Today we’d like to introduce you to Marisol Salgado.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am a first-generation college graduate. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and started my career in social services as a domestic violence and sexual assault advocate at a women’s shelter. I had all the Spanish speaking clients because I am fluently in English and Spanish. There is where I saw how much need there was for bilingual counselors. Working at the women’s shelter ignited something inside me. After working in social services for a couple of years, I decided to return to school to fill the void I saw. Fast-forward a couple of years and I earned a Master of Arts in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. There is a lot of things they do not teach you in graduate school about opening a private practice. From applying to get on insurance panels to the ins and outs of business. Luckily, I have been able to find a support system of other businesswomen. Other bumps in the road are the stigmatization about mental health in general. I always like to remind people that seeking help does not make you weak. It actually shows your strength to acknowledge you need help.
Please tell us about Sol Counseling & Healing.
I decided to open my private practice at the beginning of the year to once again fill the void I see in the community. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, cultural issues and also do hardship evaluations for immigration. Since I am bilingual, I created a platform through social media @abilingualcounselor to share information about mental health in Spanish.
I strive to provide a safe space for my clients. There is a big stigma in the Latino community to seek counseling. I want to not only provide a safe space for my clients but a space where they feel they belong. I want to make sure my clients are receiving help from a culturally competent who understand how culture impacts their lives. What sets me apart from others is creating this space for my niche community. As soon as people walk into my office they can see artwork that they can identify with.
I am very passionate about educating the community about mental health so I also recently started a podcast Oye, Let’s Talk. My goal is to dismantle taboo topics about life and mental health. I believe being informed about mental health is crucial in order to achieve destigmatization. My podcast is bilingual to fill the lack of access to mental health information in Spanish. Oye, Let’s Talk can be listened on all major podcast players.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I could have a start over I would have learned more of the ins and outs of insurance companies. I would also be more confident in myself. As a new professional imposter syndrome sometimes gets the best of me. So I would definitely would be more confident walking in. I have to remind myself that I am an expert in my work.
Pricing:
- Individual Therapy $120-$150
Contact Info:
- Address: 340 N. Sam Houston Pkwy E., #A100P
Houston, TX 77060 - Website: abilingualcounselor.com
- Phone: 346-297-6585
- Email: marisol@abilingualcounselor.com
- Instagram: abilingualcounselor and oyeletstalk
- Facebook: facebook.com/abilingualcounselor
- Twitter: twitter.com/oyeletstalk
- Other: https://www.immigrationevaluationshouston.com/
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