Meet Our Practice

A dedicated team of licensed clinicians committed to compassionate, evidence-based behavioral health care across the Rio Grande Valley — for over 15 years.

Meet the Team

15+ years serving the RGV

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Licensed Psychologist and LPC's

3 Locations in the RGV

New Harlingen Location! — We're now serving the Harlingen community at 221 E. Van Buren Ave., Suite 18.

Get Directions ----------->

Our Approach

Behavioral Health That Meets You Where You Are

Our practice emphasizes behavioral health because it is broad and inclusive — encompassing mental health, substance use, the psychological impact of chronic illness, and the behavioral factors that shape overall wellbeing. We believe that behavioral health clinicians play a vital role not just in treating mental illness, but in supporting the whole person.

We provide patients with best practices in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. All services align with federal and state mandates for privacy, confidentiality, and patient rights — so you can focus entirely on your care.

Evidenced-Based Care

Every treatment approach we use is grounded in current research and aligned with the highest standards of psychological practice.

Culturally Responsive

We understand the unique circumstances of families in the Rio Grande Valley. All services are available in English and Spanish.

Privacy & Confidentiality

Your personal information is safe and secure. We never compromise your privacy — so you can engage fully in your care without worry.

Whole-Person Focus

We look at the full picture — lifestyle, environment, relationships, and mental health — to help you achieve lasting wellbeing.

Founder & Clinical Director

Dr. Vittorio T. Puente

PhD, LSSP - Clinical Psychology

With over two decades of dedicated service in the mental health field, Dr. Puente brings experience across hospital, judicial, and educational systems. This extensive background gives him a unique perspective and deep understanding of the multifaceted nature of mental health challenges and their treatment.

Education & Training

DePaul University — Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology
University of New Mexico Health Science Center — APA Approved Internship
UT Pan American — Master's degree, Hispanic School Psychology
Educational Testing Service, GRE Research Fellow - two-year fellowship
University of Notre Dame — Bachelor's degree, Psychology / Pre-Medical Studies
Fogarty Fellowship — Research at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Our Clinical Team

Licensed professionals with deep roots in the Rio Grande Valley community.

LPC, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student

Violeta Cantu

With over 16 years of experience in school counseling and 6 years in classroom teaching, Mrs. Cantu brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the educational and psychological needs of her clients. Her extensive background allows her to provide compassionate, effective support to children, adolescents, and adults as they navigate life’s challenges. She is known for her ability to build strong therapeutic relationships and create a supportive environment where clients feel understood, empowered, and capable of meaningful change. Education & Training: Mrs. Cantu holds both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Texas-Pan American. She is currently advancing her expertise as a doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at California Southern University, reflecting her ongoing commitment to professional growth and evidence-based practice. Clinical Focus: Mrs. Cantu specializes in helping clients address a range of emotional and behavioral concerns, with particular emphasis on: - Trauma and anxiety-related concerns - Emotional regulation and resilience - Child and adolescent mental health - Directive and non-directive play therapy Approach to Therapy: Mrs. Cantu utilizes a client-centered and integrative approach, tailoring treatment to meet the unique needs of each individual. She combines evidence-based practices to help clients build insight, develop coping skills, and achieve lasting change. Her approach focuses on: - Strengthening emotional awareness - Developing practical coping strategies - Building resilience and confidence - Supporting meaningful behavioral change Therapeutic Techniques: - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that influence emotions and behavior. - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A trauma-focused approach that supports the brain in reprocessing distressing experiences, reducing emotional intensity and promoting healing. - Solution-Focused Therapy: Emphasizes strengths and goal-oriented change, helping clients move toward practical solutions. - Problem-Solving Strategies: Provides actionable tools to address everyday challenges effectively. - Lifestyle Behavioral Health: Integrates behavioral and psychological strategies with lifestyle modifications to improve mental health, prevent chronic conditions, and enhance overall well-being. Mrs. Cantu is deeply committed to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering therapeutic environment. Her empathetic approach allows clients to feel heard and valued while gaining the tools needed to navigate challenges and improve their quality of life. Her combination of extensive experience and ongoing advanced training ensures that clients receive high-quality, evidence-based care.

PhD, Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student

Sandra Ledesma

Dr. Sandra Ledesma is a seasoned educator, mental health professional, and consultant with over 25 years of combined experience in public and higher education, including more than 20 years providing direct services. She currently serves as a Professor of Education, mental health presenter, and consultant, and is completing her pre-doctoral clinical psychology internship with MBHPS under the supervision of Dr. Puente. Dr. Ledesma earned her Ph.D. in Education from Capella University and her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. She is currently completing her doctorate in clinical psychology, reflecting her continued commitment to advanced clinical training and evidence-based practice. Professional Experience & Expertise Dr. Ledesma has dedicated her career to supporting students, educators, and communities across South Texas. Her work spans teaching, consultation, and mental health training, with a strong emphasis on culturally responsive and trauma-informed practices. Her areas of expertise include: - Culturally responsive teaching and youth engagement - Trauma-informed education and intervention - Social-emotional development across school and community settings - Mental health training and professional development for educators She is fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing her to effectively serve diverse populations and communities. Clinical Approach: Dr. Ledesma integrates Jungian-informed approaches into her clinical work, emphasizing insight, meaning-making, and the exploration of unconscious patterns that influence behavior and emotional functioning. Her approach supports clients in developing deeper self-awareness, personal growth, and psychological integration. She combines this depth-oriented perspective with practical, client-centered strategies to help individuals: - Process trauma and emotional experiences - Strengthen identity and self-understanding - Build resilience and adaptive coping skills - Navigate life transitions and challenges Professional Philosophy Dr. Ledesma believes that meaningful change occurs when individuals are supported in understanding both their internal experiences and external environments. Her work reflects a balance between insight-oriented exploration and practical intervention, helping clients and organizations create lasting, meaningful change. Commitment to Service Through her work as an educator, presenter, and clinician-in-training, Dr. Ledesma remains committed to advancing mental health awareness and supporting the well-being of individuals and communities. Her combined expertise in education and psychology allows her to bridge systems of care, ensuring that clients receive thoughtful, culturally informed, and effective support.

Licensed Professional Counselor

Sandra Gonzalez

Sandra Puente Gonzalez is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 28 years of experience in school counseling and 3 years in classroom teaching. She is known for her collaborative, compassionate approach, building strong relationships with students, families, and the community. She earned her Bachelor’s degree and Master of Education in Counseling from University of Texas-Pan American and has dedicated her career to supporting the emotional and behavioral well-being of children, adolescents, and adults. Clinical Focus - Child and Adolescent - Counseling - Play Therapy (Directive & Non-Directive) - Trauma and Crisis Intervention - Anxiety and Depression Treatment - Mindfulness-Based and integrative Approaches Approach to Therapy Mrs. Gonzalez practices from a client-centered framework, emphasizing empathy, respect, and collaboration. She creates a safe and supportive environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their experiences and developing meaningful change. Her work focuses on helping clients: - Build resilience - Strengthen coping skills - Improve emotional regulation - Develop confidence and insight - Therapeutic Techniques - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors - Solution-Focused Therapy: Emphasizing strengths and goal-oriented change - Problem-Solving Strategies: Practical tools for real-life challenges - Directive Play Therapy: Structured activities to guide therapeutic progress - Non-Directive Play Therapy: Child-led expression and emotional processing Professional Philosophy Mrs. Gonzalez believes that healing begins with connection and understanding. Her goal is to help clients feel supported, empowered, and equipped to navigate life’s challenges while achieving long-term emotional well-being.