Team
Jazmin Elizondo
M.S., LPC, NCC
DIRECTOR
Jazmin earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Texas at San Antonio. She specializes in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and adult ADHD. She is trained in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, client-centered therapy and Brainspotting therapy.
Jazmin's goal has always been to create a space where clients feel welcome, safe, and empowered. This led her to create Sage Healing Counseling Services. Her goal is to continue finding passionate counselors to join the Sage community and continue providing quality mental health services to the Rio Grande Valley (and beyond!).
Cristal A. Reyna
LPC, LCDC-INTERN, MED
Cristal is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She has worked as a counselor for the last 20 years helping at risk youth, adults, and senior citizens in various areas around Texas. She has organized countless conferences, community presentations, and professional trainings throughout her career.
She is currently the Vice-President of the RGV Adolescent Sexual Health Coalition and a board member for the Hidalgo-Starr County A&M Club. Cristal holds a BA in Psychology from Texas A & M University-College Station and a M.Ed in Counseling of Human Development from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. She is currently in the doctorate program at Liberty University for Community Care Counseling and Traumatology.
Betty J. Ramirez
MED, LPC
Betty earned a Bachelor’s degree of Fine Arts from the University of Texas Pan American and a Master’s in Education specializing in Guidance and Counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 8 years of experience in counseling and 12 years in education. She specializes in counseling with children, Christian counseling, anxiety, depression, grief or loss, stress management, anger management, and adolescent counseling. She has worked with clients diagnosed with Depression, ADHD/ADD, Autism, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, and Learning Disabilities. She is currently working on becoming a Registered Play Therapist.
Rodrigo Duran
MS, LPC
Rodrigo is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas. His educational
background consists of Bachelor of science in Psychology and Master of Science in Clinical Psychology concentration-counseling and he is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology. His experience spans 16 years in the mental health field. He has worked with children, teens, adults and geriatric clients in different settings, including outpatient mental health facilities, refugee shelters, and group settings through Batterers Intervention Program for over 5 years, with a focus on domestic abuse and anger management.
"My theoretical orientations and evidenced based therapies of choice are trauma focused, cognitive behavioral, humanist, existential, rational-emotive, dialectic-behavioral, narrative and positive psychology.
I believe in the power of resiliency and compassionate empathic counseling. We are evolving beings in constant change, always learning and evaluating our daily decisions. Reaching our human potential is important to us all, because we know it improves our lives and of those around us. I like to be part of this process in my client's lives, it drives my everyday decisions. I don't like to be judgmental nor like labeling, we are all in a unique path seeking to improve and my role is to be there to help you reach these goals."
In his spare time, he enjoys weightlifting and running. He also likes to play classical guitar and has recently started exploring recorder music. He is interested in most art forms, but truly appreciates sculpting, drawing, cinematography and music.
Belinda Pruneda
M.S., LPC
Belinda is a licensed professional counselor in Texas with 3 years of experience working as a facilitator and counselor. She has worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship/marriage concerns, parenting problems, chronic pain, as well as facilitated batterers intervention and prevention programs. She has also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse.
"My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity. I believe in trying to have the best understanding of clients emotions and guiding them to their best thought solution. My approach combines client centered, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs."
"It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.
I look forward to working with you!"
Janet Alvarado
MA, LPC- ASSOCIATE
Janet Alvarado is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate with experience helping adolescents, adults and individuals with critical medical conditions. Janet has experience in treating anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, stress management and trauma. Janet’s counseling approach is holistic, compassion based and believes that as we evolve and become more self-aware we have the power to achieve our greatest potential.
Janet empowers clients to gain an assertive approach to their lives and become the creators of their own story by realizing their own strengths and capacities. Janet provides treatment based on an individual’s current needs and goals however also incorporates approaches based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused, and her personal favorite Person-Centered.
Janet obtained her Masters of Arts degree in Counseling at St.Edward’s University in Austin, Tx and completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Journalism with a Minor in Psychology from the University of Texas Pan American.
Janet is an advocate for Suicide Prevention, LGBTQ+ rights, and has recently become a volunteer for the Humanitarian Crisis Respite Center of South Texas. Janet is currently in the process of starting her journey to obtain her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Women’s Health.
“I aim to provide a safe and inclusive space to explore and overcome current distress that is interfering with daily life and believe that the first step to regaining peace and stability is by reaching out for support which can begin with us. You are not alone, we are here and look forward to helping you reach your goals”.
Claudia De La Torre
Telehealth ONLY
MS, LPC, NCC
Claudia De la Torre is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 4 years’ experience working with children, adolescents, and families. Claudia has worked with individuals living with depression, anxiety, emotional and physical abuse, and trauma. Claudia’s counseling approach focuses on reality therapy, person-centered, humanistic, and rational-emotive approaches. However, she also provides individualized treatment based on client needs and goals.
Claudia obtained her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, and Bachelor of Art in Psychology from the University of Texas- UTRGV. Claudia has provided services at a non-profit working with undocumented adolescents who have experienced physical and domestic abuse by providing support and resources, and conducting psychoeducational group therapy.
Claudia believes in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion and does not believe in societal labels. These are the first steps towards positive change and if you are ready to take them she is here to empower and support you.
Stephanie Lopez Garza
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Stephanie Lopez has years of experience in customer service. She gets inspired easily by listening and helping people out, which is one of the reasons she chose to study social work. Her favorite hobby is to travel and discover new places and learn about their culture while tasting their delicious food.
"I am a changemaker and always wanting to inspire others with meaning and intention. Personally, I feel passionate about learning new skills." -- Stephanie, Office Assistant