Bilingual Child and Adolescent Therapist
Pronouns: she/her
202-164-2812
Mariana is the bilingual therapist on the Clinical Services team at SMYAL. Growing up in Mexico and coming to the United States at 19, she developed a strong appreciation for cultural diversity and the importance of sensitivity to individual experiences. With a personal understanding of LGBTQ+ issues as a queer latina woman, she strives to create a safe and validating environment, tailoring her therapeutic strategies to meet the unique needs of each individual she works with.
She completed her masters in Clinical Psychology at Divine Mercy University in 2016 and has acquired a solid foundation for addressing the intersection of mental health and diverse identities. She values the strength of community and actively collaborates with clients to foster growth, connection and empowerment. In her previous roles, Mariana has experience working with adults facing substance use challenges, supporting young survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and providing case management for LGBTQ+ homeless youth. She has also worked closely in the community by providing workshops and trainings to increase awareness and facilitate open dialogue about mental health and LGBTQ+ issues.
Outside of her professional role at SMYAL, she likes to read, make playlists, go dancing, and find the next adventure with her friends.
