With a world leaning towards a continuous state of competition, comparison, and so much more, peer pressure has been driving people to the edge of mental illnesses. Sometimes it doesn’t have to be something very noticeable. Even the most subtle signs can be indicators of mental health issues.
According to a study published by WHO, 1 in every 18 individuals suffers from a mental disorder. Among these, anxiety and depression account to some of the most common disorders. Ever since the onset of the pandemic, there has been a significant rise in mental disorders. Given to a sedentary lifestyle, the 9-5 pressures, rise in unemployment and changing economies, it is like the mind is in an overdrive, eventually facing a phase of mind-fog!
It is the dire times like these where we need empaths, and Skilled professionals for mental health counseling. Leading the way to change is Dr. María Rodríguez, the Founder and CEO of Care Counseling Center.
Featuring for the cover, let us dive deep into her story and foundation of Care Counseling Center.
From Inspiration to Action:
“My passion for mental health counseling stems from my own life experiences.”
Growing up as a first generation of American of Dominican descent, Dr. Maria faced a myriad of challenges that are typically thrust upon immigrants. This included everything from cultural displacement, familial separation, to the emotional toll of navigating a new system.
Throughout her journey, Dr. María Rodríguez has been an empath and has always fondly worked on her desire to help the people struggling with trauma and mental health challenges. And when your journey has been shaped by similar challenges, it is natural for you to become an empath and feel deeply for the people around.
“Seeing people feel isolated, unheard, and overwhelmed inspired her to become their advocate and guide.”
With an aim to help the people in need, and bring about a positive change in their lives, Dr. María Rodríguez established Care Counseling Center. It is a center where she can offer compassionate, culturally sensitive, and holistic mental health care for individuals, children, families, and couples. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to provide a safe space where healing, understanding, and growth can flourish.
Dr. María Rodríguez’s path to counseling was shaped by both her academic training and her deeply rooted empathy for those facing emotional struggles. Maria earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from William Paterson University. She later pursued her PhD in General Psychology from Capella University which laid all the groundwork for her expertise in psychology. However, Over two-decades of hands-on experience as a psychotherapist and as an adjunct professor of Women’s and Gender Studies and Psychology truly defined her approach and laid a solid foundation to Care Counseling Center.
Her work addressing trauma, immigration, and mental health disparities highlighted the urgent need for advocacy within therapy. This commitment to empowering individuals, ensuring they feel seen, validated, and heard, fueled her vision for something greater. With compassion at the core of her mission, Dr. Rodríguez set out to create a space that would provide culturally sensitive, comprehensive mental health care to those who needed it most. This vision led her to establish the Care Counseling Center—a place where healing, understanding, and growth could truly flourish.
The Birth of Care Counseling Center
Driven by her passion for advocacy and her desire to bridge the gaps in mental health care, Dr. María Rodríguez established the Care Counseling Center. From her extensive experience, she saw how language barriers, financial constraints, and cultural stigma prevented many—especially immigrants and underserved populations—from seeking the mental health support they needed.
Determined to change that, she created a safe, welcoming space where clients could access high-quality, culturally sensitive services without judgment. Yet, building the practice from the ground up was no easy task. Dr. Rodríguez faced significant hurdles, from securing funding and assembling the right team to earning the community’s trust. Despite these challenges, her unwavering commitment to her mission and belief in her vision kept her moving forward. The Care Counseling Center became a beacon of hope, providing not only therapy but also advocacy and empowerment for those who felt unseen and unheard.
Balancing Multiple Roles
As a counselor, entrepreneur, and professor, Dr. Rodríguez’s days are filled with responsibilities. Balancing these roles requires discipline, strategic delegation, and self-care. She has learned to prioritize her time by setting clear boundaries and structuring her schedule effectively. Her dedicated team at the Care Counseling Center plays a pivotal role in ensuring the practice runs smoothly, allowing her to focus on direct client work, advocacy, and teaching.
She firmly believes in practicing what she preaches. Moments of rest, seeking her own sources of support, and staying connected to her purpose are essential for her to continue helping others. The journey may be demanding, but the fulfillment of seeing her clients heal and grow makes every effort worthwhile.
