Mary Benavidez, LPCC

Mary Benavidez brings a rich and diverse background to her work in behavioral health, with experience spanning psychiatric and trauma nursing, K-12 education, school counseling, and higher education. She earned dual master's degrees in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from Adams State University and is passionate about helping individuals thrive through a holistic approach that addresses the whole person.

A resident of Alamosa since 1997, Mary is especially passionate about child and adolescent counseling, play therapy, grief and loss counseling, and crisis intervention. Her approach to care is grounded in collaboration, empathy, and respect. She believes each person is the expert on their own life and works alongside patients to build on their strengths in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment.

Mary is dedicated to increasing access to mental health services in rural communities and is a proud example of SLV Health's commitment to growing its own workforce. She participated in the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Career Accelerator Program as a Fellow and Candidate and was recently selected as a Candidate Ambassador, an honor awarded to only 8 to 10 individuals from hundreds of accelerator participants. Through these programs, she has continued developing the skills needed to help address the shortage of licensed mental health clinicians in rural areas.

She was drawn to SLV Health because of its integrated approach to care and supportive culture. Following a positive internship experience that provided valuable mentorship and professional growth opportunities, she joined a team that shares her commitment to treating the whole person and strengthening access to behavioral healthcare throughout the San Luis Valley.

Mary finds the greatest reward in helping patients recognize their own strengths and potential. She hopes every patient leaves an appointment feeling heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. Supporting individuals through trauma, crisis, healing, and personal growth continues to reaffirm her calling to healthcare.

Outside of work, Mary enjoys spending time with family and friends, participating in community activities, exploring local thrift stores, playing tabletop role-playing games, singing, reading, especially the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, and creating anime-inspired costumes through sewing and design.

A lifelong believer in personal growth and resilience, Mary returned to college later in life and graduated in May 2025 at age 53. Her journey reinforces a message she shares with patients: it is never too late to pursue a goal or begin a new chapter. One quote that guides her comes from The Lord of the Rings: "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us." For Mary, it serves as a reminder that while we may not control every circumstance, we can choose how we move forward.