ABOUT MARKELA

                       

Hi, I’m Markela Collins, LMSW,  a Licensed Master Social Worker and Mental Health First Responder dedicated to helping individuals and families heal, grow, and thrive. With more than seven years of experience in mental and behavioral health, I specialize in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, school-based mental health services, and intensive outpatient treatment.

 

As a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a specialization in Mental Health and Substance Misuse, I bring a compassionate and strengths-based approach to my work. I utilize evidence-based practices including CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to support meaningful and lasting change.

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Throughout my career, I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, families, foster youth, and individuals navigating mental health and substance use challenges. I am especially passionate about advocacy, community engagement, and expanding access to mental health services for underserved populations.

 

Outside of my clinical work, I serve as a board member of TruePer, Inc., where I support initiatives focused on mentoring youth and disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline. My commitment to resilience, empowerment, and social justice continues to make a positive impact in the communities I serve.

 

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WORK EXPERIENCE​

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I have more than seven years of experience in mental and behavioral health, including work as an MSW intern and two years as a Licensed Master Social Worker. I have provided services in school-based mental health, crisis intervention, and intensive outpatient treatment settings, working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and foster youth.

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Using evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Client/Person-Centered Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy, I support clients navigating trauma, addiction, mood disorders, depression, ADHD, coping skills development, and life transitions.

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EDUCATION AND TRAINING 

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Master of Social Work (MSW), Mental Health & Substance Misuse – University of Texas at Arlington (2021–2023)

Bachelor of Arts in Communications – CSU, Dominguez Hills (2002–2004)

 

ON A PERSONAL NOTE 

 

Outside of the therapy room, I am passionate about community advocacy and investing in the next generation. I serve as a board member of TruePer, Inc., where I work to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline by mentoring youth and championing equitable access to opportunity. I believe that healing extends beyond the individual — and I carry that belief into every space I enter.

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WHAT IS AN LMSW?

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A Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) is a mental health professional who has earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and passed the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing examination. LMSWs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral health conditions.

 

In Texas, an LMSW practices under the clinical supervision of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). This supervision ensures that all services meet the highest professional and ethical standards established by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners.

 

LMSWs utilize evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as CBT, DBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to support clients across a broad spectrum of life challenges, from trauma and substance use to depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties.

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