Hispanic and Latino Therapists in Charlotte, NC

I am a dual licensed therapist in mental health and substance abuse and the owner of Emerge Therapy & Consulting. I am empathetic to life circumstances that negatively impact individuals mentally, emotionally and environmentally and provide diagnosis & treatment in several areas such as depression, couples therapy, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, narcissistic personality disorder and borderline personality disorder, as well as a wide range of substance abuse disorders We are all a work in progress. Allow me to assist you in emerging from your inner shadow and becoming a healthier, authentic you.

Carlos F. Martinez is a psychotherapist and mental health counselor from Colombia, South America and has lived in the United States for over 40 years. He has spent the last twenty-seven years in Florida and North Carolina working with people with addictions to alcohol, drugs and other mental illnesses. Carlos helps families with emotional and psychological problems and has worked extensively in the Latino / Hispanic community.

I am a bilingual (Spanish/English) and bicultural 2nd generation Latino from Puerto Rican descent. My primary area of expertise is working with domestic violence and sex offender perpetrators. I also have experience working with individual, adults, and couples. In the course of my work I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral & Solution Focused techniques and theory while focusing on how thoughts impact feelings and behavior. I utilize a strengths-based approach as they relate to your concerns. I am a Christ-centered therapist who believes that treatment must include emotional, physical, psychological as well as spiritual interventions.

I am a bilingual therapist that is passionate about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and helping individuals find healing in their life. My aim is to work collaboratively with you to empower and support you through life’s ups and downs. I work with individuals who may be experiencing a broad range of issues and concerns such as working through past trauma, complex PTSD, intergenerational trauma, navigating complex family dynamics, life transitions, first gen experiences, or wanting to learn effective coping skills to deal with anxiety, and depression.

My work focuses on the “good child” — the ambitious, high-performing, successful one of the bunch. The one who almost always makes good decisions. The one who is fiercely independent and poses little imposition to others. The one who typically meets and/or exceeds expectations and is more than willing to go out of their way for others as well. The good child often struggles, however, with anxiety & fear around failure or “messing up”, people-pleasing & self-trust, feelings of abandonment, rejection, & neglect, low self-esteem & depression and, identifying, communicating & entrusting others with their needs.

I strive to provide a safe space for my clients and ensure that they are being heard and valued. I have years of experience working with at-risk youth and in community based mental health services. My passion includes working with children and families to develop stronger relationships.

Are you feeling anxious, worried, sad or overwhelmed? Exploring and navigating through difficult emotions can be challenging. Sometimes it only requires one person to be there for you to help you uncover your true self and strengths. I am honored to walk alongside you through the journey.

What does it look like for you to be seen, heard, and validated? Navigating life as a woman is challenging and presents obstacles at different stages. We carry many “hats”: mom, wife, employee, and the list goes on. In keeping up with our day-to-day lives we forsake our own mental well-being because we are taught to tend to the needs of others first. In doing so pain, resentment, and at times hopelessness creep in which makes us feel even more isolated. How can we take care of everyone else when it feels like we’re drowning?

You have faced and overcome painful challenges in your life, but something about this one hits you differently. Perhaps you're feeling stressed, discouraged, and unsure about where to go from here. You are hoping to move more toward growth and wellness, and are prepared to seek some extra support. However, deciding to begin counseling can be a difficult decision full of discomfort and nerves. I aim to eliminate some of this by establishing a strong working relationship with you in which we initially move at your pace. We will collaborate together on your unique goals and ways to reach them.

Do any of these sound like you? Feeling depressed? Anxious? Worried or Stressed? Having trouble in your relationships with others? Fighting with your spouse? your kids? Your boss? Feeling stuck? Are your own thoughts and beliefs getting in the way of your happiness? Do you feel unappreciated? Feeling like everything is your fault or nothing is in your control? Always expecting the worst case scenario to happen? Losing sleep? Beating yourself up with unkind words and actions? Others not meeting your expectations? If you have an hour a week and are willing to attend online sessions, we can help!

The relationships in your life seem increasingly difficult to manage. Maybe the relationship with one or both your parents is challenging, or your interactions with your intimate partner continues to become more complicated. You feel that the emotional energy and time you have put into the relationship has left you exhausted. Or maybe you find it difficult to find meaningful connections with your peers. You’ve struggled with your relationships your whole life or it’s a new challenge after a big move or transition. Regardless of the reason, you feel disconnected, lonely, and anxious.

Brenda Gallardo is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate (LCMHCA). She graduated from Liberty University with a Bachelor of Science in Developmental Psychology and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. It is her mission to provide a safe space for all clients. Brenda enjoys working with children (age 4 &up), adolescents, and adults. She has experience working with trauma, adjustment disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), eating disorders, anxiety, and depression.

Hi, I am Michelle, and I am glad you are here. Reaching out for therapy can be a really scary first step and I am proud of you for just being here. I see therapy as collaborative so I am here to sit with you as you navigate this time of vulnerability and exploration. Working together, we will help you explore who you are and what makes you come alive. We will explore the systems and beliefs that might contribute to your feelings and equip you with the tools and language to advocate for your health and well-being to yourself and others.

Everyone has a story! I am interested in yours because it matters. Regardless of how simple or deep it may be, we all deserve to be heard. I find it very rewarding working with individuals, couples and families in their recovery process. Utilizing effective techniques that will allow them the freedom to accomplish their goal of healing and recovery! I take it personal in providing my clients with an environment that is safe, where their voices are heard, empowered and without judgment.

We can all benefit from gaining insights, learning skills, and having “tune ups” along the way. If you’re feeling stuck, struggling with how you feel about yourself or in relationship with someone, experiencing unwanted or intrusive thoughts or memories from a past experience, ruminating on negative thoughts or beliefs, or feeling anxious or depressive symptoms, you don’t have to walk through it alone! We have two locations and a consortium of providers who can help!

Elevated Wellness Counseling, LLC, is based on helping people develop a working definition of wellness through a multifaceted lens, incorporating personal development, confronting fears, identifying strengths, and increasing capacity for problem solving and meaning making in life. Often, the human experience leaves us feeling burnt out, disconnected, and looking for meaning. Seeking therapy is the first step in building the skills necessary to thrive. Areas of expertise include: Anxiety, depression, coping with transition, relationship issues, sex therapy, religion and spirituality, achieving wellness, and professional development.