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Why Mental Health Work Matters to Me

LCSW MPH providing mental health counseling

My commitment to mental health work has developed through years of engagement with individuals, families, and communities navigating complex systems, trauma, and social adversity. Along this journey, I’ve come to understand mental health not just as an individual concern, but as a reflection of our broader social environments.

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Through my work in community-based and clinical settings, I’ve witnessed how structural inequities, cultural disconnection, and systemic neglect can profoundly impact psychological well-being. These experiences have deepened my drive to center dignity, access, and cultural responsiveness in all aspects of my practice.

 

With a foundation in social work, public health, and ongoing engagement with marginalized populations, my approach to mental health is integrative and grounded in evidence-based practice, community insight, and a commitment to social justice.

My experience

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a background in public health and community mental health, I’ve worked with:

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  • Adults dealing with mental health challenges

  • Low-income immigrant families navigating trauma and complex systems

  • Older adults in long-term care settings facing isolation and cognitive decline

  • People experiencing homelessness impacted by chronic stress, stigma, and systemic neglect

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I offer direct clinical support and also advocate for mental health equity at the systems level. My approach integrates:

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  • Psychosocial and trauma-informed assessment

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Solution Focused Therapy

  • Positive Psychology

  • Strengths-based practices

  • Motivational interviewing and behavioral health coaching

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​My professional journey includes working at flagship institutions such as Bellevue Hospital and the Mount Sinai Health System in NYC, where I provided services to diverse populations across various clinical settings. I have also served as a Social Work Preceptor and Wellness Advisor at the Icahn School of Medicine, mentoring medical and graduate students in clinical skills, professional development, and mental health well-being.

I'm currently
providing services
via Queens
Consultation
Center

Telehealth - mental health counseling

Brindo servicios en Inglés y Español

For appointments contact :
(929) 223-7077
(NYS residents only)
*telehealth only - Most traditional insurance plans accepted

The name Sociorican merges my passion for social work, social justice advocacy, and my Puerto Rican identity. It is rooted in culture, equity, and community values.

© 2025 by Hector Ivan Ortiz, LCSW, MPH

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