Our Team

Hello all! My name is Carlos Villafan, and I am the owner of Mind Renewal Behavioral Health Services. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, since 2010. My Undergraduate studies were completed at UCLA and my graduate coursework at the University of Colorado, at Colorado Springs. I am currently finishing up my Applied Doctoral Project in Health & Wellness Psychology.
I became a mental health professional to “pay it forward” in how help was rendered to me once upon a time by different folks – friends, family, and professionals alike! I came up in this field doing mostly community-based or home-based therapy with high-risk teens and their families. Now, my focus is on helping those suffering from life’s traumas. Although I am a CBT therapist by nature, my therapeutic work is mostly done using Accelerated Resolution Therapy or ART.
Two philosophies that have been at the core of my work have been “Do not be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” as well as “If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place.”
The typical population ages that I work with range from young teens to older adults. Another way I hope to “pay it forward” is to help counselors-in-training, as well as newly graduated counselors, navigate their early careers as therapists by providing a practicum & internship site to forming clinicians. As such, I am an Approved Clinical Supervisor and appreciate sharing my experiences with counseling students and pre-licensed clinicians.

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Currently Accepting New Patients: FULL

Inside the chaos, build a temple of love. –Rune Lazuli 
I believe that even in crisis, through trauma or in dealing with a mental health disorder, one can build themselves a temple of love, comfort and healing.  I truly feel that it is my calling to help people find or build this temple within themselves.  
I have a bachelors in psychology from the University of the Incarnate Word, as well as a degree in religious studies.  I have a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University with a certificate in Counseling Military Members and Military Families.  I am currently working on my Licensed Professional Counseling license from Colorado.  I am EMDR trained as well as certified in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, Intellectual Disabilities and Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders for professionals. Virtual Counseling for Professionals as well as training in Play Therapy, Art based DBT, and Theraplay.  I take a very Client Centered approach to counseling, meeting my clients where they are in their special journey.  I believe that everyone’s journey is unique and deserves a unique approach when it comes to the therapeutic orientation needed to help facilitate a loving and nurturing path. 

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Currently Accepting New Patients: YES

Do you want to learn how to trust again or perhaps for the first time? Are you a veteran striving towards sobriety, reintegration, and post-traumatic growth? Or maybe a man dealing with men's medical issues in need of emotional support? A civilian trauma survivor seeking safety and inner calm? A spiritual seeker, yearning for meaning, purpose, and direction? An artist, writer, comedian, or musician overwhelmed by their intensity, reaching for serenity and greater creativity? A child wanting to feel loved and safe, yearning to grow in a healthy way?

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and an Army and Air Force veteran. I understand firsthand the stressors of military life. I do not speak from a book. I speak from the bones. I am an alumni of Fordham University in New York City, and I came to Colorado in 2015 with the Air Force. I specialize in veteran care, trauma, addiction, and I also work with children ages 9-17.

Therapy is a personal journey. I utilize an eclectic, evidence-based approach, custom-tailored to the client's unique human needs. Ultimately, my approach is existential, humanistic, and meaning-centered. Practical goals include reduction in symptoms and better overall functioning. Existential goals include a meaningful experience of being alive and hope. We will work together to transform your festering emotional wound into a heart-scar, a sign of a strong, resilient character that has achieved post-traumatic growth.

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Currently Accepting New Patients: FULL

One of my favorite quotes was written by Henry Thoreau and it goes as follows: “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived. I did not wish to live what was not life, living is so dear; nor did I wish to practice resignation, unless it was quite necessary. I wanted to live deep and suck out all the marrow of life…” “…to know by experience…” 
All of us have our own stories to share and I would like to hear yours. Life is an adventure full of experiences of all sorts that lead us to where we are and to whom we have become. There may come a time when a non-judgmental therapist is needed to help you see and deal with what you can learn from your experiences in your life. I have experienced the continuum of care in the mental health field from inpatient, residential, day treatment, in home services, and outpatient therapies. I believe meeting individuals, couples, and families in their areas of need is important for them to meet their potential. I have also spent over a decade in the prehospital arena experiencing people’s everyday lives in progress. The experiences gave me priceless insights into how people react under duress and how to get them to a safe state of mind. I am looking forward to assisting you, your spouse, and/or your family in meeting your mental health needs. To allow you to know mental health services through your own experience.

