About Us

About Betterment Mental Health Counseling, Inc

The goal of Betterment Mental Health Counseling, Inc will be to provide personalized and effective mental health counseling to those who are experiencing poor mental health, suffer from mental illness and/or negative lifestyle choices.


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Maria Santa-Cruz Ewing M.S., L.M.H.C.,
C.P.P., E.M.D.R.


Betterment’s President and lead therapist will be Maria Santa Cruz Ewing, MS, LMTC, CPP, EMDR. Maria has 25 years of successful mental health and addiction counseling experience. Maria has bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Psychology from the University of South Florida, and a master’s degree in Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) as well as a Certified Prevention Professional (CPP). Maria is also certified in EYE Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which is a psychotherapeutic approach to trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Maria specializes in various mental health issues, psychological trauma, and negative lifestyle choices. She has many years of experience treating active duty and former military veterans, as well as first responders. She is also versed in working with local law enforcement and people who are court ordered to receive treatment. Her compassion, professionalism, and therapeutic counseling have helped hundreds of people lead more productive and positive lives.

Morgan Edwards, L.M.H.C.


Morgan Edwards is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who has been working in the field of mental health for the past 15 years. Morgan completed her undergraduate studies at Florida Christian College followed by a Master of Arts in Counseling from Cincinnati Christian University. Morgan believes in the power of the connection that is formed in the counseling relationship and uses a person-centered approach that also incorporates principles of cognitive behavioral therapy and other evidenced-based practices. Morgan is passionate about the importance of overall wellness, integrating aspects of spirituality, community and family relationships, health, nutrition and exercise in her treatment. Morgan offers mental health counseling services to those seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, stress management, communication and interpersonal relationship struggles, self-esteem/self-image, personal growth and development, grief/loss, parenting support and more. Morgan is available to see adolescents and adults via telehealth.

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Waleska (Wally) Acevedo, MSW, LCSW, CPLC


Wally is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Central Florida, and received her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of South Florida. With over 20 years of experience counseling and coaching the areas diverse populaIon, she has placed an emphasis on the mental health needs of adults, third age individuals and those managing chronic health & pain concerns during these last 9 years as an LCSW. Wally is fluent in both English and Spanish, bringing a broad perspecIve on social and cultural diversity to her pracIce.

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Iris Curry


Life can be complex and difficult to navigate at times. Iris’ mission is “to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental, and validating space for you to explore your experiences so that together we can help you reach a place of healing, fulfillment, and growth”. Iris Curry completed her undergraduate work at Florida A & M University in Tallahassee, Florida. Following college, Iris pursued and completed her Master of Arts degree at the University of South Florida. Having been involved in the mental health services since 1994, Iris became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in 2009. Iris believes in a client centered approach in counseling to pursue mental wellness and strength. Iris offers mental health counseling services for people 16 years old and up who are seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, self-esteem/self-image issues, grief counseling, and personal growth and development. Iris is available to see clients in person (Palmetto, Fl) and via telehealth.

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How it helps you to stay Strong.

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