P. O. Box 319, Cedar Crest, NM 87008
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We generally meet with prospective clients for an initial/screening session (in person or by telephone) to determine if your concerns are a good fit for our practice and so that you can decide if this is the right place for you. Initial telephonic consultations are free of charge. If we agree to proceed, we encourage clients to commit to at least 6 to 8 sessions – the amount of time typically required to conscientiously diagnose and initiate treatment for most concerns.
Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation or discuss treatment options. You will be asked to provide proof of insurance, positive identification, and to complete some initial demographic and clinical background paperwork. You may also be asked to complete some paper-and-pencil screening tools, depending upon your presenting issues.
Please provide all documentation requested and complete all the paperwork assigned to you in a timely manner. If you do not have access to the internet, we will provide hard copies of all material to you. Otherwise, we will expect that you have either read all the material on the main pages here or can access it outside of your sessions.
We’ve chosen to practice in the near East Mountains because we love the outdoors and find that the mountains can be a powerful impetus for reflection and insight - and ultimately a source of strength. It’s a quiet, peaceful area and really conducive to effective psychotherapy work. It’s a little further to drive, and yet you’ll see that it’s worth every mile. Instead of driving through the endless strip malls of the city, you will enjoy miles of expansive mountains and valleys to and from your appointments – opportunities to center yourself for treatment and then integrate your experience before returning to your own world.
I have been providing counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups since 2003 and have maintained a small private practice even when working as an operational and clinical leader in large organizations like United Health Group. I earned my master’s degree in Counseling and Educational Psychology at New Mexico State University in 2002 and have been licensed and practicing continuously since then.
I have endeavored to develop specialization in treatment of chronic stress, anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder – with a focus on military veterans, first responders, and law enforcement, as I am myself a former U.S. Army Combat Medic and Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician. Eastern Slope Counseling and Consulting, LLC (ESCC, LLC) is the practice I’ve established near my home in Cedar Crest, New Mexico– about 15 miles from Greater Albuquerque.
We are forthright folks, so believe it’s important to highlight the fact that counseling does not work the same way for every person and, in fact, doesn’t work well at all for some folks. For most people, counseling works because of the nature and quality of the therapeutic relationship between the client and the counselor. By creating an open and honest dialogue, and by collaboratively crafting mutually understood objectives, ESCC, LLC clients are able to make better sense of their lived experience and more effectively pursue their goals.
ESCC, LLC is credentialed with most of the New Mexico Centennial Care Medicaid managed care companies, as well as many commercial insurance plans. Please
confirm your current eligibility and benefits before your first appointment. Self-pay clients are always welcome!
ESCC, LLC counselors hold master’s degrees in Counseling and Educational Psychology and Clinical Social Work from New Mexico
universities. We have provided mental health treatment services to our communities in a range of settings, including
community mental health, acute psychiatric facilities, and in private practice.
Getting started with counseling (as with any healthcare service) can be paperwork-heavy at the beginning. We do our best to use only those forms which are either required by law or ethical codes, or which we believe will significantly contribute to the quality of care you receive. Your privacy and confidentiality are always paramount!