Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Las Cruces, NM covered by Aetna

Hello, looking for a place to process life? Feeling isolated and alone? Need an outlet? I've been providing talk therapy to adult men and women (and adolescents) since 2013 in several different treatment settings. Safe, open, supportive, but also directive when solutions are needed though space to simply talk through issues and life (Depression, anxiety, hypomania, stress, relationships, relaxation, etc.) I'm a clinical supervisor and terminally licensed in three states (PA,NM, & TX). I'm a husband and father with a young family, enjoy sports and cooking with and for family.

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.

Welcome. I am Renee Benavidez, LPCC, and I earned my master’s degree from New Mexico Highlands University in 2012, dedicating my entire 14-year career to supporting both teenagers and adults. While I spent my first 11 years guiding court-committed individuals, I have spent the last three years focusing on the broader community to help clients heal from trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, and adjustment disorders. My primary approach is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a powerful tool that helps process and heal deep-rooted wounds. Nothing brings me more joy than witnessing the inspiring, positive transformations my clients make as they reclaim their lives and well-being.

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.

I work with teens (13+) and adults who are navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship issues, mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder, sexual addiction, and gender identity exploration. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure of your next steps, or just need a space where you can be yourself, you’re not alone.

It is essential to me to build a strong therapeutic alliance so you feel safe, comfortable, and supported in your healing. I encourage my clients to be advocates for their own well-being, and I see therapy as a space where you can begin to reconnect with your purpose and move toward the life you want.

I am a faith-based clinician, and I believe therapy can be especially powerful when we integrate the spiritual aspect with evidence-based practices, if that’s something that feels meaningful to you.

Vincent is a multi-state Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a passion for delivering sexual health and trauma-informed therapy through a systems-oriented lens. Vincent strongly believes in incorporating all aspects of an individual’s identity in the journey toward healing and self-love.

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.