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Valerie Ortega

Founder, CEO and Clinician at SupportPath Therapy and 1 other company
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I’m Valerie Ortega, LCSW, the founder of SupportPath Therapy, and I’m passionate about helping individuals and couples navigate life’s emotional challenges with clarity, resilience, and empowerment. With over 15 years of experience, I’ve worked with adults, couples, and families facing anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and major life transitions—guiding them toward deeper self-awareness, healthier connections, and a more fulfilling life.

Therapy, to me, is more than just managing symptoms—it’s about building lasting emotional resilience and creating meaningful change. I take a holistic approach, helping clients understand the root of their struggles while equipping them with practical tools to move forward. Whether it’s navigating stress, improving relationships, or rediscovering a sense of purpose, I believe that everyone deserves support, healing, and a path toward growth.

I also love sharing insights beyond the therapy room. Through my content on TikTok and Instagram, I break down mental health topics in a way that’s relatable, engaging, and even a little fun—because self-improvement doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. My goal is to make mental wellness approachable and actionable, offering expert-backed strategies that actually make a difference in everyday life.

If you're looking for a mental health expert for an article, panel, or feature, I’d love to share my expertise. I bring a mix of clinical insight, real-world experience, and down-to-earth wisdom to every conversation—because everyone deserves the tools to heal, grow, and thrive.

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  • AI in Therapy: A Complement, Not a Replacement
    Valerie emphasizes AI's role in expanding access but warns, "AI lacks the empathy and connection crucial for healing." While AI can support therapists by detecting patterns, ethical concerns and cultural biases persist. Valerie advocates for integrating AI with strong policy guardrails, ensuring human connection remains central in mental health care.
  • AI Chatbots in Therapy: Balancing Promise with Ethical Concerns
    Valerie highlights AI chatbots' potential to address mental health access issues, offering 24/7 support and reducing stigma. However, she warns of ethical concerns, including cultural bias and lack of emotional depth. Valerie calls for stronger policies to ensure AI enhances therapy without sacrificing ethics or equity.
  • The "Vacation Wife" Dilemma: Emotional Labor and How to Share the Load
    Valerie explains that vacation planning is emotional labor often shouldered by women, dubbed the "Vacation Wife." She advises open communication with partners to share tasks, suggesting delegation based on strengths. This approach ensures vacations are a break for everyone, not just those who didn't plan them.
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