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Currently Accepting New Patients: YES

I am a Psychotherapist with more than 4 years of experience in the clinical area. I am specialized in the treatment of children, adolescents and adults. Part of my specialties include trauma therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, anxiety and depression treatments, behavior problems, and family and couples counseling as well as experience dealing with mental health crisis situations.
Mainly I focus on serving people who speak Spanish, for a better expression.

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Currently Accepting New Patients: YES

I have worked in the DHA Healthcare System for 7 years now. I have been a military wife for 15 plus years and I am a military parent for 8 years. I understand the needs of our growing community and how people need empathy and someone who will listen and advocates for our people who have Developmental and cultural disabilities and needs. I also welcome LGBTQIA+ culture. In my spare time I love spending time with my family and our 3 dogs.

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Currently Accepting New Patients: FULL

Liz was born and raised in Colorado Springs. She received her Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs in 2019 and her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University in early 2024. Liz has experience working in elderly care, inpatient behavioral health, and is trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy. She prefers working with clients over the age of 12 and specializes in anxiety, depression, LGBTQIA+ and women's issues. In her free time she enjoys playing pool, spending time with her family and black lab Maggie.

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Currently Accepting New Patients: YES

Hello, my name is Miguel Lopez, I am a Hispanic male (him/his) who is a military combat veteran who speaks Spanish and loves helping and working with people. I graduated with my Master’s degree in Social Work from Walden University, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Colorado Technical University, and an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Pikes Peak State College. I have over ten years of caseworker, substance abuse, and therapy work experience working with diverse clients who are coping and dealing with real-life problems and need help daily.
Every day people go through hard times, breakups, divorces, grief, and the loss of a friend, animal, or loved one, the loss of a job, etc. and we all need help from an unbiased person for aid and support in these and other areas of concern. When it comes to Trauma, I believe it is an exciting part of life, one is not expecting it, and you barely understand it. Now you can deal with and overcome it in a healthy and professional way. Along with other mental health issues, I have experienced enough trauma, grief and loss, sadness, depression, and substance use to last a lifetime, from childhood mistakes to adult issues and I got help.
My philosophy is to help people out in the best way I can by approaching things with an open mind and using Maslow's hierarchy of needs because a client cannot focus on his or her mental health if he or she is not well with their physical health or who are dealing with other issues and concerns such as being homeless or dealing with substance abuse. I enjoy working with clients from the age of 9 to geriatric who are dealing with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, PTSD, Mood, Personality Disorders, and other mental health and substance abuse conditions. It is easy to fight your battles alone and to suffer in silence; I want you to know that you no longer have to fight this battle alone.

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Currently Accepting New Patients:

YES - Telehealth ONLY

Michaela Luck graduated from Adams State University with her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). She is also a Certified Accelerated Resolution Therapist (ART). 
Michaela’s passionate about empathizing and hearing the stories people tell through words or play. She advocates for her clients and meets them where they’re at in their journey. With an integrative approach to Person-Centered Therapy and Narrative Therapy, clients are empowered to heal through their stories. Michaela places an importance on listening and validating clients, along with pointing out their strengths. Michaela has a passion for working with children, young adults and adults through play therapy, trauma therapy, grief therapy, suicide prevention, and parenting. 
Outside of work, Michaela loves to spend time with her people (and pup), be outdoors, travel and drink a good cup of coffee.

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Currently Accepting New Patients: FULL 

Empowering Your Next Chapter is crucial to living a life that is fulfilling for you.

Life can be overwhelming at times, but you don’t have to face it alone. With a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University and five years of experience working with adults and adolescents, I’m here to support you in overcoming trauma, relationship challenges, self-esteem struggles, and addiction.

