Alyssa Medina
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
a.medina@lunavistabhs.orgHello! My name is Alyssa Medina, a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC). I am dedicated to helping children, adolescents, and families navigate life's challenges with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based care. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of New Mexico (UNM) in 2016 and went on to receive my Master of Science in Psychology from New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) in 2019.
I began my training at New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute (NMBHI), where I gained invaluable experience working with individuals experiencing a wide range of mental health disorders. During my time there, I collaborated closely with licensed clinicians, behavioral health technicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and other multidisciplinary professionals. This experience has provided me with extensive firsthand knowledge of psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches while strengthening my clinical skills and understanding of complex mental health conditions.
While at NMBHI, I also worked within the CARE Unit, a specialized treatment program serving adolescent males with significant behavioral and mental health needs, including youth with histories of problematic sexual behaviors and co-occurring mental health diagnoses. This experience deepened my understanding of trauma-informed care, risk assessment, behavioral intervention, and the importance of providing compassionate, structured, and individualized treatment to adolescents with complex clinical presentations.
Over the years, I have developed extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and families in a variety of clinical and community-based settings. I am passionate about creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment where young people feel heard, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential.
I specialize in treating a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and developmental concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), behavioral challenges, emotional dysregulation, trauma, adjustment disorders, self-esteem issues, social difficulties, and family conflict. I understand that every child and family is unique and works collaboratively to develop individualized treatment plans that promote growth, resilience, and lasting change.
My therapeutic approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client and family. I utilize evidence-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), play therapy techniques, mindfulness-based interventions, strengths-based therapy, family systems therapy, and psychoeducation. I also incorporates skill-building to improve emotional regulation, communication, coping strategies, executive functioning, self-esteem, and healthy relationships while partnering closely with caregivers throughout the therapeutic process.
I believes meaningful change occurs through strong therapeutic relationships, collaboration, and recognizing each individual's unique strengths. My goal is to help clients build resilience, develop confidence, and gain the tools they need to thrive at home, in school, and within their communities.
Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy spending quality time with my two young daughters and making lasting memories with my family. I am also actively involved in my family's business, Ranchos Plaza Grill, where I value the opportunity to connect with the community and support a long-standing family tradition.
Click to read full bio