Daily Inspiration: Meet Erik Escareño, DSW, LCSW

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Escareño, DSW, LCSW

Hi Erik, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Following the completion of my DSW, I felt a strong calling to pioneer a new direction in mental health services. My personal encounters with mental health issues and the difficulties in securing quality care resonated deeply within me, reflecting the struggles of my community. This led to the inception of Wombat Mental Health Services. Despite the uncertainties surrounding this venture, I was driven by an unwavering passion to make mental health services accessible to communities that are often marginalized.

Born and raised in East Los Angeles, my journey was far from straightforward. I dropped out of high school, but that didn’t deter me from pursuing higher education. I went on to college and, against all odds, earned multiple degrees. Despite the numerous challenges that life threw my way, I am profoundly grateful for the path I tread today.

Embracing adversity as an opportunity for growth, I took a leap of faith and founded Wombat Mental Health Services on June 17th, 2022. Today, we celebrate two years of operation, during which we have had the privilege of serving numerous individuals from our communities. Our journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of accessible mental health services.

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?
Rather than viewing our journey as a series of obstacles, we saw it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Our struggles were largely due to the natural growing pains associated with any new venture. The surge in demand for our services was a clear indication of the vital role we were beginning to play in our community. This realization was both humbling and inspiring, reinforcing our commitment to our mission despite the challenges.

As a budding company, we encountered financial challenges. Many established businesses were initially hesitant to extend lines of credit to us. However, this situation taught us the value of resourcefulness as we turned to grant funding for capacity-building initiatives. This journey led us to explore innovative operational strategies, which were yet to be fully outlined in our plans. The dynamic nature of these plans, coupled with evolving insurance requirements, added an extra layer of complexity. Yet, it was through navigating these challenges that we learned to adapt and grow. Today, we view these experiences not as hurdles, but as valuable lessons that have shaped our resilience and strategic thinking.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Who We Are and What We Do

Wombat Mental Health Services is a leading provider of telehealth mental health services, dedicated to offering compassionate, accessible, and culturally competent care to individuals across California, Washington, and Arizona. We specialize in serving diverse communities, including LGBTQIA2-S individuals, by providing personalized mental health support that addresses their unique needs and experiences.

Our Specialization and What Sets Us Apart

We are known for our innovative approach to mental health care, combining cutting-edge technology with a deep commitment to inclusivity and cultural competence. Our team of highly trained professionals offers a wide range of services, including individual therapy, group therapy, crisis intervention, and more. What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to creating a safe and affirming space for all clients, particularly those from marginalized communities.

Brand Pride

Brand-wise, we are most proud of our mission to make mental health care accessible and affirming for everyone, regardless of their background or identity. Our commitment to cultural competence and inclusivity has earned us a reputation as a trusted and compassionate provider in the mental health field. We want our readers to know that at Wombat Mental Health Services, we believe in the power of storytelling, community, and holistic care to foster mental well-being.

Our Offerings and Services

Telehealth Therapy: Convenient, confidential, and effective mental health care from the comfort of your home.

Crisis Intervention: Immediate support for individuals in crisis, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate care.

Group Therapy: Facilitated sessions that offer peer support and community connection.

Culturally Competent Care: Services tailored to meet the unique needs of diverse communities, with a focus on LGBTQIA2-S individuals.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Queer Mercado

We are immensely proud to recognize Queer Mercado for their unwavering support and invaluable partnership. Since our collaboration began, Queer Mercado has played a pivotal role in amplifying our mission and vision. Their vibrant and inclusive platform has provided us with unparalleled opportunities to connect with the community, raise awareness about mental health, and celebrate our shared values of inclusivity, empowerment, and diversity.

Queer Mercado has been a cornerstone in fostering a welcoming and affirming environment where individuals from all walks of life can come together, share their stories, and find support. Through their events, we have been able to reach a wider audience, educate the public about the importance of mental health, and promote the services we offer at Wombat Mental Health Services.

Our partnership with Queer Mercado has not only strengthened our community presence but also enriched our understanding of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA2-S individuals. Their commitment to creating safe and supportive spaces aligns perfectly with our goal of providing accessible and culturally competent mental health care.

As we look forward to our continued collaboration, we are excited about the future initiatives we will undertake together. Whether it’s through hosting joint events, participating in community outreach, or engaging in advocacy efforts, we are confident that our partnership with Queer Mercado will continue to drive positive change and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

Thank you, Queer Mercado, for your dedication, passion, and unwavering support. Together, we are making a difference and building a stronger, more inclusive community for all.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.wombatmhs.com
• Other: https://linktr.ee/wombatmhs