My name is Alesia Crossland, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. My personal background laid the groundwork for a career centered on understanding the human experience and supporting others through meaningful change.

I am a half Native American woman from the Laguna Pueblo and Ohkay Owingeh tribes, and I was raised on both reservations. My experience has deeply shaped who I am both personally and professionally. It has helped me understand the connection between mental health and culture, community, and tradition. My upbringing also influenced my outlook on the importance of creating a holding space for healing in a way that honors culture.

I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from The University of New Mexico and went on to earn my Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work Practice from New Mexico Highlands University. I have been a practicing therapist since 2017.

My professional journey began in individual and family therapy working with children, teenagers, and families in a treatment foster care setting. These early experiences laid the foundation for my dedication to helping people through complex emotional and relational issues. Later, I transitioned into an outpatient group practice, where I worked with both teenagers and adults facing a variety of mental health concerns.

In 2023, I launched Desert Magnolia Therapy, my private practice where I continue to support teenagers and adults on their path to healing and personal growth.

The name Desert Magnolia Therapy is deeply rooted in both my location and my philosophy on treatment. Inspired by the picturesque Sandia Mountains in the high desert of Albuquerque, the “desert” reflects the resilience of this environment, and the magnolia symbolizes perseverance—an essential quality for healing. I believe that “to heal” is not to reach a destination, but to engage in an ongoing, often non-linear process throughout life. It takes strength and persistence to move forward, especially in the face of past trauma, and I strive to create a space where that journey feels supported and sustainable.