Business Details
9 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Mental Health Counseling Las Cruces NM
Psych Services NM is a private practice established in 2017 by licensed psychologists Dr. Karen Schaefer, Dr. Corey Vas, and Dr. Tracie Hitter. Our team brings decades of combined experience in counseling psychology, specializing in trauma recovery, LGBTQ+ support, and stress management. Dr. Schaefer, practicing since 1990, focuses on adult trauma survivors and animal-assisted therapy. Dr. Vas, with 18 years at New Mexico State University Counseling Center, emphasizes mindfulness and veteran support. Dr. Hitter specializes in sexual trauma and grief counseling, using interpersonal and narrative approaches.We serve Las Cruces with individual, couples, and group therapy. Our commitment to counselor training and evidence-based practices ensures clients receive expert care. We prioritize client autonomy and systemic factors influencing mental health. Our practice reflects dedication to inclusivity, particularly for marginalized communities. Appointments are available by request, with emergency protocols directing urgent cases to 9-1-1. We integrate research into practice, addressing diverse needs from anxiety to oppression-based trauma.
Services
Individual Therapy
Couples Counseling
Group Sessions
Trauma Recovery
LGBTQ+ Support
Stress Management
Sexual Trauma Care
Grief Counseling
Mindfulness Training
Narrative Therapy
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of collective experience in trauma and LGBTQ+ counseling.
- Our team integrates mindfulness and narrative therapy for personalized care.
- Specialized training in animal-assisted interventions and veteran support.
- Proven expertise in counselor supervision and early childhood intervention.
- Commitment to inclusive, systemic approaches for marginalized communities.
Services
Trauma Recovery
Specialized therapy for adult trauma survivors, including combat veterans and childhood abuse victims. Our clinicians employ evidence-based techniques to address PTSD symptoms and promote healing through structured, compassionate care. Research-informed approaches ensure effective outcomes for complex trauma cases.
LGBTQ+ Counseling
Affirmative therapy services for LGBTQ+ individuals, focusing on identity exploration and discrimination-related stress. We integrate cultural competence with clinical expertise to address minority stress and foster resilience through personalized treatment plans.
Mindfulness Therapy
Techniques combining mindfulness meditation with cognitive-behavioral strategies to manage anxiety and chronic stress. Our practitioners teach practical skills for present-moment awareness and emotional regulation, supported by peer-reviewed research on stress-related disorders.
Narrative Therapy
Client-centered method focusing on personal narratives to reframe challenges. This collaborative process empowers individuals to redefine self-perception and develop solutions through externalization of problems and strengths-based storytelling.
Grief Counseling
Guided sessions addressing complicated grief patterns and bereavement challenges. Our clinicians use integrative approaches to help clients navigate loss processing while maintaining daily functioning and interpersonal relationships.
People
Karen D. Schaefer
Licensed Psychologist
Practicing since 1990 in Las Cruces, Dr. Schaefer specializes in trauma recovery and LGBTQ+ advocacy. Former NMSU Counseling Center director with expertise in animal-assisted therapy and veteran support. PhD from University of Illinois.
Corey J. Vas
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Vas provides mindfulness-based interventions and veteran counseling since 1999. Former Associate Director at NMSU Counseling Center. PhD from Iowa State University, specializing in stress management and family therapy.
Tracie L. Hitter
Licensed Psychologist
Dr. Hitter focuses on sexual trauma and grief counseling. NMSU faculty member until 2022. PhD in Counseling Psychology from New Mexico State University, utilizing interpersonal and narrative therapy approaches.
Questions
What therapy approaches do you use?
We employ evidence-based methods including mindfulness, narrative therapy, and trauma-focused interventions tailored to individual client needs.
Do you specialize in LGBTQ+ support?
Yes, all providers have extensive experience in LGBTQ+ counseling with active advocacy backgrounds supporting queer communities.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Contact any provider directly via listed phone numbers or emails to arrange an initial consultation at your convenience.
What trauma specialties do you handle?
Our team treats childhood abuse, sexual trauma, combat trauma, and complex PTSD using structured therapeutic frameworks for recovery.
Are evening or weekend sessions available?
Appointment times are flexible and arranged individually to accommodate client schedules outside typical business hours.
Do you accept insurance?
Payment arrangements are discussed directly during intake to address financial considerations for ongoing therapy access.
