How do I get started?

Use the practice’s contact or appointment option. The team may ask a few administrative questions to understand what you are looking for, check availability, and identify a possible next step.

What happens in a first therapy session?

A first session usually includes time to discuss what brings you in, relevant background, questions, goals, and what you hope will be different. It is also an opportunity to decide whether the clinician and approach feel like a workable fit.

How do I choose the right clinician?

Review each clinician’s areas of focus, approaches, appointment formats, and current availability. Fit is personal, so it is reasonable to ask questions before scheduling and to discuss concerns if the match does not feel right.

How long does therapy usually last?

There is no single timeline. The length and frequency of therapy depend on your goals, concerns, progress, preferences, the service being provided, and the clinician’s recommendations. Your clinician can discuss expectations with you as care develops.

Where does Prickly Pear Therapy provide therapy?

Prickly Pear Therapy currently lists in-person care in Rio Rancho, NM. Telehealth is currently listed for New Mexico, subject to clinician licensure, service fit, and availability.

Who provides therapy at Prickly Pear Therapy?

Prickly Pear Therapy currently lists 5 clinicians. Use the Meet the Team page to compare areas of focus, appointment format, insurance, and current availability.

Finding healing and growth through connection.

Prickly Pear Therapy provides compassionate counseling for couples, individuals, and children in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Request Appointment Meet Our Clinicians

Couples, individual & child therapy
Located in Rio Rancho, NM
Free consultation available

About Prickly Pear Therapy

A practice built on connection

Compassionate care for individuals, couples, children, and families.

Prickly Pear Therapy provides compassionate counseling and behavioral health services in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Our growing team creates a supportive, down-to-earth space where clients can feel heard, strengthen relationships, and move toward meaningful change. In-person and telehealth options are available.

Request Appointment Meet Our Clinicians

Begin with the concern, service, or life situation that feels most relevant. Each page explains what support may look like and which clinicians are connected to that area.

Addiction & Recovery

Our clinicians have experience supporting people working through addiction & recovery. Reach out whenever you're ready — you…
ADHD

Support with attention, organization, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and executive-function challenges across daily life.
Adjustment Disorders

Support when a stressful change or event leads to emotional or behavioral distress that is difficult to manage…
Anxiety

Support for persistent worry, fear, tension, avoidance, and physical symptoms that interfere with daily life.
Autism

Affirming support for autistic clients and families, including communication, regulation, transitions, relationships, and self-understanding.

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Accepting New Clients

Michelle Chavez
LCSW
Telehealth

Owner & Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Rio Rancho Office

Michelle Chavez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Prickly Pear Therapy. She provides warm, collaborative care for children, teens, adults, and families, with an emphasis on recognizing each client’s strengths and creating practical paths toward healing and growth.

Full profile
Request Appointment
Contact for Availability

Victoria “Tori” Alvarado

MSW Intern

Rio Rancho Office

Tori is an MSW intern at Grand Canyon University who is passionate about supporting children, individuals, and families through a compassionate, client-centered, and strengths-based approach.

Full profile
Contact Practice
Contact for Availability

Alexis “Lexi” Henderson

Art Therapy & Counseling Graduate Student

Rio Rancho Office

Lexi is a graduate student in Art Therapy and Counseling whose work integrates creativity, embodiment, mindfulness, movement, and evidence-informed approaches to support self-awareness, resilience, and connection.

Full profile
Contact Practice
Contact for Availability

Fatimah "Emma" AlMohanna

Clinical Mental Health Counselor

Rio Rancho Office

Fatimah "Emma" AlMohanna is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor and EMDR-trained therapist who provides person-centered, trauma-informed care for clients of all ages. She has a particular interest in helping young children find their voices through play, art, sand tray, and other creative forms of expression.

Full profile
Contact Practice
Not Accepting New Clients

Dennis Chavez
LSAA

Licensed Substance Abuse Associate

Rio Rancho Office

Dennis Chavez is a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) who provides compassionate addiction and recovery counseling, practical support, and a nonjudgmental space for meaningful, sustainable growth.

Full profile

View All Clinicians

Fees & Insurance

Clear information about cost and coverage

Prickly Pear Therapy accepts select insurance plans and offers private-pay options. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary, so please contact us and confirm your benefits directly with your insurance provider.

Participation varies by clinician Coverage verification encouraged

Explore fees & insurance

Insurance accepted