Today we’d like to introduce you to Shakira.
Hi Shakira, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Gateway To You Mental Health Counseling began from my personal journey as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. My name is Shakira Maldonado, and I started this practice with a vision to create a safe, compassionate space where adults and families could work through anxiety, depression, and life transitions without stigma or fear of judgment.
I began my career in New York, driven by a passion for making mental health care more authentic. Over time, Gateway To You expanded to Florida, and with that growth came a dedicated team of clinicians and interns who share my heart for helping others. Together, we’ve built a practice that offers not only therapy but also a sense of community, empowerment, and hope.
What started with just me has grown into something much bigger. A place where clients can find balance, healing, and tools to thrive. Alongside leading Gateway To You, I am now pursuing my PhD in Clinical Psychology, a step that deepens both my clinical expertise and my commitment to advancing mental health care.
Today, I feel grateful to lead a team that embodies the values I started with: compassion, authenticity, and a deep commitment to helping people feel seen and supported.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey has definitely not been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs in the mental health field, I faced the challenge of building a practice from the ground up while balancing client care, business management, and my own growth as a professional. One of the biggest struggles was learning how to wear many hats: clinician, supervisor, business owner, and leader, often all in the same day.
Insurance credentialing, marketing, and navigating the administrative side of mental health care were also hurdles in the beginning. It took persistence to get on panels, build visibility, and establish trust with clients and referral sources. There were moments of doubt, especially during times when the workload felt overwhelming or when growth didn’t happen as quickly as I hoped.
Another ongoing challenge has been maintaining balance—caring for others while making sure I also care for myself. This journey has required constant reflection and learning, especially as I take on new responsibilities like pursuing my PhD in Clinical Psychology.
Still, I see every challenge as part of the process that shaped Gateway To You into what it is today: a practice rooted in resilience, authenticity, and the belief that both clinicians and clients can grow through adversity.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Gateway To You Mental Health Counseling, our focus is on helping adults who are struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. We provide a safe, supportive space where clients can process their experiences, build resilience, and learn practical tools to navigate everyday challenges.
I specialize in working with individuals who want to better understand themselves, break free from cycles of fear or self-doubt, and move toward a healthier, more authentic life. I am known for my compassionate yet direct approach. Clients often say they feel both supported and gently challenged in ways that promote growth.
Our team of clinicians also brings a wide range of expertise that strengthens our practice. Collectively, we specialize in anxiety and depression management, relationship and family dynamics, trauma-informed care, life transitions, identity development, stress management, and providing support for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and communities. Each team member brings their own passion and perspective, which allows us to meet clients where they are and provide care that truly feels personal and tailored.
What I’m most proud of is the team we’ve built. Gateway To You has grown beyond just my practice into a community of clinicians and interns who are equally dedicated to empowering our clients. Together, we’ve created a practice that not only provides therapy but also mentorship, supervision, and outreach—extending our impact beyond the therapy room.
What sets us apart is our combination of authenticity and innovation. We meet clients with warmth and empathy, while staying committed to growth by integrating evidence-based strategies, expanding through telehealth, and forming community partnerships. For me personally, pursuing my PhD in Clinical Psychology deepens my clinical expertise and allows me to bring advanced training and research into the heart of our work, ensuring that Gateway To You continues to deliver care that is both personal and rooted in best practice.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor and building a strong network has been one of the most important parts of my journey. My advice is to lead with authenticity and curiosity. Instead of approaching mentorship with the mindset of “What can this person do for me?” I’ve found it works best to focus on genuine connection—listening, learning, and being open to guidance.
For me, mentorship has come from professors, supervisors, and colleagues who not only believed in my potential but also challenged me to grow. What worked well was staying consistent in those relationships; checking in, asking thoughtful questions, and being receptive to feedback even when it was difficult to hear.
Networking has also been about showing up in the right spaces. Attending professional conferences, joining mental health associations, and connecting with like-minded professionals in the community have opened doors that I couldn’t have imagined on my own. Social media has also played a role, especially in making connections with organizations and individuals who share the same passion for mental health advocacy and accessibility.
Overall, I believe the key is to stay authentic, curious, give as much as you receive, and remember that mentorship and networking aren’t just about advancing your career; they are about building meaningful relationships that inspire growth for both sides.
Pricing:
- We accept insurance in NY and FL
- We offer a sliding scale
- We submit claims on your behalf, or provide a super-bill if necessary.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gatewaytoyoucounselingcenter.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_gatewaytoyou_?igsh=MXcxNWV6eXp6eW1jZw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
