Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Noel Ramirez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Noel , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

During 2020, the rise in anti-Asian hate created an urgent need for mental health healing spaces. As an AANHPI solo practitioner, I was overwhelmed by the number of AANHPI community members seeking care—my schedule was full, and every other AANHPI private practice clinician I contacted was also at capacity.

I felt powerless but knew I couldn’t sustain a seven-day workweek for long. The market research on AANHPI mental health was daunting: AANHPI individuals are the least likely to access mental health services, comprise less than 5% of the psychological workforce, and face high acuity in mental health challenges. This was not the kind of data that typically inspires the creation of a group mental health practice. At the time, there were no existing models to follow—but I decided to move forward anyway.

I entered a pitch competition with significant ambivalence (I didn’t even realize it was a pitch competition until I became a finalist!). To my surprise, I was one of four winners and received $10,000 in funding from the City of Philadelphia, Jefferson University, and Comcast.

In December 2020, we launched with three therapists. Today, we have a team of 17 clinicians. Over the past few years, we’ve facilitated and produced more than 100 community forums, received diversity awards, and integrated six different Asian languages into our services. We continue to grow and are now expanding to New Jersey.

This outcome exceeded all our expectations, and I am so grateful we took that risk.

Noel , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Dr. Noel B. Ramirez, the founder of Mango Tree Counseling & Consulting, an Asian-American mental health group practice dedicated to enhancing the mental well-being of Asian-American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. Through culturally responsive care and community connections, we aim to create a lasting positive impact.

In addition to my role at Mango Tree, I’m a senior lecturer at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Social Work and have been practicing social work in Philadelphia for over 15 years. My work focuses on the intersection of public health, social work, identity, and community empowerment. Over the years, I’ve been deeply involved in programs that align with my personal experiences and identities, including LGBTQIA+, HIV/AIDS, addiction/recovery, and AANHPI communities.

Academically, I hold a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master’s in Public Health from Drexel University, and a Doctorate in Behavioral Health from Arizona State University.

At Mango Tree Counseling & Consulting, we pride ourselves on providing culturally centered therapy and programs that meet the unique mental health needs of our community. One of our core missions is exploring and answering the question, “What is in the Asian American psyche?”

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team. So far, we’ve helped five clinicians achieve full licensure, created a pipeline for AANHPI clinical talent, and supported eight students in earning their master’s degrees through our internship program. We’re also collaborating with Mental Health Partnerships to develop a certified peer recovery program for AANHPI students on college campuses to address the alarmingly high rates of suicidal ideation within our community.

Our work has also mobilized the broader community. After the last election, we hosted listening circles that drew over 100 participants, strengthening connections and fostering healing in the process.

Every step we’ve taken has been with a commitment to serving and empowering our communities, and I couldn’t be prouder of where we’re headed.

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

For us, the key has always been engaging with our community. Our early work was deeply rooted in community organizing, supporting groups like Philadelphia Asian and Queer, and launching initiatives such as the Asian American Mental Wellness Seminars. These efforts were foundational to building trust and relationships within the AANHPI community.

As AANHPI providers, staying involved and connected to our community is not just a strategy—it’s a core value.

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

For us, it’s always been about being with and engaging our community – the folx involved in our beginning work were community organizers – we were providing support through Philadelphia Asian and Queer and started a larger movement for mental health care – these Asian American Mental Wellness Seminars were at the core of our beginning story – a community – engaged with our peers. As an AANHPI providers, it’s critical that we continue to stay and be in community. Our strategy, which is a value vs a tactic, is being involved and developing relationships in our larger aanhpi community.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I didn’t grow up in a family of business owners. My parents, who met in a toy factory as immigrants, instilled in me the importance of taking the safe path. Starting my own business was far outside the norm for me and my family’s expectations.

Initially, my parents had doubts, and I had to let go of the fear that came with breaking away from the safe route. Instead, I leaned into the values they instilled in me: hard work, love, resilience, and tenacity. Letting go of fear allowed me to embrace trust and take the leap into entrepreneurship.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mangotreecc.com
• Instagram: mangotree.counseling
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MangoTreeCC/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelbramirez/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mangotreecounselingandcons5136