Today we’d like to introduce you to Irene Escobar-galvez
Hi Irene, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation college graduate. My parents came to this country in search of better opportunities, and like many immigrant families, they worked hard to provide for us. From a young age, I saw their sacrifices, resilience, and unwavering dedication to our future. However, I also saw the emotional toll that came with it – the stress, anxiety, and unspoken struggles that weren’t openly discussed.
In my community, mental health wasn’t something people talked about. Struggles with anxiety, depression, or stress were often dismissed as weakness, something to be pushed through rather than acknowledged. Like many Latinos, I grew up hearing phrases like “échale ganas” (just push through), which reinforced the idea that seeking help was unnecessary or even selfish. I saw how my community prioritized resilience and hard work but rarely had the space or resources to prioritize their mental health.
As I got older, I started recognizing how deeply this stigma affected our community. I saw how many people, including those close to me, carried emotional wounds they never felt safe to express. I saw how many first-generation Latinos like myself struggled with anxiety, cultural identity and the pressure to succeed, not just for ourselves but for our families. And I realized that part of the reason these struggles persisted was the lack of representation in the mental health field.
Currently, only about 6% of licensed therapists in the U.S. are Latino, and even fewer, only 5% can provide therapy in Spanish. This means that for many Latinos, finding a therapist who understands their lived experiences, cultural background, and the unique challenges of being first-generation is incredibly difficult. I knew I wanted to change that.
My passion for mental health led me to pursue a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology and open my own private practice dedicated to Latino mental health. The name of my private practice is “Siempre Mejorando Therapy” which translates to “always improving.” I believe that no matter where you are in life, there is always room to grow, heal, and make meaningful changes. I started my private practice because I wanted to create a space where Latinos could feel truly seen, where they wouldn’t have to explain why family expectations feel so heavy or why setting boundaries with loved ones comes with immense guilt. I wanted to provide a culturally affirming space where clients could process their anxiety and identity struggles without fear of judgment.
I specialize in working with Latino adults who are first-generation professionals and adult children of immigrants. I help them navigate anxiety, cultural identity struggles, and the pressure to succeed while honoring their roots. Many of my clients are breaking cycles, being the first in their family to go to therapy, and learning how to prioritize their mental health in ways that weren’t modeled for them growing up. My goal has always been to create a space where BIPOC and Latinos feel understood, supported, and empowered to prioritize their mental health without fear or shame.
While there is still work to be done in breaking the stigma around mental health, I’m proud to be part of the change. Every time a client takes that first step into therapy, they’re not just helping themselves, they’re reshaping the narrative for future generations.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. As a first-generation college student, I had very little guidance when it came to navigating higher education and my career path. My parents, despite their unwavering support, didn’t have the experience to help me with things like choosing a major or applying to graduate programs. I often felt like I was figuring everything out on my own, which was overwhelming and, at times, isolating.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was the lack of representation in the mental health field. There were very few Latino professionals to look up to, and at times, I questioned whether I truly belonged in these spaces. I’ll never forget when a professor discouraged me from pursuing a doctorate degree, telling me it was “too competitive.” That moment could have made me give up, but thankfully, I found mentors along the way who believed in me and encouraged me to keep going.
Those challenges shaped me into the therapist I am today. They deepened my commitment to helping other first-generation Latinos navigate their own journeys and reminded me why representation in mental health is so important.
We’ve been impressed with Siempre Mejorando Therapy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m a licensed psychologist in the state of Texas offering virtual individual therapy through my private practice, Siempre Mejorando Therapy. I specialize in working with first-generation Latino professionals, adult children of immigrants, and BIPOC and Latino adults struggling with anxiety, cultural identity, and the pressure to succeed. My practice focuses on helping clients navigate the unique challenges that come with being first-gen, whether it’s imposter syndrome, family expectations, or feeling caught between two cultures.
What sets my work apart is that I provide culturally affirming therapy where my clients don’t have to explain the unspoken struggles of growing up in an immigrant family. I understand the guilt of prioritizing yourself when you were raised to put family first. I know how overwhelming it can be to break cycles while still honoring where you come from. My approach is compassionate, relatable, and grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience.
In therapy, I help my clients manage anxiety, set healthy boundaries without guilt, and build confidence in their identity and success. I provide therapy in both English and Spanish, making mental health support more accessible to those who need it. My mission is to create a safe space where BIPOC and Latinos feel seen, supported, and empowered to heal and thrive on their own terms.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
For those looking for therapy, I offer a free consultation through my website www.siempremejorandotherapy.com/. This no-pressure call allows us to see if we’re a good fit and how I can support you.
Another way to support my work is by following me on instagram @siempremejorandotherapy, where I share relatable mental health content. I post about topics like setting boundaries, having difficult conversations with family members, and managing anxiety in a culturally affirming way. Engaging with and sharing this content helps break the stigma around mental health in our community and makes these conversations more accessible.
I also welcome collaborations with organizations, podcasts, or professionals who are passionate about mental health and supporting the Latino community.
No matter how you choose to support, I truly appreciate it. Together, we can help make mental health resources more accessible and create spaces where our community feels seen and supported.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.siempremejorandotherapy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siempremejorandotherapy?igsh=OTJ2YzEwd2F6dzNz&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://latinxtherapy.com/therapists/dr-irene-escobar-galvez-licensed-psychologist/
