Maria de los Angeles Vargas-Cancel, LCSW-S

María A. Vargas is a bilingual (English/ Spanish) licensed clinical social worker licensed in Texas and Massachusetts. She graduated with honors from the prestigious Beatriz Lassalle School of Social Work at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. However, her most meaningful accomplishment has been the privilege of accompanying people from all walks of life and receiving their trust as a gift.

As a fellow human being, Maria believes in creating a welcoming and non-judgmental environment where clients participating in therapy can feel secure, respected, seen, and treated at the same human level. She genuinely listens to get to know you, understand your life journey challenges, and discover your inner strengths with you.

María specializes in treating adults and elderly struggling with adjustment to life transitions, grief/loss, mood disorders, anger management, women’s issues, relationship conflict, cultural issues, advance care planning, adverse childhood events, caregiver burnout, stress management, workplace issues, and trauma related disorders. Making use of a resiliency-based, trauma informed, and individual centered approach, she integrates evidence-based interventions, such as: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Behavioral Activation, Interpersonal Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness Training, Motivational Interviewing, and Safety Planning.

In her prior roles, she has accrued significant experience working with at-risk youth, chronically ill patients, trauma survivors, diverse and underserved populations, by facilitating individual, family, and group therapy working at community nonprofit organizations, inpatient and outpatient settings. Staying up-to-date on effective and best practices treating mental health conditions and consultation are a priority.

Maria's research interests relate to social policy on: end of life care, human rights, colonialism, aging issues, HIV/AIDS, health disparities, immigration, veterans, cancer care, intersectionality, racism, quality assurance/administration, and social determinants of health.

The intellectual curiosity has taken her to earn credentials as an Accredited Case Manager by ACMA, an Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker by SWHPN; and a board approved clinical supervisor by TSBSWE. She is interested in working with LMSW’s with the dedication to earn the LCSW license, but experiencing intersectionality and systemic barriers.

María loves to travel and strongly believes in the healing power of humor.