Salma Perez is a student counselor-in-training supervised by Board Approved Supervisors Elizabeth Barrientes, MS, LPC-S, Registered Play Therapist and Dr. Jinnelle V. Powell, Ph.D., LPC-S. She is dedicated to guiding and supporting individuals through their journey of healing, hope, restoration, and self-love. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M University- Kingsville and is currently studying at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi for her Master of Science in Professional Counseling with a focus on Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Salma is certified in Gottman Level 1 Couples Counseling and aims to pursue a career as a Registered Play Therapist. She will work alongside our fully licensed and associate-level counselors to provide reduced fees and free counseling services.

Her passion for working with children stems from recognizing the pivotal role this developmental stage plays in education, growth, healing, and communication - fundamental aspects of fostering productive emotional and psychological maturation. Children navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, abuse, and trauma have profoundly inspired her to shape a career centered around providing care and assistance to empower children to overcome their adversities. Salma aims to develop her therapeutic techniques and theories that encourage the overall well-being of children and unity within families. She yearns for individuals to recognize how dearly they are cherished, purposed, seen, heard, and enough.

Salma believes that her empathic heart for people is deeply rooted in her faith. She appoints to “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” - Romans 12:5. She aspires to help people acknowledge their worth and value while encouraging them to know that they aren’t alone, their life matters and their feelings are valid, motivates Salma to work in the clinical mental health field and be present for children and families. She desires to be a therapist that individuals, regardless of gender, age, race, faith, beliefs, background, or circumstances, can go to and feel safe and secure with.

When Salma isn’t studying at the local coffee shop, you might spot her by the ocean watching the waves, screaming her heart and lungs out at a concert, or cozying up with her doxiepoo, Daisy, to watch movies. She is eager and open to working with you!