clinical excellence.

Dr. Cindy Ruelas-Tafolla's path to becoming a clinician began at age 13 with the sudden loss of her father — an experience that planted the seed of her life's purpose: to be the kind of support she needed during her own darkest moments.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from UC Santa Barbara, her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California, and her Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) from USC.

Over two decades, she has served as a Medical Social Worker, Case Manager, and Behavioral Health Therapist — bringing doctoral-level depth, board-certified credentials, and genuine compassion to every client she works with.

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 a background in trauma-informed care and a deep commitment to supporting individuals through meaningful healing and transformation. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from New Mexico Highlands University and began my career in wilderness therapy, where I learned the value of presence, relationship, and nature-based connection. I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, PTSD, complex PTSD, and those navigating the spiritual dimensions of healing, including spiritual emergence. My approach blends mindfulness, somatic therapy, and meditation-based practices to support clients in reconnecting with their innate wholeness.