Community Lighthouse opens Rio Rancho therapy office

The Community Lighthouse has opened a new therapy office in Rio Rancho.

The organization, which has operated in Albuquerque for more than three decades, is expanding its physical presence to the northern part of Bernalillo County. Company representative Meridyth Stefhon stated that the move was driven by a high volume of referrals from Rio Rancho residents despite the company's primary base in Albuquerque. Stefhon, who is a Rio Rancho native, noted that her mother is an educator in the community. She said the leadership team recognized a specific need for mental health support in the area.

The new location places a primary focus on children's therapy. Stefhon described a shortage of pediatric mental health resources in New Mexico. She explained that children often struggle to verbalize their emotions or articulate the difficulties they are experiencing. The office provides a version of play therapy, a method where children lead the session while a trained therapist observes. Stefhon said this approach allows children to express themselves naturally while clinicians interpret their emotional states.

The Rio Rancho office also serves adults. Services include treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and depression. The firm offers assistance with resource access and routine building for clients managing anxiety. Stefhon said the company aims to help clients feel better and develop resilience when facing difficult situations.

The company also aims to reduce the stigma associated with seeking professional mental health support. Stefhon said open conversation about getting support is a strong step for individuals. She noted that many of the firm's certified therapists also receive therapy themselves. The goal, she said, is to help people become resilient human beings who can view difficult situations without feeling overwhelmed.

The Community Lighthouse is located in Rio Rancho and serves the broader Bernalillo County community. The organization’s website is tclhnm.com.