Mario Ismael Espinoza, LCSW (they, them, theirs) was born in Tijuana, B.C., Mexico to a large family of auto-mechanics and artists. Mario immigrated to the United States in 1998, attended the University of California, Irvine (2001-2005) earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance and went on to have a career in theatre dance that lasted 12 years. In addition to performing, Mario has taught Pilates in the Bay Area of San Francisco and in New York City, since 2006.

In 2017, Mario retired from the stage and attended NYU for a Masters Degree in Social Work. Since then, Mario has been integrating their expertise in movement and mental health to join clients on their journey toward physical and socio-emotional wellbeing. Taking a pluralistic approach, Mario’s work consists of partnering with individuals, families, and communities in the effort to heal, unite, and strengthen existing resources inherent in all.

Currently a full-time employee of The Entertainment Community Fund, Mario provides mental health services and clinical case management for Entertainment Industry professionals nation-wide. Mario is also a part-time Clinic Therapist at Ackerman Institute for the Family, working with the Latinx Youth & Family Immigration Project: Dímelo en Español.

Mario’s clinical focus is derived from a deep commitment to social justice and mental health, which gives rise to an anti-oppressive approach to delivery of clinical services.

Mario is also SIFI certified through NYU, and is available for clinical supervision, consulting and dialog facilitation.

As a Social Worker, licensed by the state of New York, Mario Ismael Espinoza holds the NASW Code of Ethics in the highest regard for clinical practice.