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Amanda Cruz, MSW, LGSW

Amanda Cruz, MSW, LGSW

Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist

I believe that healthy families develop when they feel safe, supported, and connected to one another and others. “If kids could do well, they would” (Dr. Ross Greene, Ph.D.) As a mental health practitioner, I believe that young children need the guidance from their parents to develop into the person they are meant to be. I believe in working right alongside parents and caregivers in helping them learn strategies that promote healthy relationships between them and their child. Everyone’s therapeutic process to improve their mental health is unique to them and their experiences and I am here to support parents, caregivers, and children however that may look.

Clinic Locations

  • Oakdale Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Clinic
  • Cottage Grove Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Clinic

Specialty Areas

  • Early Childhood Clinical Services
  • Early Childhood Consultation
  • Ages Served: 0-5
  • ADHD/ADD (Children), Abuse, Anger, Anxiety, Autism, Behavioral Problems, Transitions, Trauma, Emotional Disorders, Domestic Violence, Depression, Developmental Concerns, Emotional Regulation, Emotional Dysregulation, Attachment Disorders, Grief, Self-Harm, DC: 0-5 Assessment, Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma Informed Child-Parent Psychotherapy

Professional Experience

My experience includes providing mental health services across various settings (schools, homes, and community) to children (mainly ages 4-12), families and caregivers. For the last 3 years, I have worked in schools as a School Social Worker providing mental health services to students with a variety needs from trauma to behavioral disorders. Before that, I worked with a non-profit organization where I provided mental health services and mentoring to children and adolescents who have been involved in outsides systems ( juvenile justice and child welfare) and were at risk for further system involvement and/or harm.

Education

  • Bachelor's in Psychology- University of Wisconsin Platteville
  • Masters in Social Work- University of Wisconsin Green Bay

License and Credentials

  • Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
  • Master of Social Work (MSW)

Referral & Appointment

To check this provider’s availability or to make a referral or appointment, please contact Barb Tester, Early Childhood Program Support; at (651) 251-5024 or btester@canvashealth.org.