My approach is compassionate and collaborative. Together, we’ll explore what you need to feel heard, understood, and empowered. Using techniques like somatic work, narrative therapy, CBT, DBT, and person-centered care, I aim to create a safe space where you can heal and grow at your own pace.

Whether we meet in person or virtually, my goal is to help you reclaim your story and take the next step toward a life filled with hope and possibility.

Let’s navigate this journey together—your next chapter starts here.

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Currently Accepting New Patients: FULL

Hello, my name is Connor Sullivan. I have worked in the field of mental health for the past three years, primarily in the crisis setting. In that time I have gained hands on experience working with diverse individuals that are coping with many different mental health concerns, most of which stemmed from trauma. I utilize a variety of techniques with a primary orientation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
As your therapist I will not be there to judge you or tell you what you need to do, instead I will be your ally through the often-difficult process of discovering more about yourself and making the changes that you feel are necessary. To me therapy is a partnership in which client and clinician are on equal levels. I believe that the first step in healing is to learn to accept and cope with the symptoms that you are currently experiencing. Itis then important find ways to move past the difficult symptoms while learning from them so that you have better insight into yourself that can help you in all areas of life. I am a firm believer in the resiliency that all humans have, and I am excited to help you discover more about yours.

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Currently Accepting New Patients: YES

Hello, my name is Aidan Torgerson. I received my Masters in Social Work from Louisiana State University and have four years of experience in the mental health field. During those four years, I gained a lot of experience working with people in crisis situations both in a hospital setting as well as in an emergency response setting. I have a passion for listening to people and helping them discover how strong they are. I believe that having a strong therapeutic bond between clinician and client is the best road to recovery.

Outside of work, I love to be outdoors. I usually spend my free time going to the gym, hiking, playing pickleball or tennis. But I also indulge in some nerdy hobbies as well, like Dungeons and Dragons and video games. I love playing board games with my family and hanging out with my puppy.

 

Currently Accepting New Patients: YES

Joanna is a Licensed Mastered Social Worker who has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a Master of Social Work degree from Boise State University.
Joanna has worked with youth, women, and families in a variety of counseling settings. Joanna has training in trauma-informed care and utilizes a collaborative and compassionate approach to counseling, in an effort to foster hope, healing, and resilience. Her focus has been working with children and families in crisis and with those who have found themselves coping with adversity. She has extensive experience working with clients who have experienced trauma, loss and grief, and family separation.
Joanna promotes and embraces the practice of mindfulness and gratitude, the value of human connection, and the importance of finding meaning in one’s life. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, being active outside, and trying new foods. She is working on her Clinical licensure and hopes to further increase her education and training.

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Currently Accepting New Patients: FULL

ChiChi (they/he) is a black, queer, and transgender non-binary counselor who engages in community psychoeducation through online forums and streaming. They believe that therapy should be a collaborative effort in which harm-reduction is a core value and individuals can learn to accept themselves as they are. They take a multidisciplinary, narrative-focused approach that combines Rogerian therapy styles, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Narrative Therapy to promote psychosocial well-being the way the client defines it for themself. ChiChi works with individuals who have endured trauma, those who hope to explore their gender and sexuality, those who are disabled, and individuals of all ages in individual, family, and couple's therapy.

 

Currently Accepting New Patients: YES

Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have 9 years of experience in this field. I enjoy working with patients of all walks of life, ages 15 and up and as a veteran myself, I enjoy working with military vets and military families as well. I specialize in: Physical, mental and emotional trauma; depression; anxiety; PTSD; grief and loss; relationship issues; couples and aging issues. I utilize several therapy modalities to include: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT, Narrative therapy and I am also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).  "I take a whole human approach seeking to balance body, mind and spirit."

