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Sanar Network

Why This Latina Therapist Is Giving Back to the Immigrant Community

Published 2 months ago • 2 min read

Sanar Network

When individuals are navigating immigration-related stress, fear, uncertainty, or trauma, finding a mental health provider who truly understands their language, culture, and lived experience can make all the difference. At Sanar Network, we believe that Latino clients deserve access to culturally and linguistically responsive care because trust, connection, and healing begin with feeling understood.

This week, we are honored to highlight Eugenia Sotelo, LCSW, Mental Health Specialist and founder of Sunflower Wellness Services, LLC, who has chosen to support our community through the Sanar Network.

When asked why she decided to offer volunteer mental health services to individuals impacted by immigration and immigration-related experiences, Eugenia shared:

"I decided to offer volunteer mental health services to people who have recently been impacted by immigration or immigration-related experiences for two main reasons.
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On a personal level, I am an immigrant myself and know firsthand the fear, uncertainty, and worry that one can experience in this country. I was also fortunate to receive support from people who dedicated their time, effort, and generosity to help me along the way. Family members, teachers, counselors, mentors, church members, and friends all contributed in different ways to my growth and well-being.
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From a professional perspective, I understand that unprocessed trauma can deeply affect individuals, families, and entire communities. Its effects can be seen in our relationships, workplaces, businesses, schools, churches, and community life as a whole. Immigration-related trauma can create immediate consequences as well as long-lasting impacts when it does not receive proper attention and care. That is why seeking support is so important.
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My hope is to offer even a small measure of support by using the knowledge and skills I have developed to help others heal and strengthen their emotional well-being. I firmly believe that when we heal our wounds and process difficult experiences, we strengthen not only individuals but entire communities."

Eugenia's story reflects the heart of Sanar Network's mission: expanding access to mental health care that is not only clinically effective, but also culturally affirming and linguistically accessible. Providers like Eugenia help bridge critical gaps in care by creating spaces where Latino individuals and families can feel seen, heard, and supported in their healing journey.

We are grateful for Eugenia's commitment to serving those impacted by immigration-related stress and trauma, and we are proud to have her as part of the Sanar Network.

​Help Us Connect More People to Care​

If you are a community member, educator, healthcare provider, faith leader, attorney, or organization working with Latino individuals and families, we encourage you to refer those who may benefit from culturally and linguistically responsive mental health services.

And if you are a bilingual or bicultural mental health professional who is passionate about supporting our community, we invite you to join the Sanar Network and become part of a growing movement to increase access to care for Latino clients.

See you next week!

Richi & Mariah Sede
Co-Founders, Sanar Network
SanarNetwork.com

P.S. Do you know someone who is looking for a Spanish-speaking or culturally responsive mental health provider?

Reply to this email or visit our referral page. A simple connection can be the first step toward healing.

Richi@sanarnetwork.com - Mariah@sanarnetwork.com
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Sanar Network

Empowering Providers. Supporting Communities.

At the Sanar Network, we connect Latino communities to essential mental health services where they can feel heard in their own language and genuinely supported.We bridge the gap in behavioral health by equipping Latino providers and allies with the culturally appropriate, updated tools they need to thrive.

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