Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Rio Rancho, NM covered by Aetna

Hi, I’m Michelle — a therapist who believes healing happens through connection, understanding, and a touch of humor along the way. I grew up in Rochester, New York, so you’ll notice a bit of that East Coast directness in my style — I say what I mean, and I care deeply about helping you get to the heart of what’s really going on.

I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Western New Mexico University, where I discovered my passion for helping people heal and grow through life’s toughest challenges. I love working with individuals who have faced trauma, live with chronic health problems, or struggle with anger and other overwhelming emotions.

My own path to becoming a therapist began with my personal experience living with chronic health issues — so when I offer empathy, it’s not just professional, it’s personal. I’m an engaged, hands-on therapist who takes you and your situation seriously. Together, we’ll unpack what’s hard, find practical ways to cope, and reconnect you with your strength, balance, and a sense of calm.

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.

You've been carrying something heavy — maybe for a while now. It might be anxiety that follows you everywhere, grief that doesn't seem to lift, chronic pain that touches every part of your day, or just the sense that you're holding it together on the outside while something's unraveling inside. Whatever it is, you don't have to keep doing this alone. I'm Jesse, and for over 20 years I've helped people of all ages — from youth to the elderly — find their way through depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, stress, and some of life's most overwhelming changes.

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.

Dr. Victoria Benson, DNP, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC, is a Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) with 17 years of experience in health care and 4 years of experience in psychiatry treatments.