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Currently Accepting New Patients: FULL

Hello! My name is Melissa and I specialize in helping clients overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and problems with themselves, partners, and others. I have experience with active duty Army and a military spouse for the last 20 years.
I am Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado using cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment, and emotion focused approach and dialect behavioral therapy. I have a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Maryland University with a minor in criminal justice. I have 5 years clinical experience with inpatient therapy and intervention for suicidal and homicidal ideation at a military hospital and in crisis intervention as well as one-on-one therapy.
Some of my specialties include PCS struggles, relationship strains from work-ups and deployments, grief over fallen friends, suicidal thoughts and history, PTSD, MST, and civilian transitioning. I focus on providing evidence-based practices with culturally competent care to include, but not limited to, CBT for PTSD, DBT for insomnia, and CBT for depression and anxiety.

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Currently Accepting New Patients: YES

“We go through difficult situations that makes us lose hope; without knowing or having any idea how to deal with it. However, in each lose there is a learning and collateral beauty that makes you be grateful for what you still have.” 
I`m a bi-cultural counselor that provides therapy to individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, and sexual abuse, and I also work with those needing support through life transitions and grief. Therapies I use include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused, Psychodynamic, Motivational Interviewing, and I am trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I work primarily with Teens and Adults and I’m sensitive to the needs of immigrant populations and people of color. I conduct therapy in both English and Spanish, whatever language you feel most comfortable.

 

Currently Accepting New Patients: YES

I approach therapy with compassion, and to work alongside with each client to reach your goals. By sharing your concerns, together we can develop a workable solution-focused plan to bring solid changes and make the greatest impact on problem issues. I offer skills and techniques to reduce anxiety/fears, stress, depression, mood changes, and help with relationship communications and the ability to function more resiliently. We will identify triggers, images, thoughts, emotions and sensations that cause difficulties and work to create an optimally healthy mind that functions in a healthy way. 
My practice style uses a combination of cognitive/behavioral therapy that is “problem focused” (specific problems) and action oriented (assisting the client in selecting strategies to address those problems). It is relationships-centered (focused on affected relationships), strengths- based (notice what you do well), and culturally sensitive (Your background/lifestyle).   I am EMDR Trained (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and ART Trained (Accelerated Resolution Therapy).

 

Currently Accepting New Patients:

YES - Telehealth ONLY

Alice is a Supervised Social Work Candidate (SWC) pursuing credentials as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has the goal of changing the typical cold and clinical space, to a warm and energized environment where you can safely gain a stronger understanding of yourself. She received her Master’s in social work specializing in Trauma from Newman University in 2023 and received her Bachelors of Social Work with a concentration in Diverse populations in 2022. To date, she has six years of clinical experience, 7 years of experience working with domestic violence and family violence, and 6 years of experience working with the Military community in Colorado Springs. Her activism and volunteer efforts were recognized by the National Coalition of Domestic Violence (NCADV) in 2021 following awarding Alice with the Recognizing (Y)our Resilience Award for active work with survivors of domestic violence to heal and educating diverse communities and providers with tools and education to increase prevention, recognition, and intervention of Domestic Violence. In 2023, she was accepted on the NCADV’s Survivor’s Speaker Bureau. She combines her vast, 7+ years of experience, award recognized advocacy, and education in trauma and the somatic experience to serve you.

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Currently Accepting New Patients: YES- Telehealth ONLY

I am an intern finishing my final chapter of school at Walden University.  Empowering people has always been a passion of mine whether it be through volunteering, working with youth, teaching craft classes, or advocating for others.  I moved here from Wisconsin a few years ago and Colorado Springs quickly became home as I spent time volunteering at a local food pantry, immersing myself in the local music and arts scene, and connecting with nature in the mountains.        

Being understood and accepted for who you are is a life-changing experience and empowers a person to love themselves, heal, and grow. Everyone deserves to feel understood and accepted, as we each are the expert on our lives. I strive to provide safe space for vulnerability- allowing acceptance, authenticity, and self-love to flourish.  It is a courageous step for a person to examine themselves and having support and encouragement on your journey of growth and healing can make the struggles more manageable while building inner strength and resilience.

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Currently Accepting New Patients: YES