.png)
Illiana Craig, LSAA
Illiana Craig is a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate who is dedicated to helping individuals overcome substance use disorders and build healthier, more fulfilling lives. She believes every client deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion, and creates a welcoming environment where clients feel safe to share their experiences without fear of judgment.
"Recovery begins with hope, grows through compassion, and becomes lasting when people believe in themselves."
Building Hope, Creating Change
Illiana Craig is a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) who is dedicated to helping individuals overcome substance use disorders and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.
She believes every client deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion. Illiana understands that seeking treatment can be one of the most difficult decisions a person will ever make, and she strives to create a welcoming, supportive environment where clients feel safe to share their experiences without fear of judgment.
At Desert Mountain Healing IOP, Illiana provides individual counseling, facilitates group therapy, and works collaboratively with the treatment team to help clients develop the tools, confidence, and resilience needed for long-term recovery.
Her caring and encouraging approach helps clients recognize their strengths while empowering them to create meaningful and lasting change.
Experience in Recovery & Behavioral Health
Illiana has experience working with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, emotional challenges, life transitions, and co-occurring behavioral health concerns.
She believes recovery involves more than achieving sobriety. It includes improving emotional wellness, strengthening relationships, building healthy coping skills, and creating a life filled with purpose and stability.
As a therapist, Illiana is committed to helping clients identify obstacles, develop practical solutions, and recognize the strengths that will support lifelong recovery.
She works closely with the multidisciplinary team at Desert Mountain Healing IOP to ensure every client receives individualized, comprehensive care.
Academic Foundation & Professional Growth
Professional Credentials
- Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA)
Education
- Bachelor's Degree - The University of New Mexico (UNM)
Illiana earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of New Mexico. She believes continuing education allows her to better serve clients by expanding her knowledge of addiction treatment, behavioral health, and evidence-based counseling practices.
Her commitment to lifelong learning reflects her dedication to providing compassionate, high-quality care while continually growing as a behavioral health professional.
Empowering Change Through Compassion
Illiana believes every individual possesses the ability to create positive change.
Her counseling philosophy is centered on four guiding principles:
1. Compassion Creates Trust
Healing begins when people feel accepted, respected, and understood.
2. Recovery Is Personal
Every individual's experiences, goals, and recovery journey are unique and deserve individualized care.
3. Growth Happens Through Support
Recovery becomes stronger when clients are surrounded by encouragement, accountability, and healthy relationships.
4. Small Steps Lead to Lasting Change
Meaningful recovery is achieved through consistent progress, one day and one decision at a time.
Clinical Specializations
- Substance Use Disorders
- Individual Counseling
- Group Therapy
- Relapse Prevention
- Emotional Wellness
- Coping Skills Development
- Stress Management
- Recovery Planning
- Healthy Relationships
- Personal Growth
Primary Therapist & Recovery Partner
As a Primary Therapist, Illiana works closely with clients to develop individualized treatment plans that support every stage of recovery.
Her responsibilities include:
- Individual counseling
- Group facilitation
- Treatment planning
- Progress evaluations
- Recovery education
- Relapse prevention planning
- Collaboration with the multidisciplinary treatment team
- Long-term recovery support
She believes that coordinated, client-centered care provides the strongest foundation for lasting recovery.
Working with Illiana
Clients working with Illiana can expect:
- A warm and welcoming environment
- Compassionate, judgment-free counseling
- Honest communication
- Individualized treatment planning
- Practical coping strategies
- Encouragement balanced with accountability
- Evidence-based therapeutic approaches
Her goal is to help every client recognize their strengths while building the confidence needed to create lasting change.
A Privilege to Help Others Heal
Illiana chose the behavioral health profession because she believes helping others overcome adversity and discover hope is one of life's greatest privileges.
She is inspired by the resilience she sees in every client and believes everyone deserves the opportunity to build a healthier, happier future.
Watching individuals regain confidence, reconnect with loved ones, and accomplish goals they once believed impossible continues to motivate her every day.
Practical Tools for Lasting Recovery
Illiana believes counseling should equip clients with practical tools they can use throughout their recovery journey.
She works collaboratively with clients to:
- Build emotional resilience
- Improve communication skills
- Identify unhealthy patterns
- Develop healthy coping strategies
- Strengthen relationships
- Increase confidence
- Create sustainable recovery plans
Her goal is to empower every client to leave treatment with hope, confidence, and the skills necessary to continue growing long after completing the program.
Your Future Can Be Brighter
"Recovery is about believing that your future can be brighter than your past. Every day presents a new opportunity to grow, heal, and move forward. My goal is to provide a supportive environment where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to become the healthiest version of yourself. You never have to face recovery alone—we're here to help every step of the way."
— Illiana Craig, LSAA
Primary Therapist