I trusted Small Steps Counseling during one of the most difficult times of my family's life, and I deeply regret that decision.
My daughter was referred to Small Steps because we were dealing with an abusive co-parenting situation. She finally found a therapist she trusted and began building a relationship that gave her stability during an incredibly traumatic time.
When her father revoked consent for counseling, I was told that all I needed was a court order stating my signature alone was sufficient for treatment to continue. I relied on that guidance. I spent four months fighting through the court system, enduring retaliation from my daughter's father, emotional stress, and legal expenses because I believed I was doing exactly what Small Steps instructed me to do.
After months of fighting for my daughter's access to therapy, I was suddenly told Small Steps would no longer see her. The explanation contradicted everything I had previously been told.
What hurt most wasn't only the decision, it was realizing how quickly support disappeared once our situation became complicated. Everyone was kind, reassuring, and willing to help until our case became an inconvenience. Then the guidance changed, and my daughter was the one left to suffer the consequences.
This wasn't just a scheduling issue. This was a child who experienced trauma, built trust with a therapist, and then lost that relationship because the organization changed course.
Organizations that serve vulnerable children should understand that continuity of care matters. Families dealing with abuse and high-conflict custody situations need honesty, consistency, and professionals who stand behind the guidance they provide.
If you are a parent, especially a mother trying to protect your child while co-parenting with an abusive former partner, I would proceed with caution. These situations require providers who understand the importance of stability and trust. My experience was that once our situation became difficult, the support was no longer there.
After obtaining the court order Small Steps told me I needed, I was instructed to re-enroll my daughter, complete paperwork, and provide payment information. I was led to believe she would return to the therapist she trusted. Then I was told, "Actually, we won't be taking her back."
The reason given was concern that her father might revoke consent again, but that was the exact reason I spent months obtaining a court order stating his consent was no longer required, the solution Small Steps directed me to pursue.
After following their guidance and enduring months of conflict, they still refused to see my daughter even once. Now I have to explain to her again that she will not be seeing the therapist she trusted.
I trusted Small Steps with my daughter's mental health because I believed they were committed to helping children through difficult experiences. Instead, I was left feeling that when our case became complicated, our family's needs became secondary. This was not the experience I expected from an organization whose mission is to serve New Mexico's children during times of trauma.
Note: it wasn't the therapist decision to do this , it was the greedy owners and people who run this place. it's a scam to take peoples money. Not actually help the children of NM. They need to be investigated! read more
