About Susana A. Cortés

Hello! My name is Susana A. Cortés, and I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Southern California. With more than 25 years of experience in the field of social work, I have dedicated my career to supporting children, adolescents, young adults, and families through some of life's most challenging transitions.

I began my career in domestic violence services and have since worked with newcomer families, HIV+ youth, foster and adoption agencies, and diverse school communities. For the past 15 years, I have specialized in school social work, where I have had the privilege of creating and leading innovative mental health programs that increase access to care and support student success.

My professional and personal journey has been shaped by living in diverse communities across the country, including San Francisco and New York City. I am especially proud to have earned my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from New York University (NYU), an experience that deepened my commitment to social justice, clinical excellence, and community-centered practice.

As a therapist specializing in adolescents and young adults, I am passionate about helping young people navigate this transformative stage of life. Whether facing stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, identity exploration, or life transitions, I strive to create a safe, supportive, and empowering space where clients can explore their experiences and develop the skills needed to thrive. My approach is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and a deep belief in each person's capacity for growth and healing.

My commitment to this work began at an early age when I discovered the fulfillment that comes from positively impacting the lives of others. Helping people find their strengths, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals has remained the driving force behind my professional journey.

As the daughter of immigrant parents, I am proudly bicultural and bilingual. This identity is central to both who I am and how I practice. It allows me to understand the complexities of navigating multiple cultures, family expectations, and identity development, while providing culturally responsive and compassionate support to the individuals and families I serve.

Throughout my career, I have been honored to lead system-level change in education and mental health. During my tenure with the Long Beach Unified School District, I founded the Foster Youth Unit and spearheaded the development of the district's Wellness Center initiative, successfully opening Wellness Centers in 32 middle and high schools. These efforts significantly expanded access to mental health services and support for thousands of students and families. I take great pride in what was accomplished alongside an exceptional team of social workers, mental health professionals, and educational leaders who shared a vision of ensuring every student had access to the care and resources they needed to thrive.

In addition to providing therapy, I am passionate about clinical supervision, leadership development, and public speaking. Supporting and mentoring emerging mental health practitioners has been one of the greatest gifts of my career. I enjoy speaking with educators, mental health professionals, and community leaders about mental health leadership, school-based social work, social-emotional learning, and building systems of care that create lasting impact for students, families, and communities.