
Meet Our Therapists

Kristy Souza, MS, LMFT, LSAA
Kristy began her career in 2006 after earning her master's degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy from the University of Phoenix. She has since worked with a diverse population in the Albuquerque area. Kristy has experience working with clients with a variety of concerns, including substance use, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, LGBTQ+ matters, communication issues, relationship conflict, anger, and more. She works with adults, adolescents, couples, and families. Read more about Kristy. **Please note that Kristy is not accepting new clients at this time.

Deby Alvarado, MSW, LCSW
Deby is originally from Silver City and earned her master's degree from Western New Mexico University. She has significant experience working with juveniles and adults in the justice system. Deby specializes in group, individual, family, and couples therapy, with a focus on chemical dependency. In the penal system, Deby focused on helping fathers reconnect with their families post-release and taught positive parenting techniques to break negative cycles. Deby also served as an adjunct professor for the Social Work Master’s program at WNMU.

Angela Barela, MA, LPCC
Angela has a master's degree from Wayland Baptist University in Texas. Her training is in working with those who have experienced trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, and depression, including peri and postpartum anxiety and depression. She also specializes in working with those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She has a certification in Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) and works with diverse populations, inpatient drug and alcohol treatment facilities, and with crisis and at-risk women and children.

Judith Driscoll, MSW, LMSW
Judy began her career as a sociologist working in the New Mexico prison system, where her experience inspired her to pursue social work. She earned her Master of Social Work from New Mexico State University in 2006 and went on to work for the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department, focusing on helping families stay together and thrive. Since 2010, Judy has worked with individuals and families on a clinical level. She is known for her empathy, compassion, and ability to guide clients toward positive change.

Lila Earwood, MSW, LMSW
Lila earned her B.A. in Psychology from UNM and her Master of Social Work from NMSU. She is also a certified conflict mediation specialist. Lila has experience working with diverse populations, including as a mitigation specialist in the Federal Public Defender’s Office and within the federal prison system. She uses multiple therapeutic modalities and is committed to meeting clients where they are emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, providing a safe, non-judgmental space. She works with adolescents, adults, couples, and families under the supervision of Judith Driscoll, LISW.

Jessica Edge, MA, LMHC
After a decade overseas, including time in The Netherlands, Jessica earned her master’s in Counseling Psychology with a focus on Trauma and Crisis Intervention from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has worked in clinical settings such as the Kane County Adult Justice Center, providing individual and group therapy. Certified as a Community Health Worker and in Mental Health First Aid, Jessica supports clients with complex mental health needs, those reintegrating after incarceration, and children (ages 9+), adolescents, and women navigating life transitions.

Anna Gonzales, MSW, LCSW
Anna holds a master’s degree from New Mexico Highlands University and specializes in treating trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, anger management, and co-occurring disorders in children and adults. She incorporates a variety of modalities in therapy based on each individual's needs to help her clients achieve their unique goals. Anna can provide treatment to both the English and Spanish-speaking populations in our area.

Rachel Hipple, Intern
Rachel is pursuing her master's degree in Counseling at the University of New Mexico. Having earned a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience from Tulane University, she has experience supporting neurodiverse children, adolescents, and families in testing and assessment settings. A trauma-informed counselor, she affirms both gender and neurodiversity. Her approach is collaborative and strengths-based, drawing from person-centered, existential, and dialectical behavioral therapies. She practices under the supervision of Kristy Souza, MS, LMFT, LSAA.

Theresa Howles, MSW, LMSW
Theresa is a New Mexico native and holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology from UNM and a master's from New Mexico Highlands University in Clinical Social Work. As a licensed master social worker, she supports individuals, couples, and families through a compassionate, collaborative approach. Her work draws on cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and person-centered therapy to address anxiety, trauma, depression, addiction, and life transitions.

Andrea Kadeg, MA, LPCC
Andrea has a master's degree in Community Counseling from Georgian Court University in New Jersey. She began her counseling career in New Mexico as an outpatient therapist and as the assistant director of a residential substance abuse facility in Carlsbad. Andrea is also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy which assist clients in gaining a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. She specializes in helping those who have struggled with substance abuse and trauma.

Diane Lacen, PhD, MA, LMHC
Diane is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of New Mexico and a master’s degree in Counseling from New Mexico Highlands University. She has experience working with adults facing a variety of concerns, including relationship issues, grief, and trauma. In addition to her counseling work, Diane also serves as an Assistant Professor in the field. She practices under the supervision of Kristy Souza, MS, LMFT, LSAA.

