Q: What inspired you to create the Cannenta Center and Foundation?
Dr. Leti Cavazos: My work in social services showed me firsthand the barriers that marginalized communities, particularly the Hispanic/Latino population, face in accessing mental health care. There is a critical shortage of bilingual providers, financial constraints that prevent many from seeking care, and a cultural stigma that often discourages conversations about mental health. I wanted to create a space that not only provided quality care but also felt safe, welcoming, and culturally responsive. Cannenta Center was born out of that vision. The Foundation was established to go even further—removing financial barriers and ensuring that more individuals receive the care they need, regardless of their economic situation.

Q: How does Cannenta’s approach differ from other mental health centers?
Dr. Leti Cavazos: One of our key differentiators is that we prioritize culturally competent, bilingual care. Our services are available in English, Spanish, and ASL, and we take a holistic approach—understanding that healing happens in the context of an individual’s lived experiences, cultural background, and community. We also integrate innovative, evidence-based treatments like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, particularly for trauma recovery. Additionally, through the Foundation’s programs, we are not just treating clients—we are also working to increase the number of bilingual mental health professionals in the field through Project Adelante.

Q: Project Ayuda and Project Adelante are two major initiatives under the Cannenta Foundation. Can you share how they are making an impact?
Dr. Leti Cavazos: Project Ayuda is all about breaking down financial and language barriers that prevent Hispanic individuals from seeking mental health care. Many of our clients are either monolingual Spanish speakers or bilingual individuals who have faced discrimination or misdiagnosis due to language barriers. Through Project Ayuda, we provide culturally sensitive, low-cost therapy options to those in need. 

Project Adelante addresses another urgent issue—the severe shortage of bilingual mental health professionals. Only 5% of psychologists in the U.S. identify as Hispanic, and that number does not come close to meeting the needs of our growing population. Through financial assistance for supervision hours and licensing support, Project Adelante helps Hispanic clinicians complete the necessary steps to become licensed providers, increasing the number of therapists who can serve our communities effectively.

Q: What’s next for Cannenta Center and Foundation?
Dr. Leti Cavazos: We are expanding our reach, increasing access to care, and growing our training programs for future clinicians. We also want to continue strengthening our advocacy efforts to address policy-level barriers that impact mental health access for minorities. Our ultimate goal is to create a future where no one hesitates to seek help because of financial concerns, language barriers, or stigma.

Q: What message do you have for individuals who may be struggling with their mental health but are hesitant to seek help?
Dr. Leti Cavazos: You are not alone, and your mental health matters. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. At Cannenta, we believe in meeting people where they are—with compassion, understanding, and the right support. There is hope, and healing is possible.

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments of your career?
Dr. Leti Cavazos: One of the most memorable moments in my career is when individuals I’ve worked with comeback years later to share how my work has impacted their lives. In this field, you don’t always see the bigger picture right away—it often feels like planting seeds, hoping they’ll take root. Hearing their stories and seeing the long-term outcomes of our work is incredibly rewarding and reminds me why I do what I do.

Q: At the start of your career, what do you wish you had known? 
Dr. Leti Cavazos: I wish I had known that it’s not my job to have all the answers. Whether I’m working with clients or other professionals, I’ve learned that people already have so much knowledge and wisdom within them. My role is to help them recognize their own strength and build confidence in their abilities, rather than trying to provide all the solutions myself.

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? 
Dr. Leti Cavazos: I’ve been fortunate to have incredible female mentors who helped me see the potential of women in leadership. Growing up, I didn’t have many professional Latina role models to look up to, so meeting them as an adult profoundly shaped my self-perception and belief in what’s possible. Their guidance and support have been instrumental in my journey.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue their dream and start a business? 
Dr. Leti Cavazos: Never give up on yourself—but also, make sure to take care of yourself along the way. Running a business isn’t just a job; it’s something that becomes woven into every part of your life. Prioritizing your well-being is essential, because when you take care of yourself, you can show up fully, be more present, and bring creativity and innovation to your work.

Q: After high school, where did you feel your career path would take you?  
Dr. Leti Cavazos: After high school, I felt completely lost. I became a teen mom, and I was told that I wouldn’t amount to much—that my path was already set. But I refused to accept that narrative. It took a lot of self-belief, resilience, and sheer stubbornness to push past those expectations and create a different future for myself. That journey has shaped who I am today, and it’s why I’m so passionate about empowering others to see their own potential.

Five Things About Dr. Leti Cavazos

1. What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee? 
Frida Kahlo. I love how she lived boldly and unapologetically.

2. What was the last book you really got into? 
What would Frida Do? 

3. Best and worst flavor ice cream? 
Best – Butter Pecan, Worst – Chocolate

4. What would your perfect vacation look like? 
An unplugged, unstructured trip to a beach.

5. Have you ever met anyone famous? Who? 
I have met several famous people but my most memorable are Gabriel Iglesias, Anjelah Johnson, and Cristela Alonzo. All are comedians that help me appreciate the joy in life.