Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Castillo.
Diana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always known that I wanted to work with people, but my path wasn’t completely linear. I initially studied Business Administration, and for a few years after graduating, I found myself unsure of what direction I truly wanted to take. It wasn’t until I discovered social work that everything started to align—I felt a strong connection to the field and knew it was where I was meant to be.
I applied to the Master of Social Work program at UTEP and was accepted, which marked the beginning of a very meaningful chapter in my life. I started my career in a hospital setting, where I gained invaluable experience supporting patients during critical moments. While I loved the work, over time I began to feel a desire to build deeper, more ongoing relationships with the individuals I was helping. In the hospital, my role was often brief, and I didn’t always get to see what happened after discharge.
That realization led me to transition into a medical clinic, where I worked in the Family Medicine department as a Senior Social Worker. It was there that I began accumulating my clinical hours toward becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. During that time, I was fortunate to have the guidance of a psychiatrist who became a mentor to me. Her support played a significant role in helping me build confidence in my clinical skills and in trusting my ability to support others in a deeper way.
After several years of growth, learning, and hands-on experience, I felt ready to take the next step. In June 2023, I opened The Self Love Clinic—creating a space where individuals can feel seen, supported, and empowered in their healing journey.
In 2024, I had the opportunity to accept two clinical interns from UTEP, and that experience became a turning point for me. Their energy, passion for helping others, and professionalism inspired me to think bigger about the impact I wanted to have—not only with clients, but within the field of social work. That experience led me to pursue becoming a board-approved supervisor. I became an LCSW-S in February 2025, and I am currently supervising two LMSWs as they work toward their clinical licensure.
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 completely smooth road. Opening my private practice was both exciting and intimidating. One of the biggest challenges was stepping into the unknown—leaving the structure of an established workplace and learning how to run every aspect of a business on my own.
There were many practical challenges, like navigating the credentialing process with insurance companies, managing my own billing, and understanding the operational side of running a practice. Those are things that aren’t always taught in school, so there was a lot of learning along the way.
At the same time, there were emotional challenges as well. Building something from the ground up requires a lot of patience, consistency, and trust in yourself, especially during the early stages when things feel uncertain.
Another important aspect of my journey has been balancing my professional and personal life. I’m a mom of two boys, and especially in the beginning, I found myself investing a lot of time into growing the practice. Learning how to create boundaries and be present both as a clinician and as a mother has been an ongoing process.
Despite the challenges, each experience has helped me grow—not only as a business owner, but as a clinician and leader. It has reinforced my commitment to creating a space where both my clients and my team feel supported, valued, and empowered.
As you know, we’re big fans of NICSAM Behavioral Health, PLLC dba The Self Love Clinic. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Self Love Clinic is a mental health practice focused on helping individuals reconnect with themselves, build self-worth, and navigate life with greater clarity and confidence. We provide individual therapy, art therapy, and support for individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, and life transitions.
What sets us apart is our intentional focus on creating a space where people feel truly seen, supported, and empowered—not just treated. Our approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices, while also honoring each person’s unique story and experiences. We believe that healing is not about “fixing” yourself, but about understanding yourself and learning how to show up for your life in a more compassionate and aligned way.
In addition to therapy services, we are deeply committed to community engagement and mental health advocacy. Through workshops, events, and collaborations, we aim to make mental health more accessible and normalize conversations around self-love, emotional well-being, and personal growth.
Something I’m especially proud of is the growth of the clinic not only as a space for clients, but also as a place for developing clinicians. As a board-approved LCSW-S, I currently provide clinical supervision and support the next generation of social workers as they grow in their confidence and skills. Creating both a healing space for clients and a supportive learning environment for clinicians is a core part of our mission.
Ultimately, The Self Love Clinic is more than a therapy practice, it’s a space centered around growth, connection, and empowerment. My goal is for every person who walks through our doors, or interacts with our work, to feel that they are not alone and that they are worthy of the life they want to create.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is to not be afraid to ask questions and to be open about what you don’t know. Early in my career, I realized that growth doesn’t come from having all the answers—it comes from being willing to learn, seek guidance, and stay curious.
In the mental health field, continuing education and ongoing learning are essential. Our work directly impacts people’s lives, so it’s important to stay updated, reflect on our practice, and be open to feedback. Finding a mentor can make a huge difference in that process. For me, having the support of a psychiatrist early in my clinical work helped me build confidence and trust in my abilities.
When it comes to networking, I’ve found that the most meaningful connections come from being genuine and building relationships over time. It’s not just about exchanging information, but about connecting with people who share similar values and a commitment to helping others.
My advice would be to stay open, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to reach out. Most people are more willing to share their knowledge and support you than you might expect.
Pricing:
- 125 per session
- 50 per session with my LMSWs under clinical supervision
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.selfloveclinicep.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfloveclinic.ep/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianaf-castillo
