Mix and Mingle -San Antonio Chapter (11 Sep 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Mix, Mingle, & Spotlight Your Specialty!

Come teach us about your specialty, business, or skill in 5 minutes.

September 11, 2026 1pm - 2:30pm

This is a social gathering for the San Antonio Chapter. Even if you are not a member you are more than welcome to attend to greet, meet, and mingle with other mental health professionals.

Our Speaker:

Valerie G. Rivas, MA, LPC

As a San Antonio native who grew up on the South Side, Valerie sincerely knows the strength and courage it takes to accept when one can’t handle parts of life. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology-Molecular Biology Specialization from Texas Lutheran University where she was on track to attend medical school. After graduating from Texas Lutheran, however, she put medical school on hold to answer God’s call to do missionary work in South Africa for a year.

While living in Umphumulo, South Africa, she learned what it means to accompany others in their journey and the importance of “Ubuntu” (brotherhood/humanity) to others. Upon her return home, she worked with adolescents/young adults on the West Side of town, which led to her decision to pursue counseling where she received a Master’s Degree from Wayland Baptist University at the San Antonio Campus.

Her Christian-influenced, higher education has helped her understand the significance of integrating psychology with Christian values. Working in public education for 5+ years, Valerie has experience with adolescents, young adults, adults, and families. Also, having 5 years experience in the medical field has given her a knowledge base and experience in serving others with chronic illnesses. This unique position has fueled her desire to expand and accompany those living alongside: Chronic Illness(es), Caretaker concerns, Infertility issues, IVF, Miscarriage, Child Loss, First Responders & their Families, Suicide Grief, Trauma, Abuse, Neglect, Domestic Violence, Anxiety, Depression, Adjustments, Stress, & more. While Valerie practices Christian counseling, she enjoys and respects individuals from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and religious beliefs.

Valerie is the President for the Christian Counselors of Texas San Antonio Chapter, which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting professional Christian Counselors and Therapists, Ministers, and Students involved in the mental health community in Texas. CCT provides opportunities for continuing education, fellowship, and spiritual support for its members. For more information, see Christian Counselors of Texas, Inc. – Home (www.cctx.org).

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Developing a Clinical Understanding of Autism Spectrum (09 Oct 2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Developing a Clinical Understanding of Autism Spectrum

CCTX- San Antonio

October 9, 2026 at 1pm to 2:30pm

In Person and Virtual (Zoom)

During this workshop clinicians will become educated in the academic, vocational, emotional and social challenges people with autism spectrum. Participants will be introduced to the concept of “soft and hard signs” and red flags in recognizing autism. Mimicking conditions will be reviewed that often mislead clinicians into an inaccurate diagnosis. The three various levels of autism will be discussed and appropriate ways to properly address their needs. Various reasons why clients with autism spectrum may come for help will be discussed along with helpful tips to support the individual as well as the family. Some assessment tools to be familiar with in measuring traits or screening for autism will be mentioned. What counselors can do in their practices to assist the autism spectrum community will be explored.

Please arrive EARLY to order ahead as we will start promptly at 1PM. Ordering food is highly encouraged.

Dr. Sandra Salazar has spent over 25 years in various roles as an educator and counseling professional. She has a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and has contributed to research advocating for neurodiversity awareness. She has received extensive training in clinical evaluations for the diagnosis and treatment of: ADHD, Autism Spectrum, Selective Mutism, and Learning Differences.

She enjoys providing supervision, education, consultation and development of other counseling professionals in the mental health field. Dr. Salazar uses an integrative developmental approach to therapy incorporating expressive arts, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT), Christian counseling, existentialism as well as other evidence-based approaches.

Dr. Salazar is regularly requested as a guest speaker to present on mental health in schools, autism and learning differences, substance use, family wellness and more. She is a member of the following professional organizations: American Counseling Association with a divisional membership in Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling. She is also a member of the Texas Counseling Association (TCA) with a specialization in Counselor Education and Supervision, Christian Counseling Association of Texas (CCTX), as well as the Association of
Mental Health Professionals (AMHP). She also holds a Dialectical Behavior Therapy National Certification and Accreditation Association (DBTNCAA). She became a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) in 2021.

She practices self-care by spending time with God, her family and friends, daily walks, swimming, and attending sporting events. She loves traveling with her husband, meeting new people, while seeing the world. When faced with adversity, she finds her strength in her faith, scriptures and prayer.

Above all, Dr. Salazar believes in the hope our Lord provides over fear and possibilities over problems!

Christian Counselors of Texas, Inc. upcoming events

Mix and Mingle -San Antonio Chapter (11 Sep 2026)

Developing a Clinical Understanding of Autism Spectrum (09 Oct 2026)