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Betsy Nacim, Ph.D.
Dr. Nacim is fluent in English and Spanish. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Capella University in 2009. She completed a formal program in Neuropsychology through an APA approved post-doctoral program at Fielding University in 2016. She completed two years of post-doctoral supervision under Dr. Arnold Purisch, who is a published forensic neuropsychologist in California.
Dr. Nacim went on to complete an APA approved post-doctoral degree in Psychopharmacology from Alliant University in 2019. She does not intend to use her degree to prescribe medication (also, it is not allowed in Texas). Rather, she uses this knowledge to understand brain functioning at the neurochemical level and the effects of medication on neurocognitive functions. Therefore, Dr. Nacim will always defer to the prescribing provider for all medication decisions.
Prior to becoming a psychologist, Dr. Nacim obtained a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin).
As a therapist, she believes in a direct approach to being the person who helps people gain agency and insight into their growth and development. She works with adolescents, adults, and couples. Dr. Nacim has extensive training and experience in trauma therapy (including exposure therapy, EMDR, and CPT), CBT, DBT, biofeedback, and hypnosis.
Emily McKenna, M.A., LPA
Emily obtained her master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas – Pan American in 2011 and became a Licensed Psychological Associate in 2012, earning independent licensure in 2017. Since that time, Emily has provided therapy services and psychological evaluations to children and adults to determine appropriate diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
Emily is a Certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist, providing autism evaluations for ages 2 through adulthood, as well as autism-competent therapy services for adults with autism who may be struggling with symptoms of anxiety, depression, trauma, and other psychological symptoms. Emily is also trained in providing trauma-informed EMDR Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Emily is fully dedicated to providing each of her clients with respect, acceptance, and compassion, and she flexibly adjusts her therapeutic approach to meet each client’s needs. Emily’s goal as a provider is to empower her clients with the tools they need to flourish on their own terms
Karla Auten, LCSW-S
(she/her/ella)
Karla is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, board certified supervisor. She has practiced in Texas since 2010 and has experience working with several populations including: Early Childhood Intervention (0-3), children and families in medical and non-profit settings, combat Veterans, and victims of physical/emotional/sexual abuse.
Karla is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Level 1 certified in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. She is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). She believes that utilizing a multi-system approach ensures that healing occurs at the individual level.
Karla is registered with the Texas Board of Social Work Examiners as a supervisor for master level social workers (LMSW) seeking licensure for independent practice.
"My passion as a bilingual clinician is to provide skilled and collaborative trauma-informed care. As a native El Pasoan, I understand the unique characteristics of living in a border community. I look forward to providing you and your family with competent and culturally sensitive care in a safe, affirming space."
Lorena Olivas, PhD, Intern
Dr. Olivas is fluent in English and Spanish. Dr. Olivas obtained her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts from University of Phoenix in Nevada. She went on to complete her PhD in 2013 from Walden University, in Minnesota. She is currently supervised by Dr. Nacim while she completes the requirements for licensure in Texas.
Dr. Olivas has spent much of her clinical training working with at-risk adolescents and their families in a wide array of settings, including residential, schools, hospitals, and private practice.
Dr. Olivas provides counseling services to adolescents, adults, and older adults. She brings a respectful and inquisitive flow to therapy because she believes the answers truly lie within the person.
Jorge Marquez, PhD, LP
Dr. Jorge A. Marquez is a licensed clinical psychologist. He received his PhD in Clinical/Community Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2013.
Dr. Marquez is a native to El Paso and is fluent in both English and Spanish. Besides providing counseling and psychological evaluations at AACC, he is the assistant director of the Counseling and Psychological Services center at UTEP and the Training Director of the El Paso Psychology Internship Consortium where he provides supervision and training to doctoral students and counseling services and clinical assessment to UTEP students. Dr. Marquez also teaches classes for the Department of Counseling, Special Education, and Educational Psychology at UTEP.
Va Eduardo Rodriguez
Eduardo is our psychological assistant who has a constant smile. He completed his undergraduate education at the Sul Ross University earning a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. He is currently completing his master’s in Clinical Counseling at UTEP and has been awarded the Dean's List for excellence in academic performance every semester for maintaining a GPA of 4.0! If that were not enough, he also works part-time at Alivine as a Prevention Specialist.
Eduardo brings an inviting approach to working with everyone which allows for comfort and confidence. He is fluent in English and Spanish.
Astrid Portillo
Astrid is our volunteer psychological assistant. She has been with us since 2017! She completed her Master's in Clinical Psychology at UTEP and currently completing her licensing requirements to be a Licensed Psychological Assistant (LPA). Astrid also works full-time as a counselor working with undocumented immigrant children and families.
Astrid brings a fun approach to working with everyone with her amazing sense of humor. When she is not working, she enjoys her three fur babies who honor us with their presence in our back yard.
Maria Tabares
Maria is our office manager… and boss. She is bilingual in English and Spanish. She does everything she can to keep our group organized and functioning smoothly. She runs our schedules, billing, supplies, communications, and practically our lives! Maria received her Medical Billing & Coding degree from Vista College. She has over seven years of experience in working with mental health billing.