Dr. Maritza Soto, Ph.D., RMHCI, is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and bilingual psychotherapist (English/Spanish) with more than 12 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, families, and youth through a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. Her passion for mental health began early in her career, shaped by her work with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. During her graduate internship at the Leon County Courthouse, she advocated for victims navigating the justice system—an experience that sparked her lifelong commitment to empowerment, trauma-informed care, and community healing.
Dr. Soto earned her Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University and holds a master’s degree in Community Psychology from Florida A&M University. Her professional background spans clinical practice, education, school counseling, and advocacy. She has worked extensively with diverse populations, including students, individuals with severe mental illness, dual-diagnosis clients, non-English-speaking families, unaccompanied minors, and geriatric patients. Across roles, she has conducted biopsychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, risk and threat assessments, group facilitation, and evidence-based treatment planning.
Her therapeutic style is warm, empathetic, and culturally responsive. Dr. Soto integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Play Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness practices, and reality-based interventions. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, relationship issues, school-related stressors, and challenges associated with chronic or terminal illness. Her clinical care emphasizes cultural identity, accessibility, empowerment, and meeting clients exactly where they are in their healing journey.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Soto has been recognized nationally for her academic excellence and research. Her award-winning research includes studies on domestic violence among Latin women in the Dominican Republic and mother–infant sensitivity to touch study at Michigan State University. A proud member of the Association of Black Psychologists, Phi Chi Honor Society, and the FAMU Alumni Association, she is also a wellness influencer for Plus Size Transformations LLC. In her personal life, she enjoys dancing Salsa, Bachata, and Soca, and finds peace by the ocean—reflecting the balance and joy she helps her clients rediscover within themselves.