An Evolving Counseling Philosophy
Over the years, Dr. Rodríguez’s counseling philosophy has continued to grow and evolve. At its core, her approach remains rooted in compassion, cultural sensitivity, and empowerment. Her practice emphasizes resilience-building and meeting clients where they are, honoring their lived experiences.
As her experience expanded, she integrated trauma-informed and strength-based techniques into her practice, recognizing that healing is not a linear process. Instead, it’s about helping clients develop the tools they need to navigate their challenges and empowering them to reclaim their lives. Dr. Rodríguez’s approach is a testament to her belief that genuine healing comes from understanding, validation, and the ability to move forward with strength.
Providing Comprehensive Care
Care Counseling Center offers a diverse range of services, from individual therapy to immigration support. Dr. Rodríguez ensures her team remains well-equipped to address the wide spectrum of client needs by emphasizing continued education, collaboration, and cultural competence. “We work together as a team—therapists, case managers, and support staff—to provide not just therapy, but advocacy and holistic support,” she explains.
This commitment to collaborative care is crucial, especially when working with marginalized communities who often face barriers to accessing quality mental health services. For Dr. Rodríguez, creating a welcoming and culturally responsive environment was a non-negotiable priority. “The moment someone says, ‘I feel understood,’ is when you know progress is happening,” she shares. This approach, combined with the team’s dedication to continuous learning, ensures that clients receive tailored, effective care.
Addressing Stigma and Breaking Barriers
One of the most significant challenges Dr. Rodríguez encountered was the stigma surrounding mental health within immigrant communities. In many cultures, therapy is seen as a sign of weakness or failure, making it difficult for individuals to seek help. Determined to change this perception, she initiated outreach efforts, collaborated with community leaders, and hosted workshops designed to educate and empower. “Overcoming stigma requires patience, education, and consistency. We had to show people that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” Dr. Rodríguez explains.
Through these efforts, the Care Counseling Center has become a trusted resource for communities that previously viewed mental health services with skepticism. The gradual shift in perspective has been one of her most rewarding achievements. “It’s not just about providing services; it’s about making people feel seen, heard, and respected,” she emphasizes.
Achievements and Continuing Growth
Dr. Rodríguez’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. From being recognized as one of the Top 25 Executives of New Jersey to receiving awards for excellence in mental health care, her impact is evident. However, for her, the true achievement lies in the lives transformed. “Awards are nice, but knowing I’ve helped someone heal, grow, and reclaim their narrative—that’s what truly matters,” she emphasizes.
As a woman entrepreneur in the counseling field, Dr. Rodríguez has faced her share of skepticism and underestimation. Yet, she continues to rise above it with unwavering determination. “I’ve learned to stand firm in my expertise, build strong networks, and stay true to my mission,” she asserts. Her advice to aspiring women in the field is simple: “Believe in your vision, seek mentorship, and don’t be afraid to take up space.”
Mentorship and Looking Ahead
Mentorship has played a crucial role in Dr. Rodríguez’s journey, and now she strives to offer the same guidance to the next generation of counselors. Through training opportunities, supervision, and direct mentorship, she hopes to nurture future leaders who will advocate for themselves and their clients. “Seeing young professionals grow into their potential is incredibly rewarding,” she reflects.
Looking ahead, Dr. Rodríguez envisions a future where mental health care is more holistic, integrative, and accessible. “Technology, cultural competence, and community-based care will be key players in expanding services,” she predicts. The Care Counseling Center aims to remain at the forefront of these changes, advocating for mental health policies, expanding its reach, and ensuring that no one is left without support.
Her ongoing projects include integrating telehealth services more effectively, expanding trauma-informed programs, and collaborating with legal professionals to provide stronger advocacy for immigrants. She is also passionate about developing initiatives to support mental health within schools, recognizing the importance of early intervention.
The Legacy She Hopes to Leave
When asked about her legacy, Dr. Rodríguez’s answer is straightforward yet profound. “I hope to be remembered for resilience, compassion, and advocacy,” she says. For her clients, she wants to be known as someone who truly listened, believed in them, and helped them reclaim their power. For her colleagues, she hopes her journey will inspire them to continue the mission of making mental health care more accessible, impactful, and compassionate.
“At the end of the day, my mission has always been about empowering others—helping them move from chaos to clarity, just as I have in my own life.”
