Dona Ana Mental Health, LLC
Welcome and thank you for visiting to learn more about options for support with mental health and personal growth. Deciding that therapy can be helpful for you is a big step towards growth. It means that you have noticed that your symptoms are distressing and interfering with the life you would like to lead.
Dona Ana Mental Health is a small group of mental health therapists that utilize our training and experience to provide a safe, empathetic and calming space to support clients in their self-discovery, personal growth and healing. We value autonomy, diversity and inclusion and strive to provide a safe, welcoming environment for clients of all abilities, genders, races, countries of origin, sexual orientations and religions.
We currently offer Telehealth services (sessions via secure video platform) to clients 10 years and older. We provide Individual Counseling, Couples Counseling and Family Counseling services.
We provide services for clients struggling with symptoms related to: Depression, Anxiety, Addressing Relationship Issues, Anger Management, Coping Skills, Parenting, Stress Management, Family Conflict, Conflict Resolution, Communication, Life Transitions, Grief and Loss and more...
Providers
Cassandra Kester, LPCC
I graduated from New Mexico State University in 2013 with a Master of Arts in Counseling and Educational Psychology and became a Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor in 2016. Since graduating, I have gained experience working with various populations including clients affected by incarceration, children with behavioral struggles, couples, and families. I have participated in extensive post graduate training to better understand and provide support for common client struggles including but not limited to depression, anxiety, trauma, communication, and difficulties with life transitions. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) to support clients in healing from trauma or other distressing life experiences.
My approach to therapy is client centered with a cognitive behavioral foundation while integrating various theories as I see helpful for each client as a unique individual. I truly believe clients know what is best for them at this time in their lives and my role as their therapist is to challenge their current thoughts to help them gain understanding and provide different ideas and perspectives as to what could help them heal and grow. I also enjoy incorporating mindfulness-based approaches which includes learning and practicing meditation, relaxation, and exercises in awareness. I utilize EMDR to support clients in alleviating distress associated with traumatic memories. Along with my approach to therapy, I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, heard, understood, validated, and supported as I believe this is vital when facing the discomfort of change and healing.
Kaitlin Barbati, LCSW-S
The people I work with most often are adults who are ready to connect with their most authentic selves and those who want to process difficult or traumatic experiences. I also often work with those who are first generation and who have experienced generational and developmental trauma. My approach to therapy is relational and collaborative and I look at treatment through a humanistic, strengths-based, and systemic lens. Our sessions move at a slow and steady pace to support our work without overwhelming the nervous system.
I pull from a variety of different treatment modalities to individualize treatment based on each person’s needs and experiences. Additionally, I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and my work is Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed. I am an affirming provider. I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Mexico after completing my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in social work and becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas. My work experience includes working with those across the lifespan facing or processing abuse, assault, and impacts from traumatic experiences; anxiety; depression; and life transitions.
Join our practice.
Dona Ana Mental Health is a growing practice that encourages a healthy work/life balance and independence for mental health counselors. We are looking for both independently licensed therapists and non-independently licensed therapists to join our practice. Joining the Dona Ana Mental Health group will allow you to make your own schedule, see as many or as few clients as you feel comfortable with and focus on the population you feel most comfortable with. Dona Ana Mental Health will provide a telehealth platform, electronic health record system for notes and billing as well as credentialing with insurance companies under the practice. You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with other therapists as you continue to grow as a person and as a clinician.
If private practice sounds appealing to you, please contact me via email at cftherapy10@gmail.com or by phone at 575-888-7467 to discuss more details and steps moving forward.