What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“Luz was kind and compassionate, and even within one session had me feeling a lot better and excited for my future working with her. if you're in doubt, just try one appointment with her and you'll be sold! ”
Bethany F.May 27, 2023Video visit
About Luz Cruz
Focus areas
Adult Psychotherapy
Bullying
Self Esteem Issues
Anxiety
Depression
Bereavement / Grief Counseling
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counseling
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Families
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Motivational Interviewing
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
Hispanic or Latinx
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
Getting to know Luz Cruz
Hi, my name is Luz, my pronouns are she/her/hers, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). I earned my Master's in Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University, along with a Master's in Spanish Literature and Linguistics from Northern Illinois University, and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois. Before making the journey into a community mental health career, I worked as a teacher for over 15 years. I have experience in mobile crisis response, trauma, forensic mental health, and LGBTQ+ issues.
To explain who I am as a therapist, I reflect back to my role as an educator. In the classroom, there was a movement for the teacher to be less of a ?sage on the stage? (teacher-centered approach) and more of a ?guide on the side? (student-centered). To me, therapy is a lesson plan for a learning experience. It's a guide to develop what the client needs to learn in order to cope with whatever barriers are showing up in the client's life, whether that barrier is a relationship issue, self-image, or how to cope with stress.
My therapeutic perspective is to provide empathetic, non-judgmental, compassionate guidance and support in an atmosphere of respect and safety while allowing clients to be the experts of their lives, much like ?a co-pilot, a sous chef, or an assistant manager? of a client-therapist relationship. I use solution-focused elements to help move toward desired goals, cognitive behavioral techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts, and motivational interviewing to help gain understanding and clarity. Outside of traditional therapy, I enjoy the practices of mindfulness, guided meditation, aromatherapy, and Reiki.
Finding a therapist that's the right fit can be a challenging task, but taking that first step toward a healthier you is worth it. I look forward to working with you to help break down those barriers and make progress in areas that most matter to you.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Sessions are meant to be reflective and non-judgmental, encouraging the client to be introspective. My purpose is not to place blame or shame, but rather to identify mental blocks and obstacles that have impeded clients from making their life changes.
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
More information on payments and coverage
Payment is due after each session and will be charged with your card on file for any portion of patient responsibility. Receipts will be provided at the time of the charge. This typically takes place 2-4 weeks after the session, once your insurance has had a chance to process the claim. We try our best to verify eligibility, but it is ultimately your responsibility to check coverage and out-of-pocket costs for services. For out-of-network visits, you will be billed at the provider’s self-pay rate, and we can provide an invoice for you to submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement based on your plan’s benefits.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Adams State University, Master's in Mental Health Counseling
- Northern Illinois University, Master's in Spanish Literature and Linguistics
- University of Illinois (Bachelor's)
NPI number
1265851422
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
9 reviews
Most relevant
Very knowledgeable and relatable. Highly recommend.
January 22, 2022Initials hiddenVideo visit
Luz was kind and compassionate, and even within one session had me feeling a lot better and excited for my future working with her. if you're in doubt, just try one appointment with her and you'll be sold!
May 27, 2023Bethany F.Verified patientVideo visit
Great experience and simple and easy.
March 9, 2023Lisbet V.Verified patientVideo visit
January 10, 2024Caitlin O.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
September 26, 2023Daina G.Verified patientVideo visit
May 28, 2023Natasha N.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
How soon can I make an appointment with Luz Cruz?
Generally, Luz Cruz has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Luz Cruz's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Luz Cruz accepting new patients?
Luz Cruz generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Luz Cruz's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Luz Cruz accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Luz Cruz is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Luz Cruz online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Luz Cruz using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Luz Cruz work with?
Luz Cruz works with Grow Therapy.
What are common reasons for patients to see Luz Cruz?
Luz Cruz frequently sees patients for Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, Sleep Problems, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Luz Cruz on their profile.
What languages does Luz Cruz speak?
Luz Cruz speaks English and Spanish.
How do patients rate Luz Cruz in reviews?
9 patients have reviewed Luz Cruz. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.