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EXCITING NEWS
Congratulations, Ellie!
Empathy First Counseling is proud to announce that one of our esteemed interns, MSW student Elisabeth Adams, has been selected as a recipient of the 2025-2026 CSWE Minority Fellowship Program (MFP) award.
Way to go, Ellie!
September 2025
GRADUATE COUNSELING INTERNS JOIN THE EMPATHY FIRST TEAM
Empathy First Counseling is happy to introduce two teams of master’s-level counseling interns who have officially joined our practice and will soon begin accepting new clients!
We are deeply grateful for our partnerships with graduate colleges, which allow us to bring in passionate, highly trained interns who are learning the very latest in evidence-based and effective counseling practices. These partnerships ensure that our clients benefit not only from our experienced clinicians but also from the fresh perspectives and research-informed approaches that our interns bring to the counseling room.
One of the exciting projects these teams will be spearheading is the coordination and facilitation of support groups. Support groups can be a powerful way for individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences, and we are eager to provide a variety of groups tailored to the needs of our community. If you are interested in joining a support group—or if you have suggestions for the types of groups you would like to see offered—please reach out to us. Your input is invaluable as we shape these new resources.
Our two intern teams will be serving clients at both our Cypress and Richmond office locations.
We are excited to welcome these talented interns and to expand our services to meet the growing needs of our community. At Empathy First Counseling, we believe in collaboration, growth, and providing compassionate care rooted in both experience and innovation.
Cypress Clinical Interns
Katimah Harper, MSW Intern; Elisabeth Adams, MSW Intern
Richmond Clinical Interns
Farzana Ahmad, LPC Intern; Eli Sorto, MSW Intern; Alina Syed, MSW Intern
August 2025
Congratulations Ana Maria Bohorquez, LMSW!
July 2025
Our outstanding MSW Clinical Intern has successfully earned her Masters in Social Work, and now she has passed her licensing exam. Ana Maria is now officially a Licensed Master Social Worker. We look forward to seeing where her career will take her. We are so proud.
Way to go Ana Maria!
Congratulations Bryan Evans, MSW!
June 2025
Our esteemed MSW Clinical Intern not only successfully obtained his Masters in Social Work, he also passed his LMSW licensing exam. We look forward to seeing where his career will take him. Bryan is one step closer to adding another letter to his credentials and we are so proud of him. Way to go Bryan!
2025 MSW Intern Graduation Networking Event
April 2025
Last week, Empathy First Counseling proudly hosted a heartwarming networking celebration at a local community-favorite restaurant, honoring three exceptional Master of Social Work students as they completed their internships with our private practice. This inaugural event brought together a vibrant group of nearly 20 attendees, including fellow students from the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, past interns and staff, and respected community leaders invested in shaping the future of social work. It was an inspiring evening of connection, shared stories, and meaningful conversations about the impact of social work and the importance of community partnerships. We're grateful for the opportunity to celebrate these students' hard work and to build bridges that will empower the next generation of compassionate professionals.
Welcome Anika Rodriguez, LMSW!
May 2025
Please help us welcome Anika to the Empathy First Family. Anika completed her Master's in Social Work from the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work this May.
Anika passed the LMSW exam and is a licensed Master Social Worker and is ready to work diligently to upgrade her clinical license. She will primarily provide top-quality services to our child population (under 12). Anika's passion for social justice, equity, and equality is in good company and a welcomed addition to our Empathy First family.
Happy Holidays from our family to yours
December 2024
Welcome, univErsity of houston GCSW CLINICAL INTERNS
August 2024
Empathy First values innovation and offers the most up-to-date clinical interventions to our community in partnership with the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work.
As an Alumnus himself, our Founder and CEO Max Arzola, LCSW-S welcomes the opportunity to offer a unique experience for students to explore their interests as they move forward in their careers.
See the latest additions to our team.
Congratulations Sophia Steelman, LMSW!
May 2024
Our wonderful Administrative Coordinator Sophia has taken the next step in her Social Work career by obtaining her Licensed Master's of Social Work from the State of Texas.
Sophia is now a licensed Social Worker, which is required to be considered a Social Worker in Texas. After a long process of earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees, and passing the ASWB Master of Social Work Examination, Sophia is now officially able to practice and deliver clinical services in Texas!
Empathy First is proud of Sophia and her dedication to our clients. We look forward to seeing where this milestone in her career takes her.
Sophia's next step is to become a Clinical Social Worker, an additional two years under clinical supervision. We are very proud of Sophia and are pleased to support her career goals as she advances further in her journey.
Sophia is excited and ready to schedule appointments.
Congratulations and welcome to Jonny Melgar, LMSW!
May 2024
Please help us welcome Jonny to the Empathy First Family. Jonny earned his Master's in Social Work from the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work.
Jonny began his social work career with Empathy First after completing his final internship for his Master's Degree and recently earned a Licensed Master's in Social Work. He will provide high-quality services and begin the process of upgrading to a clinical license (LCSW) under the supervision of Max Arzola, LCSW-S. Jonny's passion for providing quality, equitable services, especially for the Spanish-speaking community, is an excellent addition to the team.
First Annual Employee Holiday Dinner
December 2023
It's important to recognize the hard work and efforts that Empathy First employees bring to the table. So the team took some time to gather and share a meal .
Happy Holidays from Empathy First!
Congratulations Eli Sorto, BSW!
May 2023
Please help us give congratulations to our esteemed Social Work Intern, Eli Sorto as he has successfully completed his Bachelor's of Social Work program from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Jonny began his social work interests after working directly with clients as a pharmacy technician for a clinic that serves the HIV positive population in Houston.
It is our pleasure to announce that Eli has accepted our offer for him to continue his services as our intake specialist.
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