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.
April 2025
Please help us welcome Anika to the Empathy First Family. Anika will be completing her Master's in Social Work from the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work thi May.
Anika has passed the LMSW exam to become a licensed 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.
December 2024
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 addition to our team.
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.
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!
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.