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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Venice, Fl Office for in person appointments and Statewide for Telehealth Appointments.

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


Betterment’s President and lead therapist is 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 in person and via telehealth.

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Palmetto, Fl office for in person appointments and Statewide for Telehealth appointments.

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 practice.

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Palmetto, Fl office for in person appointments and Statewide for Telehealth appointments. Si Hablamos Español

Iris Curry, LMHC


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.

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Palmetto, Fl Office for in person appointments and Statewide for Telehealth appointments.

Eileen Robertson, LCSW


Eileen Robertson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who obtained her graduate degree from New York University.  She has 30 years of experience working in hospitals, chemical dependency treatment programs, transitional housing programs, and mental health clinics.  Eileen employs a person-centered approach to help individuals access their innate abilities to heal.   She is trained in trauma informed care, mindfulness-based stress reduction, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing and solution focused therapies.  She aspires to be a proficient guide to all that seek her assistance.

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Venice, Fl office for in person appointments and Statewide for Telehealth appointments.

Emmanuel “Manny” Gomez, LMHC


Emmanuel (Manny) graduated with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Therapy in 2020 and received his License in Mental Health Counseling in 2024 (LMHC). He gained experience as a therapist in a residential addiction site as well as outpatient settings. With these settings in mind, he has been able to work with a broad swath of diverse demographics while using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution-focused brief therapy (CFBT) as modalities within the treatment process. Manny provides individual, family, and marital counseling as well as child therapy within his practice.
As a behavioral health counselor, he is actively engaged in applying a holistic approach to wellness, integrating physical well-being with behavioral well-being. Primarily, he works with the BMHCI team to provide therapy in a confidential, safe, and therapeutic environment. Manny is bilingual, speaking English and Spanish.

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Palmetto, Fl Office for in person appointments and Statewide for Telehealth appointments. Si Hablamos Español

Barbara Morelli, LMHC, EMDR


Barbara graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida in 1994 and earned her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling in 1997 from NOVA Southeastern University. Barbara became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in 1999 and has 25 years of consecutive Counseling experience.
Barbara is also trained in EYE Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which is a psychotherapeutic approach to trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. Barbara specializes in induvial and family therapy, working primarily with children and adolescents, as well as adults and seniors. Fostering a sense of wellbeing with a collaborative and client centered approach. Meeting people where they are mentally and emotionally using a variety of creative and evidenced based practices to promote healing and wellness. Empowering clients by building upon their strengths to increase resilience. The ultimate goal of therapy with Barbara is a more positive and productive lifestyle.

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Venice Fl office for in person appointments and Statewide for Telehealth appointments

How it helps you to stay Strong.

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