Tara Lobaina, MS, LMFT
Tara is a native New Mexican, the wife of an army combat veteran, and a devoted mother. She earned her master’s degree in counseling psychology from Chaminade University of Honolulu. Tara draws from a variety of treatments,
including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). She works with adults and couples to address communication challenges, conflict resolution, anxiety, depression trauma, and more, to help foster authenticity, strength, and lasting positive change.

Erica Montoya-Heath, MSW, LCSW
Erica holds a master’s from New Mexico State University and brings over a decade of experience as a licensed clinical social worker, working with individuals, families, and groups. She specializes in issues affecting women and families, particularly those navigating blended or stepfamily dynamics, co-parenting challenges, and new family roles. Erica's therapy combines cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and systems theory with a focus on enhancing communication skills and resolving relationship conflicts, often using solution-focused therapy.

Veronica Reeder, MS, LPCC
Veronica has a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix and has worked with an array of clients from children to adults, in addition to couples and family work. She uses a variety of modalities in order to address the specific needs of each individual. Veronica also focuses on helping individuals to develop a deeper level of insight and understanding of their symptoms and develop concrete and practical coping skills in order to meet their therapeutic goals.

Joanna Widman, MSW, LCSW
Joanna holds a master's degree from New Mexico Highlands University and has broad experience with diverse groups in the Albuquerque area. She tackles issues like substance use, depression, anxiety, and LGBTQ+ concerns, assisting adults, teens, couples, and families. Certified in Attention Deficit Disorder and School Social Work, Joanna is proficient in multiple therapeutic methods. Her background includes public schools, psychiatric hospitals, and family services, and she is currently program manager of Behavioral Health at Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico.
What to Expect
The team at New Mexico Counseling Center will always treat you like the unique individual you are. We are committed to handling your needs with the utmost respect in a non-judgemental environment that gives you the ability to process your emotions in a quiet and comfortable atmosphere. We can work with you alone or with your family or family system, including your extended family, children, and adolescents.

Telehealth
We Offer Flexible and Convenient Video Sessions
Prefer to meet from home, work, or on the go? Our secure teletherapy sessions connect you with a counselor from anywhere in New Mexico. It’s convenient, private, and flexible—just use a device with a camera, microphone, and an internet connection.
What We Help With
Everyone is going through something, so don't be embarrassed to get the support you need. Our caring psychotherapists are here to help you, in-person in Corrales or via telehealth, anywhere in New Mexico
Mood & Anxiety
Find steadier days and calmer nights
​
- 
Anxiety 
- 
Depression 
- 
OCD 
- 
Sleep/Insomnia 
- 
Mood disorders 
- 
Anger management 
- 
Impulse control issues 
​​
​
Relationships & Family
Communicate better and reconnect
​
- 
Communication 
- 
Relationship concerns 
- 
Family conflict 
- 
Divorce 
- 
Infidelity 
- 
Men’s issues 
- 
Women’s issues 
- 
Anger & conflict patterns​ 
​​
​
​
LGBTQ+ Affirming Care
Inclusive, knowledgeable support for queer and trans clients and families.
- 
Sexual orientation & identity 
- 
Gender identity & expression 
- 
Coming-out & family conversations 
- 
Couples & relationships 
- 
Minority stress & resilience 
- 
Parenting & affirming families 
- 
Resources & referrals as needed 
Kids, Teens & School
Support for growing minds
​
- 
Child & teen support 
- 
ADHD 
- 
Learning disabilities 
- 
Behavioral challenges (incl. ODD, anger outbursts) 
- 
School issues 
- 
Peer relationships 
- 
Parenting 
​
​
​
Grief & Life Changes
Compassion through loss and transition
- 
Grief 
- 
Self-esteem 
- 
Chronic pain 
​
​
​
Safety & Healing
Care that puts your wellbeing first
- 
Domestic abuse/violence 
- 
Self-harm 
- 
Suicidal ideation 
- 
Teen violence 
​
​
​
Recovery & Accountability
Judgment-free help when you’re ready
- 
Substance use 
- 
Drug-court programs 
Not sure where to start? Tell us what’s going on and we’ll match you with the right therapist so that you can start healing.
If you’re in crisis, call 988 or 911.













