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

My name is Melanie Hunter and I am a licensed professional counselor with over 20 years of experience as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) practitioner. I hold a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Texas State University. I began my career working with adolescents through a non-profit organization and then later, adults in employment settings. My work providing telehealth counseling with adults began in 2020.

Therapy with Lived Wisdom

With over 20 years of experience walking alongside individuals on their healing journeys, I bring more than clinical knowledge—I bring lived understanding. My work is rooted in the mind-body connection, because true healing doesn’t just happen in the mind. It happens in the nervous system, in the body, and in the deeper layers of the self.

Choosing a therapist is a sacred step. If you’re wondering how to choose, I invite you to ask: “Do they do their own work? Have they sat in the depths they’ll be guiding me through?”

I have. I’ve lived the unraveling. I’ve done the deep inner work. And I’ve found my way through.

Now, I offer a steady, compassionate presence to help you find yours. You don’t have to do this alone.

Let me walk with you.

Hi, and welcome! I am happy you are here to explore my offerings and a return to your wellbeing. A bit about me:

I am a board-certified, doctorally prepared Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 17 years of experience spanning acute care, crisis response, psychiatric nursing, and public health.​ I offer integrative psychiatric care that blends evidence-based medicine with holistic, trauma-informed approaches. I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults navigating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma, grief, life transitions, and healthcare-related burnout.

Our work together will feel collaborative, grounded, and deeply respectful of your story. You can expect a therapeutic relationship rooted in listening, presence, and curiosity—where your values and goals shape the course of treatment. I aim to create a safe space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to heal and thrive.

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Outside of work, I love being active in nature, dancing, traveling, cooking, and spending time with my friends, family, and my beloved dog.

I believe that healthy change starts from within and my role is to be a guide during this process. Often times we feel we are stuck in a rut with no way out, but together we'll work on building self-empowerment, better self-care, and self-awareness. No matter what you're going through there's always room to learn and grow from the past to make a better future. I specialize in anxiety disorders, trauma and PTSD, and building self-confidence. I'm also trained in Brainspotting.

First off, Hello! I am an LCSW who has worked with individuals, couples, children, and adolescents. I've worked with a variety of clients from those who have been recently been in-patient, going through a life transition (i.e. divorce, grief, relocations), struggling with depression and/or anxiety, and who have experienced abuse and other traumas.

Choosing to be in counseling is an extraordinary act of self-discovery and self-love that I believe each person can benefit from.

A very warm hello! I’m so glad to meet you, and I look forward to teaching you fascinating techniques to help you accomplish your counseling goals. Psychology is my passion, and for 25 years, I’ve worked to learn the most effective therapies. I use the latest in Neuro Psycho therapy along with Cognitive Behavioral therapy, EMDR, and other therapies to help my Clients. As a ‘mature’ woman, I have plenty of real life experience to back up professional training, as such, I specialize in all areas of Women’s issues.

I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a background that spans mental health, geriatrics, home health, intensive care, and long-term rehabilitation. My personality is open, honest, and direct—I believe transparency builds trust. With over a decade of hands-on nursing experience and recent advanced training in psychopharmacology and CBT, I bring both empathy and expertise to our work together. My clients can count on clear communication, collaborative care, and a deep commitment to helping them thrive.

Francesca Jenkins has varied experience working with individual and families within the last 4 years.

Francesca has worked with populations as a school social worker , assisted living center, working as a case manger for the homeless and veterans.Francesca has worked with divorce, life transitions, eating disorders , substance abuse, panic disorders, anxiety, depression.

Francesca gives passion and support to her clients. She has experience working with clients from 13 yr old to adulthood.