I’m Dr. Mikaela Zuniga, a queer Latinx clinician dedicated to helping individuals, families, and communities navigate mental health challenges, trauma, and life transitions. With over a decade of experience in crisis stabilization, community mental health, and trauma-informed care, I specialize in working with BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, first-gen professionals, students, caregivers, and those supporting loved ones with severe mental illness. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and action-oriented, blending evidence-based practices like Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychoeducation to help you build resilience, break unhelpful patterns, and create lasting change.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free space where we start by getting to know each other. I’ll ask about what’s bringing you to therapy, your goals, and any challenges you’ve been facing, but we’ll move at your pace—no pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with. We’ll also discuss what therapy can look like for you, explore your past experiences, and start identifying patterns that may be shaping your current struggles. My approach is collaborative and strengths-based, so together, we’ll begin building a roadmap toward healing, resilience, and real change. Most importantly, this session is about creating a space where you feel safe, heard, and empowered to take the next step forward.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

One of my greatest strengths as a provider is my ability to hold space for people in their darkest moments and help them find a way forward. I understand how overwhelming life stressors—family expectations, identity struggles, burnout, trauma, and systemic barriers—can compound, making it feel like nothing matters. Suicidal thoughts don’t just come out of nowhere; they’re often the result of feeling stuck, exhausted, or like things will never change. With three years of experience in crisis settings, I have worked with individuals facing suicidality, severe depression, and acute mental health crises, providing compassionate, immediate support in high-stakes situations. I also specialize in psychosis and schizophrenia disorders, not only from a clinical perspective but from lived experience supporting my own family members. I understand the emotional toll, stress, and uncertainty that comes with caring for a loved one with severe mental illness, and I help families navigate these challenges with education, coping tools, and emotional support. My approach is grounded, action-oriented, and trauma-informed, helping clients understand their pain, develop coping tools, and rebuild a sense of meaning and hope—even in the most difficult times. Healing is possible, and no one has to navigate this alone.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I am best positioned to serve BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, first-gen professionals, students, caregivers, and cycle-breakers who are balancing cultural expectations, personal healing, and everyday stress. Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, trauma, burnout, or major life transitions, while others are supporting loved ones with severe mental illness and need guidance in setting boundaries and finding balance. I work well with individuals who are ready to gain insight, build practical coping tools, and create meaningful change. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, I offer a safe, culturally responsive space where you can explore your experiences, strengthen your resilience, and move forward with clarity and confidence.

About Dr. Mikaela Zuniga