We were lucky to catch up with Maylin Fernández recently and have shared our conversation below.

Maylin , appreciate you joining us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

One of the kindest things anyone has ever done for me came during a time when I felt stuck and underestimated. For years, I worked under leadership that did little to inspire growth, collaboration, or community. I knew I had more to offer, I could feel it, but I wasn’t in an environment that reflected my potential back to me. With the encouragement of my loved ones, who had witnessed my dedication and everything I had already accomplished, I finally took the leap to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

In the middle of that journey, I met a mentor who changed everything.

From our very first conversation, he encouraged me not just to do well, but to dream big. To see myself as a future business owner and to envision a career built on purpose and possibility. His words landed in a way I didn’t expect. They were exactly what I needed to hear at that moment in my life, and I held on to them.

What made his kindness so meaningful was how freely he gave it. He shared his own story, his missteps, his wisdom, even some of his “secrets,” all without reservation. He was genuinely selfless, and his belief in me felt sincere and unwavering.

I’ve always been passionate, ambitious, and driven, but he helped me see how to take the next big step with courage. His generosity didn’t just encourage me, it empowered me. And that kind of kindness stays with you.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Maylin Fernández, and I am the founder of Mental Health Counseling Pathways, PLLC, a practice dedicated to providing immigration mental health evaluations and psychotherapy with compassion, integrity, and cultural sensitivity. My journey into this field has been shaped by both my professional experience and deeply personal roots.

I began my career over 17 years ago, working with youth and adults across a wide range of settings. Over time, I developed a profound appreciation for the resilience people carry, especially those navigating overwhelming systems and life transitions. Alongside my clinical work, I’ve also had the privilege of serving as an adjunct professor at Hunter College and Teachers College, Columbia University, where I’ve supported emerging mental health professionals and witnessed firsthand the impact of nurturing the next generation of clinicians.

As an immigrant myself, I grew up with limited guidance, but those early experiences taught me independence, resilience, and drive. I grew up during a time when there was shame around being from another country and when meaningful support for immigrant families was scarce. My background shaped my confidence and courage, and it allows me to deeply understand and support others navigating their own journeys. Those early experiences fuel my commitment today. They anchor my passion and remind me of why this work matters.

At Mental Health Counseling Pathways, I collaborate closely with immigration attorneys and clients to provide mental health evaluations that highlight each individual’s story, strength, and emotional reality. Most of the clients I serve are facing some of the most stressful moments in their lives, moments filled with uncertainty, fear, and obstacles. My mission is to meet them exactly where they are, to see them as whole people, and to offer them the care, flexibility, and understanding they deserve.

I work intentionally to create a warm and safe environment where clients feel supported, heard, and respected. I pride myself on being responsive, patient, flexible with my time, and nurturing. The individuals I meet with are often incredibly vulnerable, navigating an intimidating and overwhelming immigration process. I take it as a profound responsibility and honor to ensure they receive the highest level of care and feel supported throughout every step of the evaluation process.

What sets my practice apart is not only the expertise I bring, but also the heart behind it. My clients are greeted with genuine compassion. They are encouraged, validated, and treated with dignity.

My practice is growing, and I envision a prosperous future, not just in size, but in impact. I am grateful to be building a space rooted in humanity, cultural understanding, and purpose. Ultimately, what I want people to know about me and my work is this:

Your story matters. Your emotions matter. Your healing matters. And at Mental Health Counseling Pathways, you will always be met with the highest level of care, respect, and home.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding my business was a thoughtful and intentional process that grew out of habits I’ve carried throughout my life. I’ve always been a diligent saver, someone who naturally strategizes, plans, and looks for opportunities to create financial growth. My friends and family often joke that this is one of my callings, and who knows, maybe one day I’ll build something even bigger from this interest.

When it came to launching Mental Health Counseling Pathways, I didn’t make the decision lightly. I began planning for the financial aspect years before officially opening my practice. I wanted to build a foundation that felt stable, sustainable, and aligned with the level of care I hoped to provide.

One of the greatest gifts in that process was having a mentor who was transparent about his own business journey. He openly shared the real costs of running a private practice, including overhead expenses and hidden, less-obvious financial responsibilities. His honesty allowed me to forecast what I would need, set realistic goals, and slowly build the capital required to launch confidently.

By the time I was ready to establish my business, I wasn’t stepping into the unknown. I had a plan, savings I had intentionally built over the years, and a clear understanding of what it would take. That preparation gave me the courage to move forward and create a practice in purpose, stability, and care.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing clientele has been a combination of persistence, relationship-building, and the quality of care I provide. Establishing connections with immigration attorneys can be challenging because they’re incredibly busy, already have existing partnerships with other clinicians, and often rely heavily on email communication rather than in-person interaction. It’s a competitive environment, and standing out isn’t easy.

But one thing I’ve learned in life is that you often hear many “no’s” before you get a “yes.” I’ve been ignored by more attorneys than I can count, and instead of being discouraged, I used it as motivation to keep going. For the attorneys who did respond to my outreach, I focused on demonstrating consistent professionalism, reliability, and deep compassion for their clients throughout the evaluation process. Once I capture someone’s attention, I make it a priority to build and sustain a strong professional relationship built on trust and high-quality work.

Over time, these relationships have become a cornerstone of my practice, and I’m grateful for every attorney who has chosen to collaborate with me. I remain open and eager to build new partnerships as my practice continues to grow.

Another significant source of growth has come from client referrals and testimonials. When someone refers a friend or family member, it speaks volumes. Their personal experience becomes a powerful endorsement, and to me, there is no greater compliment. Each referral is a reminder that the care, empathy, and dedication I bring to this work truly resonates with the people I serve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mhcpathways.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mhc_pathways/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mhcpathways/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maylin-fernández-794a661a3
• Other: https://share.google/DVQi2tKhrjlLd0EDh