Google reviewers rate Essential Mental Health 4.8 out of 5 based on 56 reviews, with the owner responding to all feedback. Clients frequently praise the clinic's compassionate and knowledgeable therapists, noting effective communication, professional ethics, and convenient weekend availability. The practice also highlights a commitment to community service through pro bono programs. However, a few low-star reviews criticize appointment cancellations, perceived bias in family therapy, and insufficient initial contact for new clients seeking urgent help.
Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 56 reviews (95% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 56 Google reviews (39 with written comments).
Owner responses: the business replied to 100% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 25, 2026.
Service: Mental Health Clinic serving Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Data from Google, last updated October 29, 2026.
Star ratings
56 Google reviews we collected
4.8of 5
5 stars5395%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star35%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 39 written reviews
94%praise
Praise4594%
Complaints36%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
5topics
Staff & attitude2246%
Would recommend1429%
Honesty & trust613%
Quality & results36%
Communication36%
What customers talk about
We read 39 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“I've been seeing Kendra for over 3 months now and I find her professional and helpful and she's a great listener too.”
“They are a top tier agency that I would highly recommend.”
“Its also a secured business which I find comforting in Albuquerque if I'm being honest.”
“The executive director is excellent and does amazing work for the mental health community here in Abq.”
“Obviously thats important and essential to good communication and a productive session.”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Please forgive my silly "cat-reference-name" but I didn't want to use my real name for personal, privacy reasons when leaving this Review.
I had the good fortune to cross paths with Essential Mental Health who contacted me several months ago to say that they had an opening with Kendra on Saturdays, which is my preferred day. Do you know how difficult it is to find a Counselor on the weekends? I really can't afford to continually take time off from work during the weekdays and seeing someone after work just makes for a long day for me so Kendra's schedule is perfect and quite convenient.
Let me start off by saying the location for ESM is just fine and easy to get to. Its also a secured business which I find comforting in Albuquerque if I'm being honest.
I've been seeing Kendra for over 3 months now and I find her professional and helpful and she's a great listener too. My time with Kendra is quite calm and even relaxing as I feel comfortable sharing what I want to share with her. She's not judgemental of course and her thoughts and suggestions and observations are always taken to heart. :)
I'm very curious about therapy and how all of this works so I tend to ask Kendra a lot of questions about her and what is expected of me and what I need to bring to the table and so on. I guess you could say that I just want to get the most out of the time spent with Kendra if that makes sense. Kendra has a nice and easy going attitude and pleasant demeanor. I've read other reviews for different practices and can see how important it is that you "connect" with the right counselor. Obviously thats important and essential to good communication and a productive session.
Kendra has a nice sense of humor as well and I enjoy making her laugh since I'd prefer that our time together isn't spent always talking about serious things. Does therapy always have to be so serious with lots of crying? I don't think so. For me, I'm finding that some healthy chats and discussions of my past can also be mixed with some humor and positive hope for the future. Thats what I'm getting from Kendra and exactly what I need right now.
Essential Mental Health is just perfect for me and I'm so happy to have Kendra as my counselor. The room that we chat in is quite comfortable and the check-in process couldn't be simpler. I do feel that I'm making some nice progress in the short time I've been seeing Kendra and thats important. I've never once dreaded my visits and like I've been saying, I look forward to seeing her. What are you looking for in a Counselor? All my boxes are checked here with Kendra at Essential Mental Health. :)
BONUS: They have the most wonderful candy dish with all my favorite chocolates. :)
Thanks go out to the staff at EMH and specifically Kendra! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Response from the owner · 2 days ago
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We're happy that you've been able to get the care you've needed. Thank you for choosing Essential Mental Health in Albuquerque!
K
Kathy Parfet3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kathy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Essential Mental Health is life changing. Myself, friends, children have all had counseling here and we can honestly say it carried us through times in life we thought unbearable. All of us leaving counseling with hope, solutions to try, it gave us someone to talk to. It helped us feel seen and find the best in ourselves and life. Each counselor has a unique style and that’s why it works, you can find one that fits you! I am The biggest advocate for counseling and will always refer everyone I know to Essential Mental Health.
