Maria Rodriguez: Winner of the 2025 Great Companies International Women Entrepreneur Award

Name: Maria Rodriguez

Business Name: care counseling center

Location: Somerville , USA

Category: Mental Health & Counseling Services

Website: carecounselingcenter.org

Company Detail:

Care Counseling Center is a leading mental health organization founded by Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a renowned Licensed Professional Counselor and expert in immigration evaluations. With a mission rooted in compassion-first care, the center specializes in trauma-informed therapy, immigration psychological evaluations, and mental health support for individuals and families navigating emotional and legal challenges.

The center offers psychotherapy services tailored to address PTSD, anxiety, depression, and family trauma, as well as specialized evaluations for immigration cases, personal injury, and workers' compensation. Its work is widely recognized, earning Best of Somerville in 2022 and 2023, and its expertise has been featured on FOX, PBS, and other media outlets.

Care Counseling Center empowers clients to overcome obstacles, heal from trauma, and reclaim their lives with personalized, culturally competent support.

Unique Selling Proposition or Competitive Advantage:

Care Counseling Center stands out because of its deep expertise, personalized approach, and cultural competence in mental health and immigration-related psychological services.

What Sets It Apart?

✅ Expert-Led & Recognized Authority – Founded by Dr. Maria Rodriguez, a renowned mental health professional, best-selling author, and media expert, the center brings over 20 years of experience in psychotherapy, trauma recovery, and forensic evaluations.

✅ Specialization in Immigration Evaluations – Unlike general counseling centers, it provides comprehensive immigration psychological evaluations that support asylum, hardship waivers, VAWA, U-visas, and more, increasing the chances of successful legal outcomes.

✅ Culturally Competent Care – As a first-generation immigrant and Latina leader, Dr. Rodriguez understands the unique struggles of immigrant communities and ensures the services are culturally sensitive, bilingual (English & Spanish), and trauma-informed.

✅ High Success Rate in Legal & Personal Injury Cases – The immigration and personal injury psychological evaluations have been highly regarded by attorneys and courts, making Care Counseling Center a trusted choice for legal and medical professionals.

✅ Media & Industry Recognition – Featured on FOX, PBS, and major platforms, the center is recognized for shaping the conversation on mental health and immigration. It was also awarded Best of Somerville 2022 & 2023, and Dr. Rodriguez was named Top Licensed Professional Counselor of the Year.

✅ Holistic & Compassionate Approach – Beyond therapy, Care Counseling Center empowers clients to heal, rebuild, and thrive, whether overcoming trauma, managing anxiety, or navigating complex legal challenges.

With a reputation for expertise and a commitment to advocacy, clients and attorneys trust Care Counseling Center to deliver life-changing results in both therapy and immigration cases.

Challenges Faced During the Journey:

The journey to creating Care Counseling Center was not without struggles. As a first-generation immigrant, a woman of color, and a survivor of personal hardships, Dr. Maria Rodriguez had to navigate numerous obstacles to establish herself as a leading mental health professional and business owner.

1. Personal & Cultural Barriers

Growing up as a Dominican immigrant, Dr. Rodriguez faced the challenges of cultural adaptation, family separation, and economic hardships. Being sent to the Dominican Republic at the age of 2 and reuniting with her mother at 9 was a difficult transition, shaping her deep understanding of emotional trauma and resilience.

2. Financial & Educational Struggles

Pursuing higher education as an immigrant came with financial and emotional burdens. Dr. Rodriguez had to work tirelessly while earning multiple degrees, often balancing multiple responsibilities alone. Despite this, she pushed forward, earning a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Ph.D. in General Psychology, proving that determination can break systemic barriers.

3. Professional Challenges & Breaking Stereotypes

Entering the mental health and forensic evaluation field as a Latina woman meant challenging biases and stereotypes. The industry lacked diversity, and she had to work twice as hard to establish credibility. Refusing to be overlooked, she proved her expertise through thousands of successful psychological evaluations and media appearances on FOX and PBS.

4. Building a Business From the Ground Up

Starting Care Counseling Center was not easy. Dr. Rodriguez had to learn how to navigate the business world, gain trust from clients and attorneys, and create a sustainable practice. The lack of funding, resources, and mentorship in the beginning meant she had to learn everything on her own—from operations to marketing to legal requirements.

5. Advocating for Immigrants & Trauma Survivors

One of the biggest challenges was witnessing the mental health struggles of immigrants who lacked access to proper care. Dr. Rodriguez knew she had to be their voice, even when it meant standing against powerful systems. Today, her evaluations and therapy work have helped countless individuals secure asylum, legal protection, and healing from trauma.

Each of these struggles became the foundation of her mission-driven work, giving her the empathy, resilience, and knowledge to create a space where immigrants, trauma survivors, and individuals battling mental health issues can find hope and healing.

Advice for Women Entrepreneurs:

For young women dreaming of building something of their own, whether just starting or already navigating the entrepreneurial journey, Dr. Rodriguez shares key lessons learned along the way:

1. Own Your Power & Believe in Yourself

No one will believe in you more than you believe in yourself. Doubt and imposter syndrome may creep in, but you are enough. Your voice, skills, and vision matter—so show up with confidence.

2. Be Willing to Learn & Adapt

You don’t have to have all the answers. The best entrepreneurs are lifelong learners. Be open to feedback, invest in knowledge, and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary.

3. Build a Strong Support System

Success is never a solo journey. Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and a community that uplifts you. Not everyone will understand your vision—find the ones who do.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Take Up Space

As women, especially in male-dominated industries, proving oneself is often necessary. Take up space. Speak up. Demand what you’re worth. Don’t shrink yourself to make others comfortable.

5. Turn Challenges Into Your Superpower

Every obstacle shapes the leader you are meant to be. Use struggles as fuel. The very things that tried to break you may become the foundation of your greatest success.

6. Financial Independence is Key

Learn how to manage, invest, and grow your money. Financial literacy is power, and as women, taking control of financial futures is essential.

7. Balance is a Myth—Prioritize What Matters

Work-life balance is not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about knowing what deserves your energy and when. Give yourself permission to rest, set boundaries, and choose self-care when needed.

8. Give Back & Lift Others as You Climb

True success is not just about achievements but also about helping others along the way. Be the mentor you wish you had, advocate for other women, and build a legacy that makes a difference.

Final Words

Women in business are forces to be reckoned with. Dream big, work hard, stay resilient, and never let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong at the table. And if they do? Build your own table.