Michelle Chavez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Prickly Pear Therapy. She began her social work education at New Mexico Highlands University, earning her bachelor’s degree in 2013, and later earned her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California in 2016. While at USC, Michelle helped pilot its telehealth program, giving her early experience providing both virtual and in-person care.

Michelle has worked in social services and behavioral health in New Mexico for more than a decade. She is especially passionate about supporting children, teens, adults, and families through a warm, flexible, and collaborative approach. Michelle believes clients and families are the experts in their own lives and works with them to identify strengths, build useful skills, and create meaningful change.

Her work draws from strengths-based, psychosocial, systems, family-systems, task-centered, and cognitive behavioral approaches. She also incorporates crisis intervention and both directive and nondirective play therapy techniques when appropriate.

Michelle values getting to know each client as an individual and creating a space that feels welcoming and free of judgment. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, camping, and experiencing the food and culture of New Mexico.