Meet South University CMHC Graduate Laura Giraldo
Counselor, teacher, student, practice owner, and leader in the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association. Laura Giraldo wears many hats, and South University, West Palm Beach is proud to claim her as a 2016 Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) alum.Studying Counseling at South University
After getting a bachelor's degree in biology, Laura took her graduate studies in a different direction: mental health. South University, West Palm Beach was conveniently located near her. It offered the program she needed with evening and weekend classes, allowing her to work while earning her degree.“I wanted a program that would lead me to becoming a professional counselor. South taught me all the foundations needed to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor,” says Laura. “It has helped me achieve all my educational goals.”
During her counseling master’s program, Laura gained valuable hands-on experience in the Children’s Home Society of Florida. She interviewed and evaluated prospective clients, helped with patient intakes and discharge planning, created treatment plans, led individual and group therapy, and tracked client progress.
Laura also received personalized support at South University that helped her achieve her goals and opened doors to future opportunities. “The professors I had at South shaped my career by being great mentors and encouraging me to get involved with the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association,” she shares.
Becoming a Mental Health Counselor
After earning her master’s degree, Laura became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) in Florida. In the years since, she has gained extensive experience. She has worked in diverse mental health settings, including inpatient psychiatric facilities and substance use treatment centers. She has also worked on telehealth platforms and as part of a mobile crisis intervention unit.
Today, Laura runs the private practice, Pivot Counseling Group, with Diana Huambachano. The pair studied together at South University, West Palm Beach, and Diana is also a 2016 CMHC graduate.
Taking on More Roles in Counseling
Since graduating, Laura has remained involved with the Florida Mental Health Counselors Association (FMHCA). Currently, she is the group’s Executive Administrator. “My involvement with the group has propelled my career forward and played a key role in shaping my professional identity,” she says. Laura is also part of SAMH Business Consultants. As a consultant, she has helped create policies, procedures, and operational manuals for mental health and substance abuse facilities nationwide.Beyond her work in counseling, consulting, and with the FMHCA, Laura teaches college classes at two schools. She is excited about educating and inspiring the next generation of helping professionals. To grow these skills, Laura is pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. “I am deeply committed to advancing the counseling profession through research, leadership, and mentorship,” she says.
As an educator and leader, Laura works to promote ethical practice, professional development, and equitable access to mental health services. She is proud of all she has done so far and strives to keep giving back to the field. And for those studying Clinical Mental Health Counseling right now, she offers these words of encouragement. “Chase your dreams, and remember that a degree is not a race. Slow and steady gets you to the finish line.”
Researching counseling schools and programs?
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Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
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