Meet Our Therapists

Hope Varela

CEO, LISW, LCSW, LADAC

I have been a direct practice therapist for over 25 years. I have various experience in working with children, adults and families. Most recently, I have worked in the substance abuse field. I have taught in the field of psychology and social work at Northern New Mexico College and New Mexico Highlands University. I am committed to not only treating clients of all backgrounds and life stressors, I am also committed to teaching my staff and upcoming therapists to develop into the best therapists possible. I specialize in treating substance abuse, depression, anxiety and trauma. In my spare time, I love spending time with family, reading, collecting Beatles memorabilia, and spending time with my dog, Milo.

Michael Davis

LPCC

I am an independently licensed counselor, LPCC, and the clinical director at Outcomes. I have been working in the helping professions for eight years. During those eight years, I worked extensively in substance abuse and mental health fields with dedication to serve clients. I earned a master's degree in counseling with a concentration in mental health from University of Phoenix in 2015. I hold certifications as a National Certified Counselor and a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor from the National Board for Certified Counselors, Inc. I specialize in working with adolescent and adult populations. I bring a compassionate approach and a personable and applied evidenced based treatment when working with the clients I serve. I enjoy reading, movies, music, food, and playing the game of basketball in my free time.

Elaine Padilla

LCSW

I received my MSW from Indiana University in 1986. For the next ten years, I worked with children, adolescents, and adults. I also was the coordinator for Emergency Services at a mental health center in Indiana. Upon arriving in New Mexico in 1996, I initially worked in an RTC with teenagers followed by 21 years as a school worker with Albuquerque Public Schools. I have worked part time for 15 years as an outpatient therapist licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New Mexico since 2004.

Louella Arellano

LMSW

I am a part-time therapist with over 20 years of dedicated service at Outcome, Inc. I work with adults, couples, families, and seniors, providing a supportive and nonjudgmental space for clients to navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in working with individuals involved in the judicial system. I understand the unique stressors, transitions, and barriers they often face.

My therapeutic approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a person-centered foundation. I believe in meeting clients where they are, building on their strengths, and collaborating to create meaningful, sustainable change. With a calm, empathetic presence and a practical, solution-focused style, I help clients develop insight, build new skills, and move forward with confidence and clarity.

Daniel Lopez

LHMC

I am originally from the borderlands area of New Mexico, Texas, and Chihuahua. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in varied capacities in mental health and substance abuse counseling. He is a proud veteran of the U.S. Army from which I drew on experience, empathy, and resonance in working with veteran and service members populations of varied cultural backgrounds, personal identities, or family member roles. I enjoy being out in nature and learning about history, science, and metaphysics.

I am fluent in Spanish. I am able to translate to and from English in technical terms and professional capacities as well as every-day colloquial speaking.

Lauren Jones

LMHC

I am a warm and supportive therapist who believes that healing starts with feeling truly seen and heard. I completed my Master’s degree in Counseling at the University of the Southwest and earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of New Mexico.

I work with adults, children, adolescents, and couples, creating a calm, welcoming space for clients to explore what’s going on in their lives. I use a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and person-centered approaches, helping each person find practical tools while also honoring their unique story, strengths, and needs.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent eight years working with adults with developmental disabilities on the DD Waiver. This experience shaped my deep respect for individuality, patience, and meeting people exactly where they are. I bring these values into every session, offering compassion, collaboration, and genuine care.

Outside of my work, I enjoy reading, hiking, traveling, and spending quality time with my daughter.

Kenneth Wanya

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I am a licensed addiction counselor with over five years of experience. I am a native from the Acoma and Hopi tribes. I have worked in both inpatient and outpatient treatment with both adolescents and adults. I also provide mediation and grief counseling services. I recently added acutherapy treatments for healing to my range of skills.

Brent Mull

LMSW

I am a seasoned therapist with 15 years of dedicated experience helping individuals navigate addiction, improve their lives, and achieve long term recovery. I am known for a client- centered approach, I specialize in evidence- based treatments including cognitive- behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing and relapse prevention planning.

Throughout my career, I have worked in diverse settings; such as outpatient programs, non- profits and community health organizations by providing both individual counseling and group therapy. I am driven by a commitment to advocacy and empowerment, I collaborate closely with individuals to ensure integrated care. Dedication and professionalism has made me a trusted guide for many individuals on their path to happiness and stable lives.