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thank you, so much, Joy, for taking the time to reach out!!! Much appreciated!!!
M
Mandy Henry2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mandy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Karoline is the best therapist I have ever had and I have seen quite a few. She is caring, compassionate, knowledgeable and she genuinely cares about her patients. She always makes me feel understood and safe. I can trust her with anything and she has never made me feel judged. I truly believe she has saved my life. I highly recommend her. Essential mental health is amazing! They have a wonderful list of providers that each have their own bios. I love how you can pick who fits what you need the most.
Response from the owner · 2 months ago
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this incredibly kind review! We are so happy to hear that you’ve had such a wonderful experience with Karoline. She truly is an amazing therapist, and we feel very lucky to have her at Essential Mental Health! 💛
We also love hearing that our provider bios helped you find someone who felt like the right fit. Finding a therapist you feel safe, understood, and comfortable with is so important. Thank you for trusting EMH with your care and for taking the time to share such thoughtful words! It is truly appreciated.
K
Kenneth Hardy (Jay)Local Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kenneth has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I waited 3 weeks for an appointment to only have it cancelled days prior to my initial consultation. Because they said they can't begin without my diagnosis from another professional... Which I don't understand why? If I would of never mentioned prior treatment they would have to of diagnosed me on their own professional training... which doesn't sound reassuring... I have been seeing psych doctors for a very long time and have never had one not be able to begin treatment and rely on their own professional training. I sent an email 3 weeks ago explaining what I am seeking help for prior to them requesting an initial consultation... visit...If burying 4 children and the woman I loved this past November isn't enough to be seen I don't know is...Unfortunately I can't force the Professionals to hurry up and release my files... These people wasted 3 weeks of my time where I could of been getting help... It's a good thing I am not suicidal because they probably wouldn't of seen me and possibly y'all until they were able to get the report from another professional saying that you need help... or until someone who is actually suicidal does it waiting for them to believe you...As I said if burying 4 children and the person who you loved isn't enough to be seen... Then I don't what is...They either don't care or they are not professional enough to listen to you and prepare their own diagnosis... Anyone who is seeking help this isn't the place... They need to plagiaris another Doctor's report prior to helping you...
Response from the owner · Edited 4 months ago
Hello- based on the details provided in your review, we believe you may be referring to a different agency. Essential Mental Health provides therapy services only; we do not employ psychiatrists, prescribe medications, or offer medication management services. We also do not maintain a waitlist, nor do we require documentation or a prior diagnosis from another provider before scheduling an intake appointment.
There are several behavioral health agencies in Albuquerque with names similar to ours, so it is possible this review was intended for another practice. If so, we would appreciate it if you would verify the name of the agency you worked with and consider removing or updating your review, as it does not accurately reflect our services or policies.
If you would like to discuss this further, please feel free to contact us directly at [email protected]. We would also be happy to provide referrals to agencies that offer psychiatric or medication management services if that is what you are seeking.
I'm so sorry about your experience and do want you (and others!) to know it was NOT with our agency!
S
Sky IzzoLocal Guide · 70 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sky has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I followed my therapist here. I’m glad I’m still able to have her as my therapist because I’ve had her for a year now. She helps me so much. I always feel like she is the only person that is sane and knowledgeable enough to get what I’m saying. Thank you Meredith.
Response from the owner · 10 months ago
Thank you SO very much for your response. It's always great to hear from clients who are happy with their therapists...it's what makes this agency so great!!!!! Meredith is absolutely wonderful and we are grateful to have her!
M
Meghan Tate11 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Meghan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I had the privilege of experiencing the quality services of Essential Mental Health LLC. The Over 30 Therapists have someone for every need. They are compassionate, caring knowledgeable and professional. They short term counseling and long term therapy. The facility is a calm, serene, peaceful positive space. They are a top tier agency that I would highly recommend.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Mr. Tate, thank you SO very much for your kind words and review. It is so appreciated!
