Meet the Therapists : Licensed Professional Counselors Social Workers Business Coaches

Thelonika McCollum, Master of Social Work, LCSW

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)

Welcome! I am Thelonika McCollum, a dedicated licensed clinical social worker based in El Paso, TX. With extensive experience in direct patient care, program administration, and clinical supervision, I am committed to providing comprehensive mental health services to diverse communities.

Professional Background

I have a robust background in managing dual diagnosis needs and high-acuity clients, gained through my work in various settings, including correctional facilities, hospitals, and community services. As a Behavioral Health Clinician at the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Facility, I provide clinical services to clients with severe mental disorders and substance use disorders. My role also involves supervising clinical practicum interns and developing group programs tailored for dual diagnosis clients.

Prior to this, I served as an MST Therapist at Presbyterian Medical Services, providing in-home support to families and offering clinical services to clients with mood disorders, trauma, and substance use disorder populations. My experience also includes providing individual and family therapy to children, offering telehealth services during the Covid-19 pandemic, and implementing therapeutic programming at residential facilities.

Education and Licensure

I hold a Master of Social Work from Western New Mexico University and a Bachelor of Social Work from New Mexico State University. I am a licensed clinical social worker in New Mexico (License No. SWB-2024-0315), Texas (License No. 65228), and Maine (License No. LC23520). I am also an NM Board Approved Supervisor.

Commitment to Community

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to serving marginalized populations, including unhoused persons, individuals struggling with substance use, and families facing poverty. My work as a Freelance Legal Advocate further demonstrates my commitment to advocating for changes in domestic violence and family court matters, particularly in low-income rural communities.

Let's Connect

I am passionate about helping individuals and families achieve their mental health goals and improve their overall quality of life. Whether through direct clinical services or clinical supervision, I am here to support you on your journey toward wellness.

Let's work together to create a healthier and happier future.

  Akua B. Anokye, LCSW, MS 

Akua B. Anokye is a compassionate and outcome-driven Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with extensive experience helping individuals and families navigate complex emotional and social challenges. With a strengths-based, patient-centered approach, Akua specializes in addressing issues related to mental and physical illness, crisis intervention, and long-term behavioral health management. Her work has positively impacted adults dealing with chronic behavioral and mental health conditions, as well as at-risk populations in various community settings.

Akua holds a Master of Social Work from New Mexico State University and a Master of Science in Economics from Illinois State University. She has developed expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and solution-focused therapies. Her skills include crisis intervention, telehealth, and effective communication, allowing her to provide personalized care and support through integrated behavioral health services.

In her current role at Mental Health Specialty Group, PA, Akua conducts assessments and provides evidence-based treatment for adults with chronic behavioral and mental health conditions. She previously served as an Adult Outpatient Therapist at La Clinica de Familia, where her work helped 50% of patients successfully discharge within six months through individualized care plans and group support.

Akua’s experience extends to program coordination, community outreach, and advocacy, and she has led initiatives to empower women in low-income communities and improve medication adherence for adults with chronic pain and illness. Her commitment to holistic care and continuous professional development makes her a trusted and knowledgeable clinician dedicated to improving her clients’ quality of life.

Key Specialties:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Crisis Intervention
• Solution-Focused Therapy
• Integrated Behavioral Health
• Telehealth Services

Training & Certifications:

• ASIST (Suicide Prevention)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Nonviolent Crisis Prevention and Intervention
• Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR)

 GLORIA LARES, LMSW

About Me

Hello, my name is Gloria M. Lares, and I am passionate about helping individuals navigate their mental health journey with empowerment and resilience. My own lived experiences inspired me to become a therapist, driving my commitment to providing compassionate, personalized care.

As a Licensed Master Social Worker, I specialize in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Exposure Therapy, and Mindfulness. I take an eclectic, evidence-based approach, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of individuals and families. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where clients can heal, grow, and build more meaningful lives.

Being bilingual in English and Spanish, I am dedicated to addressing the cultural and linguistic needs of the diverse communities I serve. I understand the importance of culturally responsive care and strive to create a therapeutic space where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued.

With experience in both inpatient and outpatient mental health settings, I have worked with clients across the lifespan—from childhood to adulthood. I have supported individuals facing depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), low self-esteem, and personality disorders, among other challenges.

I earned dual master’s degrees in Social Work (MSW) and Public Health (MPH) from New Mexico State University. My pursuit of this dual degree reflects my commitment to understanding mental health not only at the individual level but also within a broader systemic context. This background allows me to provide both personalized therapeutic care and advocate for underserved communities facing mental health challenges.

 Yvonne Holguin, LMHC

Hi! I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I gladly served clients for over 20 years. My experience entails clients who struggle with Depression, Substance Abuse, Grief, and ADHD. I currently assist  Adolescents to Adults. My counseling style is consistent with evidence based Techniques along with caring compassionately towards change and progress.

Destiny Olvera, LMHC 

Welcome! My name is Destiny Olvera. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from New Mexico State University and my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from The University of Texas at El Paso. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New Mexico. 

Therapy is a journey, and I know it takes courage to take that first step. My goal is to create a space where clients feel supported, heard, and valued. I take an integrative approach, combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Adlerian principles, but ultimately, I tailor each session to what feels most helpful and comfortable for my clients. Therapy can bring a mix of emotions—laughter, reflection, and sometimes tears while hopefully reaching individual goals one step at a time. I strive to have my client’s feel validated, supported and valued in a safe space. 

I have clinical experience working with clients with anxious behaviors: Anxious & Avoidant Relationship Attachments, Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Borderline Personality, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorders. I additionally have training in Sand Tray Therapy and Art Interventions to help clients explore emotion and self awareness.
Before becoming a therapist, I was a preschool and kindergarten teacher for five years, which is now a passion of mine to help children outside of a classroom. I have training and experience in Play Therapy and am working toward official certification with a specialty on Person-Centered Child Play Therapy. This type of therapy is especially helpful for children (ages 3–10) in developing self-regulation, self-esteem, and understanding their emotions in a play setting.