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 and Rio Rancho areas. 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.
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.
Judy Driscoll, MS, LMSW
Judy began her career as a unit manager in the Department of Corrections. Her work with our state’s prison population inspired her to earn her master’s degree in Social Work from New Mexico State University. Following graduation, she worked as an in-home services provider for the Children, Youth & Families Department, where she focused on keeping troubled families together and functional. She now works with individuals and families on a clinical level.
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.
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.
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.
Virtual Visits
We Offer Flexible and Convenient Video Sessions
Whether you're away or confined to your home, teletherapy is often a great choice to meet with a counselor. Our reliable video calls feel just like in-person sessions with added convenience and comfort. Telehealth sessions are possible using any device with a camera, microphone, and Internet connection, such as your laptop or smartphone.
Our Areas of Expertise
Everyone is going through something, so don't be embarrassed to get the support you need.
Our caring psychotherapists are here to help you, whatever it is.
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Anger Management
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Grief
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Self Esteem
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Communication Issues
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Divorce
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Domestic Abuse
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Domestic Violence
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Family Conflict
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Infidelity
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Men’s Issues
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Relational Issues
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Relationship Issues
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Women’s Issues
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Chronic Pain
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Depression
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Impulse Control Issues
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Mood Disorders
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Sleep or Insomnia
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Substance Use
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Suicidal Ideation
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Behavioral Issues
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Child or Adolescent Issues
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Drug Court Programs
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Learning Disabilities
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Oppositional Defiance
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Parenting
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Peer Relationships
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School Issues
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Self-Harming
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Teen Violence