Equity in Practice Forum
Updated: Sep 7
Collectiva Jointly Collaborates to Lead “ Equity in Practice Forum” with Latinè Therapist Community
This March, Dr. Amelia Ortega, LCSW, Clinical Director of Collectiva, joined Yurilka Hernandez, LICSW-CASAC-SIFI, Kathy Acosta, LCSW, and the Latinx Therapist Collective to share visions and strategies for equity in clinical practice at the Equity in Practice Forum, hosted by the National Association of Puerto Rican-Hispanic Social Workers Inc. in New York City.
The conversation centered on the systems and everyday decisions that shape whether clinicians of color can build sustainable, thriving careers in the mental health field. Panelists spoke about:
Hiring and retention policies that reflect real investment in the futures of the clinicians a practice works with
Pay structures that can be reevaluated and shifted as an active, ongoing effort to stay accountable to a practice community
Mentoring and authentic relationships as an alternative to gatekeeping
The lived harms of internalized scarcity, and how those harms shape private practice culture
"It was a beautiful experience to be in an all-Latinè community, with such honest, real, deep dialogue and community building," Ortega said. "I'm grateful and energized by the collaboration behind this forum — it was an incredibly grounded, kind, and conscious team to work with."
Collectiva extends thanks to Tiffany Hervas, LMSW, for her vision and for building the organizing team, and to the National Association of Puerto Rican-Hispanic Social Workers Inc for hosting the forum. Collectiva also thanks fellow panelists and collaborators Yurilka Hernandez, LICSW-CASAC-SIFI, Kathy Acosta, LCSW, Budy J. Whitfield, LCSW-SIFI, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, Yvette Ramos, MSW, LCSW, and Vonmarie Thomas for sharing their knowledge, skills, and strategies — along with Daniella Gurría for her board leadership and Kat Danziger for their support throughout the year.
Collectiva remains committed to advancing equity in mental health practice, and looks forward to continuing this work alongside the Latinè therapist community. A second virtual forum will be organized and hosted this Fall 2026. Please email collectivaleadership@proton.me to get involved!
