Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Luis Orozco.
Hi Dr. Orozco, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Dr. Luis Orozco. I am a licensed clinical social worker with approximately 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. I was born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and raised in the bustling streets of East Los Angeles, where the tapestry of diverse stories of struggles and resiliency wave together.
As a Latino male from humble beginnings, I understood the challenges faced by youth, adults, and families in accessing resources. For example, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the average delay between the onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years. Determined to break down mental health barriers and provide a haven for those in need, I created an easily accessible mental health clinic where individuals could seek support when dealing with life’s challenges.
In 2017, I made the difficult decision to leave a secure job and start the Whittier Counseling Center. Since then, the center has grown into a thriving place for healing, offering evidence-based therapies, psychological first aid, support groups, and workshops on various mental health topics.
But Whittier Counseling Center’s mission goes beyond its walls. We believe in meeting people where they are, which is why we bring mental health services to churches, community centers, workplaces, high schools, and even court systems. This is done through collaborations with governmental agencies, employee assistance programs, universities, school districts, and nonprofits. Our goal is to bridge the mental health gap and ensure that no one is left behind in their journey towards wellness.
At the heart of my work is a team of dedicated mental health professionals who share my passion for empowering individuals to reclaim their mental well-being. Together, we have created a space where mental health and innovation intersects, paving the way to transformation and growth.
My story is not just a professional journey; it is a narrative of the benefits of not working in silos and the transformative power of mental health when it is easily accessible.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has been filled with challenges and obstacles that I have had to overcome in order to pursue my dreams. As an immigrant to the United States, my family and I embarked on the journey of starting a new life in a foreign land with the hope of achieving the American dream. Adapting to a new language and culture was just the beginning of the difficulties we faced, coupled with the harsh realities of poverty and limited resources.
Being the first in my family to pursue higher education presented its own set of challenges. Without guidance from someone who could guide me through the academic world, navigating the path to obtaining a doctorate degree was a daunting task. Adding to the complexity of my journey, I also took on the responsibilities of marriage and parenthood at a young age. While working towards my degree, I had to juggle multiple jobs to support my wife and three children, all while striving to create a better future for my family.
Furthermore, establishing an agency with limited financial means was yet another uphill battle. I dedicated long hours to building the foundation of my clinic, often working multiple jobs to ensure that my family had the support they needed without solely relying on income from the agency. Despite the challenges and sacrifices, I remained steadfast in my commitment to creating a better life for myself and my loved ones.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Whittier Counseling Center (WCC) is a culturally competent mental health agency dedicated to providing evidence-based treatment to youth, adults, and families. Our mission is to foster healthier communities by offering effective behavioral health interventions and education on mental health and family well-being.
Our comprehensive services include individual therapy, couples counseling, family counseling, group counseling (including psychoeducational groups, court-ordered anger management, and Domestic Violence Prevention Programs), and Parenting 101 classes. These services are available at our office, virtually, as well as in workplaces and schools. To learn more about our offerings, please visit whittiercounseling.org.
At WCC, we not only offer counseling services but also run an online store where we sell mental health-related products. Our merchandise includes therapeutic journals, WCC-branded items, and stigma-reduction products. We proudly feature “STAMP: A Method for Violence Prevention,” a book I authored, available on our website and Amazon. To visit our online store directly, please go to wccshop.net.
At WCC, we have assembled a dedicated and diverse team of professionals with expertise in mental health, psychotherapy, domestic violence prevention, education, child development, and conflict management. Our team is committed to delivering confidential, high-quality, solution-focused services to individuals, families, and organizations.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Throughout all my accomplishments, I’ve never succeeded alone. My wife and family have been instrumental in my success, always standing by me in my most challenging moments. Additionally, there have been friends and mentors along the way who have been supportive when the going gets tough.
Regarding personal attributes that have influenced my success, my faith has been my guiding light. I have always felt God’s helping hand and the intercessory aid of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
At a professional level, being fluent in English and Spanish and deeply understanding both cultures has been extremely helpful. Additionally, embracing core values such as respect for the dignity and worth of every individual, the importance of human relationships, and the principles of competence and integrity, as outlined in the National Association of Social Workers, has also been beneficial.
Contact Info:
- Website: whittiercounseling.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whittiercounseling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whittiercounselingcenter/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whittier-counseling-center/?viewAsMember=true
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@whittiercounselingcenter7446
Image Credits
Matt Ebiner
