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Cadet Counseling Center

The Cadet Counseling Center (CCC) offers free, confidential mental health support to all NMMI cadets. Students from all backgrounds come to the CCC for help with concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, academic challenges, substance use, and spiritual guidance. Session lengths vary based on individual needs, with options ranging from brief 20-minute sessions to 40-60 minute appointments. Cadets can schedule an appointment by emailing counseling@nmmi.edu or visiting the CCC, located in the basement of Marshall Infirmary, during business hours. 

Our mission is to help cadets improve their academic performance, enhance their quality of life, and foster resilience and wellness. By collaborating with cadets, we recognize and build upon their unique strengths, resources, and abilities. Our goal is to help cadets develop new skills and insights, empowering them to navigate challenges more effectively now and in the future. 

Staff

The Cadet Counseling Center is staffed by licensed clinicians and certified life coaches, each dedicated to supporting cadets’ mental health and well-being. Our team adheres to the ethical standards established by New Mexico’s licensing boards, respective to their professional credentials, ensuring high-quality, and compassionate care. 

To request a referral or schedule an appointment, please email counseling@nmmi.edu or reach out to a specific staff member with details about your concern. The CCC team will review the case and determine the appropriate next steps to best support the cadet.

Mental Health Counselor: 

Ruth Netzahualt, LMHC 

netzahualt@nmmi.edu / 575-624-8498 

Mental Health Support Counselor/Certified Life Coach: 

Aracelli Mendoza 

amendoza@nmmi.edu / 575-624-8496 

Chaplain/Certified Life Coach: 

Jacob Graham, MA 

graham@nmmi.edu / 575-624-8211 

Clinical Supervisor:  

Teresa Gray, LCSW 

tgray@nmmi.edu / 575-624-8213

Services

The Cadet Counseling Center (CCC) is staffed with professionals dedicated to supporting students in achieving their mental health and behavioral goals. The CCC provides a range of services tailored to address personal and interpersonal concerns, including mental health counseling, life coaching, crisis response, student advocacy, spiritual counsel, preventative programming, and referrals to local providers. We employ a strengths-based, solution-focused approach to empower cadets to address challenges and build the skills necessary for productive, healthy lives at NMMI and beyond. 

The CCC can also facilitate telehealth therapy with existing mental health providers by providing a quiet and private space for cadets to attend these sessions. Please contact the CCC at counseling@nmmi.edu for more information. 

The CCC does not provide long-term or intensive treatment, psychological evaluations, mental health diagnoses, or psychiatric care. For cadets requiring specialized counseling, we facilitate referrals to appropriate mental health professionals, medical, or legal services. Services outside of NMMI are at the cadet’s expense.

Timely Care

In addition to in-person services, all cadets 16+ have FREE 24/7 access to virtual care services with TimelyCare – a virtual health and well-being platform. Student do not need insurance to access TimelyCare services. Visit timelycare.com/nmmi to set up your account. Timely Care services:  

  • TalkNow: 24/7 on-demand emotional support to talk about anything, including anxiety, relationships, depression, and school-related stressors. 
  • Schedule Counseling: Choose the day, and mental health provider that best works for you (6 visits per year). 
  • Health Coaching: Develop healthy lifestyle behaviors, including nutrition, sleep habits, time management, and mindfulness. 
  • Self-Care Content: Visit the “Explore” page within TimelyCare for guided self-care content, including yoga and meditation sessions, as well as group conversations with providers on a variety of health and well-being topics.  
  • Community/Peer Support: A 24/7, inclusive, and positive support system for students. Day or night, it helps students know they are not alone in their health and well-being journeys. 
  • Basic Needs Support: A resource that connects students to the resources they need to stay in school. It helps them meet their basic needs for housing, food, employment, transportation, and safety.

Crisis Support & Resources

Crisis support is available at the Cadet Counseling Center during regular business hours, with on-call evening and weekend hours for crisis assistance. CCC staff responds to crisis situations and works closely with the Commandant’s and infirmary staff to ensure safe and appropriate care of cadets. In some cases, CCC licensed clinicians will conduct risk assessments, and referrals to higher levels of care may be necessary. Parents and guardians are kept informed throughout the process. 

Need to talk to someone outside of these hours or looking for a local resource to help meet your needs? Check out the following free resources:  

  • Timely Care – Talk Now: 24/7, on-demand emotional support to talk about anything. Visit timelycare.com/nmmi  
  • New Mexico Peer-to-Peer Warmline: 1-855-466-7100: A confidential non-crisis support line in New Mexico. You will be connected with a Peer Support Worker, who is available to support you when you are just wanting to talk about emotional, mental, behavioral, and/or substance use concern; recovery; resiliency; or resources. 
  • New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (Red para crisis y acceso de NM):1-855-662-7474 
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline/ Red Para la Prevención del Suicidio: 988 or 1-800-273-8255 

Cadet Counseling Center Staff

Ruth Netzahault, LMHC

Ruth Netzahault, LMHC

Mental Health Counselor
Aracelli Mendoza

Aracelli Mendoza

Mental Health Support Counselor/Certified Life Coach
Jacob Graham, MA

Jacob Graham, MA

Chaplain/Certified Life Coach
Teresa Gray, LCSW

Teresa Gray, LCSW

Clinical Supervisor