Meet Linda Ruvalcaba | Chicana Psychotherapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Linda Ruvalcaba and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Linda, what do you want your legacy to be?
I hope to be remembered for my genuine care of others and for my ability to bring people together. I want my legacy to be reflective not only in my work in my private practice, but also in the professional association I recently founded — Empezando Contigo: Association for Latine Therapists. I am committed to empowering the Latine community and I hope that is something that will always be remembered of me.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
This year I started a new business venture — Empezando Contigo: Association for Latine Therapists. Empezando Contigo is an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting Latine mental health professionals in their professional journey. We focus on creating a community where Latine therapists can connect, learn, and grow together, while also making mental health services more accessible and culturally responsive for the Latine community.

What sets Empezando Contigo apart is our deep commitment to cultural authenticity and community-building. We understand the unique challenges faced by Latine therapists and strive to provide resources and support that honor our heritage while promoting professional excellence. We’re not just an organization; we’re a movement to uplift Latine voices in the mental health field.

I’m most proud of how Empezando Contigo has created a space where Latine therapists feel seen, heard, and supported. Watching our members flourish, both personally and professionally, as they find strength in their cultural identity and professional skills is incredibly rewarding. I’m excited about the growing network of Latine therapists we’re building and the impact this will have on mental health care in our communities. So far our network has had a global reach with members across the United States and a member in South America!

Building Empezando Contigo was far from easy. The real difficulty lay in figuring out how to start a nonprofit that would function as a 501(c)(6) professional association. Navigating the legal, structural, and operational aspects of this type of organization was a steep learning curve, but it was a necessary step to create the community and support network that Latine therapists needed. It required a lot of perseverance, adaptability, and a deep belief in our mission. I overcame challenges by connecting with resources and outside supports, as well as by leaning into our community. The support and feedback from fellow Latine therapists were invaluable. We learned together, grew together, and continuously adapted our approach to ensure that we were meeting the needs of our members and the broader Latine community.

I want the world to know that Empezando Contigo is more than just a business—it’s a community dedicated to making a lasting impact on the mental health field. We’re here to uplift and empower Latine mental health professionals, ensuring that our voices are heard and our communities are served. Our story is one of resilience, cultural pride, and a relentless commitment to our mission.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love delicious vegan food! So I would take them to all of my favorite vegan spots: The Coronado, Dark Hall, Green, Earth, Goji Berry, and AZ Tacos Veganos.

As far as favorite activities in the city, I would probably take them for a morning hike at Phoenix Mountain Preserve or South Mountain (as long as this isn’t mid-summer). If this were a summer visit then we would likely be poolside at my community pool or at a resort like the Biltmore.

In the evening, we would likely hop around to different cocktail bars in downtown Phoenix like Sazerac and Valley Bar, and close out the evening with some dancing at Boycott.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this Shoutout to my community of Latine therapists. What started as a networking event to overcome the loneliness of solo private practice, has become a beautiful comunidad of colegas who have become friends. We encourage, support, and empower one another! They inspire me, hold me accountable, and encourage me in all of the best ways! Gracias amigxs!

Website: https://linktr.ee/empezando.contigo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/empezando.contigo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/empezando-contigo/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empezando.contigo

Other: Website for my therapy practice: https://empiezaaqui.com/

Image Credits
Meredith Comfort, Mauricio Duran