Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Stacy Speedlin Gonzalez.
Hi Dr. Stacy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a proud San Antonian with a love for this city! The richness and artsy feel of San Antonio is the reason I stay. I am a licensed clinician and practice owner, who built my practice in the heart of the medical center. I have a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision. I am dually licensed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (board approved supervisor; LPC-S) and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC). I am also board certified as a Nationally Credentialed Counselor (NCC) and am seeking a new credential as a Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator (CFMHE). I work in private practice and see clients with various needs, including persons involved in civil and criminal cases.
I grew up with many obstacles in my life. My own mental health struggles led me to seeking help at age 25 (very past due, by the way). This journey led me to embracing my calling. I went to school to become a therapist. I loved the field so much, I pursued my PhD and graduated in 2015. Shortly after graduation, I was hired by UTSA to teach several courses to new clinicians. Most of the people I was to later hire began as students of mine. I have seen some of the most talented, skilled, amazing clinicians begin their academic career to come out and become fully licensed clinicians now serving our community.
After leaving my career as a professor at UTSA, I opened Salient Clinical Services in January of 2022. It wasn’t until I opened Salient that I embraced my dream. I believe in healing, restoration, and hope. Salient Clinical Services is the embodiment of what I envisioned I could add to our community; a place where people come to grow and develop through a relationally-centered approach. I always wanted to work somewhere with clinicians who care so deeply about people and feel a calling to serve. I hoped for a team that co-existed beautifully together and utilized their shared knowledge and talent to foster wellness for our citizens. From this vision; Salient was born.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
True to a lot of small business owners, I did not have unlimited funds to keep the practice afloat. Sometimes, we operated with limited funds and it was a slow start. But I believe in what we are doing and I have the privilege of working with some of the most talented clinicians in my lifetime. (One of my core talents is SEEING talent!) The Salient team is apprised of some of the brightest, most passionate people who care deeply about the communities we serve. It is our heart and the mission that kept us going in the early years.
Because we accept insurance, we have to roll with the trials that come. Insurance can be challenging and sometimes refuses to pay. Our medical biller, Regina Klesel, is who we have to sincerely thank. Without Regina, we would not have survived. Insurance is (and always will be) an obstacle for practices. To any new practitioner, I would recommend you get a “Regina”– someone you can trust to make the practices successful. Our other most essential asset is Thalisa Soto, our administrative assistant. Without her, Salient would not be the success that it is. Thalisa is the first point of contact for our clients and without her dedication, we would not have survived the early challenges.
We are only four years old. I have learned a lot about being a business owner and what it means to be committed to the business. I’m glad we are here; mental health is a huge need in San Antonio and we are honored to fulfill that need. To have people trust us in the most challenging times in their lives; to have families and parents trust us with their loved ones. That is what keeps us going through the challenging times.
We’ve been impressed with Salient Clinical Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Salient Clinical Services is a counseling practice that promotes emotional wellness, inclusion, and community engagement. We provide services to adults, couples, children, and their families. Our counselors are a wellspring of talent and clinical skill, and we are proud to foster their individual interests and strengths. Our theoretical framework consists of providing support across lifespan for individuals, with an emphasis on development, relationships, and cultural needs. Our amazing clinicians:
Stacy Speedlin-Gonzalez, PhD, LPC-S, LCDC has published works in the domains of trauma, addiction, and first responders and specializes in working with these populations. She also helps individuals within the court system, as well as licensed professionals who are struggling.
Natasha Villalobos, MS, LPC is passionate about supporting late-identified neurodivergent individuals and queer/gender-nonconforming folks while also serving as Salient’s Clinical Team Lead Counselor.
Bert Jimenez, MS, LPC-Associate is heavily involved in community activities related to the needs of military service members/veterans and first responders and supports individuals with addiction on their journey to recovery while also serving as Salient’s Office Manager.
Anntrinaque Lewis, MS, LPC uses warm, relational approaches in supporting individuals with complex trauma, addiction, and LGBTQ+ people. Anntrinaque also has a TikTok following along with her podcast “Too In Her Thoughts” where she interacts daily with her audience.
Carly Friedman, PhD, LPC specializes in supporting couples in rebuilding connection, empowering LGBTQ+ people in self-acceptance and pride, and championing neurodivergence and healing from ableist social structures.
Lauren Lopez, MS, LPC (along with her very fluffy and friendly therapy dog in training, Lina) specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families in growing together after traumatic experiences and advocating for neurodivergent needs. Her Therapy Dog, Lina, enjoys also working with her clients.
Ana Potthast, PhD, LCSW, LCDC is highly experienced with navigating the legal system alongside clients and working with addiction and trauma.
Andy Thornton, MS, LPC creates a safe, nonjudgmental environment for children/adolescents, LGBTQ+ folks, and individuals who have experienced trauma to find healing and joy.
Bea Blackmon, MS, LMSW, LCDC is a well-known resource in the community with a long history of working with children/adolescents and addiction, and Bea is also skilled with supporting military/veterans.
Bianca Johnson-Puleo, MS, LMSW emphasizes the importance of engagement with community and local resources in supporting LGBTQ+ folks and couples navigating relational and sociocultural challenges.
Melissa Simpson, MS, LMSW specializes in supporting individuals navigating eating disorders and addiction and empowering LGBTQ+ folks to live authentically.
Larry the Office Lizard (our resident bearded dragon) also resides in our break room to oversee and approve of our clinical activities.
What makes you happy?
Happiness is our product….
We define “Happiness” as the ability to formulate relational connections safely. Human beings are hard wired for connection. Human connection is essential for our growth and development, our mental health (you remember COVID and how we became emotionally ill), and occurs across our lifespan. Therefore, we need connection. The problem is: Sometimes, we lose our sense of safety in relationships and we begin to feel lonely in our connections. This often occurs when people experience trauma; often in childhood but at some time during our lives.
Salient Clinical Services seeks to help people resolve their past traumas and find happiness again. We are personally happy when we feel we have made an impact on another. Our team’s focus is centralized in how we aid in re-connection and increasing relational resiliency. Happiness is achievable when we have community!
Pricing:
- We accept most major insurances (BCBS, Aetna, Community First, Superior, Tricare, Molina, Medicare, Medicaid, Optum, etc.)
- Private pay costs: $85-$115 (Depending on the Provider)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.salientclinicalservices.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SalientClinicalServices/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-speedlin-gonzalez-ph-d-ncc-lpc-s-lcdc-211671a2/
- Other: TikTok: @tooinherthoughts; Spotify and Apple: Too In Her Thoughts
