The Next Generation of Mental Health Leaders at Clínica Esperanza
Every day at Clínica Esperanza, we show that community care is built through relationships, learning, and a shared purpose. We provide compassionate mental health and wellness services for families using a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, but we also nurture the next generation of mental health professionals.
Clínica Esperanza serves as a training site for mental health practicum students, offering hands-on experience, mentorship, and high-quality supervision within a collaborative and supportive team. In fact, all of our current therapists began their journey here as interns, which is an inspiring testament to the power of learning within community. Two of our current interns who are helping carry this work forward are Maria Rico and Irbin Saucedo Rosas.
Maria Rico: Creating Space for Healing
Maria is in her final year of the Master of Social Work program at Pacific University and is completing her practicum at Clínica Esperanza. As an intern therapist, Maria works with participants of all ages, offering support as they navigate life’s challenges.
“I provide therapy to participants of all ages, supporting them as they navigate challenging experiences and offering a safe, welcoming space where they can talk and feel supported,” Maria explains. “I also work closely with case managers to help connect participants to community resources that meet their needs.”
Maria’s path to social work is deeply personal. “I chose this profession because of my own personal experiences, struggles, and curiosity about mental health,” she shares. “The challenges I faced opened my eyes to how deeply our mental state affects our bodies, our behaviors, and the way we move through the world. What drew me to this work is the hope that comes with it—the possibility to grow, heal, and create a healthier life for ourselves and future generations.”
Her connection to Adelante Mujeres runs even deeper. Maria was once a participant in the Adelante Mujeres Chicas program as a middle and high school student. “I applied to Clínica Esperanza because I support the work Adelante Mujeres does in the community. Adelante is also personal to me. I was a participant in the Adelante Chicas program from middle school through high school, where I was introduced to opportunities and resources that helped me see college and a career as possible.”
Growing up, Maria says college didn’t feel like an option. “I didn’t see college reflected in my family’s experiences, so it didn’t feel possible for me. Now, years later, I’m finishing my master’s degree and practicing therapy at Clínica Esperanza.”
Today, Maria is passionate about breaking down stigma around mental health, especially within the Latine community. “What I enjoy most about my work is supporting the Latine and Spanish-speaking community to break the stigma around mental health services. The more people understand what therapy actually is, the more it can normalize seeking support. You don’t have to be in a crisis to benefit from therapy.”
Irbin Saucedo Rosas: Building Culturally Rooted Care
Irbin is also pursuing his Master of Social Work at Pacific University and is currently completing his professional internship at Clínica Esperanza. He participates in mental health assessments, co-facilitates support groups, and assists with case management and care coordination.
“I chose Clínica Esperanza as my practicum site because of my desire to work among the Latine community, led by the Latine community,” Irbin says. As a first-generation immigrant, Irbin feels a deep sense of responsibility to give back. “Most of my family are immigrants. I feel an obligation to serve my community because that is what I was taught. As a social worker, I hope to gain the skills and education to give back.”
In his role at the clinic, Irbin focuses on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for every participant. “I do my best to make sure each person feels welcomed, comfortable, heard, and safe during their intake,” he explains. “In groups, we try to create a space where people feel comfortable sharing and have a place to heal in community.”
Through these experiences, Irbin has seen firsthand how culturally specific care can transform the therapeutic process. “Having a place where people look, speak, and understand your values allows Latine community members to feel seen and understood,” he says. “When people can receive therapy in their own language, there is more connection, understanding, and comfort in the therapy room.”
Irbin is continuing to grow his skills as a future therapist and is grateful for the mentorship he receives at the clinic. “Clínica Esperanza has prepared me by giving me the opportunity to conduct mental health intakes, co-facilitate groups, and work alongside experienced therapists. Their knowledge is always being shared, and I try to soak up as much as I can.”
Investing in Community Care
Student interns like Maria and Irbin are emerging leaders in community health. Their dedication, lived experiences, and cultural understanding strengthen the care offered at Clínica Esperanza and help ensure that mental health services remain accessible, culturally responsive, and rooted in community. By investing in training the next generation of therapists, we are building a future where more families can access the support they deserve.