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Monica Cruz, LCSW

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Monica is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

5.0 stars
Clients are very satisfied with Monica. View 42 reviews
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in Louisiana

Recent reviews

Ive had the most incredible experience with Monica. From the first session I felt heard and understood. Her ability to actively listen, ask insightful questions, and provide compassionate guidance has been truly a gift in my healing. Monica has a remarkable gift for creating a safe space, allowing me to fully express my emotions. I cannot recommend Monica enough seeking a therapist who will truly listen and help you grow to your best potential self. She is truly a treasure in the field of mental health.

Reviewed November 2024

I've been seeing Monica for a couple of years, and I always feel great after talking to her. We have overcome a lot of trauma and heavy emotions - childhood things as well as current issues. She is great at recommending books, apps, and other tools to use outside of therapy for emotional regulation and self-improvement. Definitely recommend.

Reviewed March 2024

More about Monica

  • 16 years' experience
  • Female
  • LCSW

Greetings! If you are reading this then you have taken the first step towards creating your new and improved self. This is often very difficult and I commend you on your courage and resolve. The road to self-improvement is often a lifelong journey and many people run into difficulties of all sorts along the way. Do not be discouraged! You are not alone. My goal is to give you supportive help and solutions to the best of my ability. I am committed to listening to your personal situation and assisting you with formulating and implementing goals for you to achieve incremental improvement. Let's start by me telling you a little about myself.

I am currently an LCSW with 11 years of experience helping a diverse range of people from many different cultural backgrounds. People have always described me as a good listener and problem solver. While working together I can assure you I will never judge. We are all in this together! People would also call me driven and compassionate. I am devoted to working with you to elevate your well-being and overall quality of life. I specialize in Behavioral Therapy utilizing a wide array of interventions and treatment plans. Together we will formulate a personalized plan for you and discuss the steps needed for you to enact that plan in portions that are manageable to you and your situation. I look forward to the opportunity of working with you!

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Relationship issues Trauma and abuse Bipolar disorder Depression Addictions LGBT Family conflicts Grief Intimacy-related issues Eating disorders Sleeping disorders Parenting issues Anger management Self esteem Career difficulties Coping with life changes Coaching Compassion fatigue ADHD Abandonment Attachment issues Avoidant personality BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture Blended family issues Body image Codependency Commitment issues Communication problems Control issues Coping with natural or human-caused disaster Dependent personality Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) Dissociation Divorce and separation Domestic violence Emptiness Family of origin issues Family problems Fatherhood issues First responder issues Forgiveness Gender dysphoria Guilt and shame Impulsivity Infidelity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Midlife crisis Mood disorders Narcissism Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks Paranoia Personality disorders Phobias Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships Postpartum depression Post-traumatic stress Prejudice and discrimination Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Self-harm Self-love Sexual assault and abuse Sexuality Social anxiety and phobia Somatization Women's issues Workplace issues Young adult issues

Treatment Approaches

  • Attachment-Based Therapy
  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Gottman Method
  • Jungian Therapy
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Somatic Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems

Licenses

Monica Cruz's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1164658191.

  • LCSW · Louisiana · 10398 · Expires August 2025

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.

Reviews for Monica Cruz

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

5.0

42 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Great Understanding Amazing Comfortable Helped Listens Recommend Excellent Incredible Easy

Ive had the most incredible experience with Monica. From the first session I felt heard and understood. Her ability to actively listen, ask insightful questions, and provide compassionate guidance has been truly a gift in my healing. Monica has a remarkable gift for creating a safe space, allowing me to fully express my emotions. I cannot recommend Monica enough seeking a therapist who will truly listen and help you grow to your best potential self. She is truly a treasure in the field of mental health.

Reviewed November 2024

I've been seeing Monica for a couple of years, and I always feel great after talking to her. We have overcome a lot of trauma and heavy emotions - childhood things as well as current issues. She is great at recommending books, apps, and other tools to use outside of therapy for emotional regulation and self-improvement. Definitely recommend.

Reviewed March 2024

She is great and really listens.

Reviewed March 2024

monica is a total super star. i can’t recommend her enough.

Reviewed September 2023

Monic is an amazing therapist that knows exactly how to meet my mental health needs. She is experienced in the areas I need guidance and uses the services found in PrideCounseling for an inclusive experience. I feel comfortable sharing with her when and what I need because I recognize the in-depth techniques we’ve explored together. She is willing to be patient and push me to work hard.

Reviewed December 2021

Monica offers me a perspective that is down to earth and direct, and provides concrete strategies that I have easily implemented into my daily life!

Reviewed December 2023

Monica is such a good fit for me, as a therapist. I think she'd be incredible for anyone, but I'm particularly grateful for the strength and subtlety with which she combats my issues. She's a core part of my life team!

Reviewed November 2023

I am so blessed to have her as my therapist

Reviewed August 2023

Absolutely amazing! She listens, she doesn’t judge any situation even the really bad ones. I’ve never met a therapist that is so dedicated to helping their clients like Ms Monica has!

Reviewed July 2023

She is very knowledgeable and listens to what I have to say.

Reviewed August 2022

Monica has helped me through a couple really important issues, and her expertise has definitely made my life and relationships better and happier.

Reviewed July 2022

Great person

Reviewed June 2022

Ms Monica Cruz is the bomb, love her more then fat kid love cake

Reviewed February 2022

Monica has really helped me process habits I’m trying to adjust and offers crucial support when I feel like I cant talk to anyone about what’s bothering me.

