Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandan Vazquez.
Hi Brandan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been fascinated by the ways people think, feel, and navigate life’s challenges, but my path into mental health started in a deeply personal way. During much of my undergraduate years, I was unknowingly living with depression. I didn’t have the words for what I was experiencing, just a sense that something was off and I was carrying more than I could name.
A turning point came when I made a last-minute decision to take an abnormal psychology class. That class gave me language for my own struggles and opened my eyes to what was happening inside me. It also helped me realize that maybe I could become the therapist I wish I’d had during those years. At the time, I didn’t see many, if any, Black men in the mental health field, and I knew representation mattered.
I started my professional career in community mental health in Washington, DC, supporting clients through crises and witnessing the urgent need for spaces where people, especially Black men, could be both vulnerable and empowered. Those early years shaped my belief that therapy should be accessible, culturally relevant, and deeply human.
Eventually, I decided to create something more personal and intentional, which led to founding WeUp Counseling & Consulting. My focus is on helping professional and high-achieving Black men strengthen their self-care, set healthy boundaries, and build more fulfilling lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been without challenges! Starting a private practice meant stepping out of my comfort zone, learning the business side of therapy, and trusting that the right people would find me. Today, I’m proud to serve clients through individual therapy, group work, and speaking engagements, all with the belief that even a 1% improvement is still progress. For me, this work is about more than sessions, it’s about changing the narrative of what mental health support looks like in our communities.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
WeUp Counseling & Consulting is built on the belief that mental health care should be accessible, culturally relevant, and empowering, especially for communities that haven’t always been centered in the conversation. I specialize in working with professional and high-achieving Black men, helping them strengthen their self-care, set and maintain healthy boundaries, and navigate life transitions with clarity and confidence.
What sets WeUp apart is the blend of authenticity, representation, and practical tools I bring to the table. As a Black male therapist, I understand the cultural nuances, expectations, and pressures my clients face. That shared understanding builds trust, and trust opens the door to deeper work. My approach combines client-centered therapy with solution-focused strategies, so clients leave not just feeling heard, but equipped with actionable steps they can apply right away.
Beyond individual therapy, WeUp offers men’s groups, speaking engagements, and unique services like Walk & Talk Therapy here in the Houston area. I’m also deeply invested in the community, creating opportunities to bring Black people and Black therapists together in meaningful ways. One example is our upcoming Therapy Speed Dating event, which connects local residents with Black clinicians in a fun, approachable format so they can find the right therapeutic fit without the stress of endless online searches. These kinds of events are about breaking down barriers, building relationships, and showing that therapy can be both culturally affirming and accessible.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that WeUp has become a safe space where clients feel seen and understood without having to explain or defend their lived experiences. I want readers to know that therapy doesn’t have to be intimidating. It can be practical, relatable, and even empowering. For me, this is more than a business, it’s a movement to change how we talk about and experience mental health in our communities.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Houston is the culture, it’s truly a melting pot in the best way. The food scene here is unmatched; you can eat your way around the world without ever leaving the city. But what really stands out to me is the number of successful, ambitious young Black people I see making moves here. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by that kind of energy, creativity, and drive. Houston also has a growing awareness around mental health, and I love being part of that shift.
What I like least? Definitely the traffic. You can plan your day perfectly, and one accident on the freeway will test every bit of your patience and mindfulness. And Houston is so spread out that sometimes it feels like Houston is an hour away from Houston. That distance can make it harder to connect across all the city’s pockets, but that’s also part of why I focus on creating spaces and events that bring people together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.weupcounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weupcounseling/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandanvazquez/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@weuptherapist
Image Credits
Most of these photos were taken by my beautiful wife Ciandra