Reviewed February 2022

I am very pleased with Monica’s demeanor. I feel actual empathy from her whereas in previous therapy experiences I felt just like another body getting canned advise. I look forward to continuing and hope to improve myself.

Reviewed December 2021

Amazing!

Reviewed November 2021

I sincerely appreciate Monica and all she does for me through therapy. She has such a warm yet bubbly approach during our conversations. I never feel forced or uncomfortable to share with her and she always give great advice. She always responds to my messages which is great for in between sessions. I think she is a great therapist and person!

Reviewed November 2021

Excellent

Reviewed September 2021

She is amazing and so blessed to have her as my therapist

Reviewed September 2021

Monica has been great in this past year that I decided to do online therapy, she is attentive and gives good outside materials (such as books or podcasts) that are relevant to problems in my personal journey. She takes diligent notes and always knows what to say. Very insightful and isn't afraid to call me out when I'm being avoidant. Highly highly recommend.

Reviewed August 2021

Very active in sending advice and messages and check-ins. Also provides great spreadsheets to help me better myself and sets goals.

Reviewed July 2021

Monica is very supportive and makes me feel heard.

Reviewed June 2021

Throughout my life I’ve gone through many therapists, more than 10. Some that I clicked with and were good at what they did, some that just ran the clock and didn’t engage. Never before have I felt so heard and understood by a professional therapist. The way she identifies situations, peels back layers to offer further understanding, and provides concise, positive, and constructive solutions is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. She provides fruitful perspectives that I often don’t conceive of myself, and that’s coming from a person that does quite a bit of overthinking. She listens very well, and gets to work immediately. Her enthusiasm is apparent, and she will go the extra mile, which is an admirable and rare quality to come by. I feel truly grateful to have her be the one to help me on my journey of growth, and I hope others can have the privilege of being guided by her as well.

Reviewed May 2021

She is always there for me.

Reviewed May 2021

She is great!

Reviewed March 2021

Mrs. Monica Cruz has done an amazing job working with me! I have a bit of a complicated schedule, but she is incredibly patient and willing to communicate with me and work with me on timing our sessions! She has been understanding, willing to listen to me speak, and asking questions I never thought to ask myself. Overall an incredible experience, and I cannot wait to see what kind of growth I can accomplish with her help!

Reviewed March 2021

Monica has improved my life greatly in the months that I have been seeing her. It took a few tries to find a therapist that clicked, but Monica is an excellent listener, takes notes during our sessions, and always has great recommendations for practices to do or books to read to help through tough spots. Definitely would reccomend..

Reviewed March 2021

Monica is helpful, responsive, and good at listening. She makes me feel comfortable and not judged for whatever I have to say. I feel a bit better after talking to her!

Reviewed February 2021

I love Monica! One of the best counselor I meet. Highly recommended!

Reviewed January 2021

Monica Cruz is a life saver even though we had one session it completely helps me I even cried to someone I didn't know or know much of but this is completely different and healthy thank you so much

Reviewed November 2020

Ms. Cruz is kind, professional, and understanding. I thank BetterHelp for providing quality counselors and for allowing me to receive care at the comfort of home in my pajama pants.

Reviewed September 2020

Very understanding, good listener, feel comfortable talking to her

Reviewed July 2020

Monica is extremely flexible with her scheduling. I often have to reschedule lately due to a crazy period at work, and she’s always kind about it and willing to reschedule to another night. She’s also very relatable and cares about your progress.

Reviewed June 2020

I absolutely love Monica. I look forward to our sessions. Every single time I talk to her I feel uplifted and whatever was bothering me no longer does each time we finish. 10/10 for everything. Monica is the best and a complete inspiration to me. She has helped me get past my troubles and has helped mold my future.

Reviewed June 2020

She’s a really good counselor.

Reviewed June 2020

Monica Cruz is kind, understanding and patient. She is flexible and accommodates my many idiosyncrasies.

Reviewed May 2020

Monica is great! She listens, provides great feedback and is easy to talk to. I feel extremely comfortable and feel like this is going to be a great way for me to work through my problems.

Reviewed April 2020

Monica has been extremely helpful. I have been working on things that I have been scared to talk about but she makes me feel comfortable and safe. Thank you so much.

Reviewed April 2020

Monica has been excellent! She’s been understanding and has helped me open the lines of communication with my husband. She makes sure you don’t feel alone or crazy.

Reviewed March 2020

This is the REALEST therapist ever. Got me through my breakup in less than two weeks! Wow!!!!

Reviewed March 2020

Very personable and easy to talk to. Great advice, great listener. Good video and sound connection.

Reviewed March 2020

She’s very kind and supportive! Extremely open minded and outgoing.

Reviewed February 2020

How was your experience with Monica?

Frequently asked questions

Does Monica Cruz offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Monica Cruz works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Monica Cruz speak?

Monica Cruz speaks English.

How many years of experience does Monica Cruz have?

Monica Cruz has 16 years of experience.

Where is Monica Cruz licensed to practice?

Monica Cruz is licensed to practice in Louisiana.

Does Monica Cruz accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Monica Cruz does not accept clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

What treatment approaches does Monica Cruz offer?

Monica Cruz offers clients Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Gottman Method, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.

How can I communicate with Monica Cruz?

Monica Cruz can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Monica Cruz?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.