Mental health support refers to a comprehensive approach to addressing the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals, including access to counseling services, peer support initiatives, resilience training, and the reduction of stigma associated with seeking help.
What are the Mental Health Services?
We are proud to now offer professional psychotherapy services at the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center—providing vital mental health care in both English and Spanish, led by licensed psychotherapist Alberto DĂaz de LeĂłn JimĂ©nez Bravo, M.A.
These services are generously sponsored by Tamale’s Tours, whose support makes this milestone possible for our community.
Meet Our Psychologist: Alberto DĂaz de LeĂłn JimĂ©nez Bravo
Alberto is a bilingual, highly qualified psychotherapist who holds a Master’s degree in Relational Systemic Family Therapy from UNIVA (Universidad del Valle de Atemajac). He brings deep experience from both private practice and hospital settings.
Areas of Expertise:
- Individual therapy
- Couples and family therapy (in-person and online)
- Grief support and thanatology
- Psychological care for hospitalized patients
- LGBTQ+ affirming and trauma-informed therapy
Alberto’s compassionate, ethical, and culturally sensitive approach ensures that every client is welcomed into a safe and non-judgmental space.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health is essential to living a full and balanced life—especially for members of the LGBTQ+ community, who often face added challenges such as stigma, discrimination, and isolation. Offering access to affirming, bilingual mental health care is a key step in our mission to build a stronger, healthier Puerto Vallarta.
What are the English Classes?
Our English program is a free, year-long course created to help students strengthen their language skills, boost confidence, and expand opportunities—especially for those seeking jobs in tourism, hospitality, and service industries in Puerto Vallarta.
Who can attend?
Anyone is welcome, regardless of background or skill level. The current class includes LGBTQ+ individuals and allies from across Latin America, ages 26 to 45, all eager to learn and grow. New students are welcome to join at any time.
How is the program structured?
The course is taught by ZacarĂas “Zack” de la Cerda, who developed a 12-month curriculum that blends classroom learning with hands-on practice.
- First 3 months focus on foundational grammar and vocabulary.
- Next 8 months include immersive, real-life scenarios—like role-playing in hotels, bars, and restaurants—to help students practice English in everyday situations.
- Classes meet weekly for 2 hours at the Community Center.
How can I sign up?
To register, or if you’d like more information, please contact us by WhatsApp or call us at (+52) 322 128 6793. You can also email us at info@vallartagaycc.com.
How is the program funded?
The first 6 months of this pilot course are generously funded by Matt Karimi and David Smith, who believe that learning English can open doors to better jobs and brighter futures. We’re currently seeking additional sponsors to support the continuation of this life-changing program.
Want to help?
Just $500 MXN ($25 USD) sponsors one student for a month. $6,000 MXN ($300 USD) covers a full year. If you’d like to sponsor a student or support the program, please contact us to learn more.
What is DoxyPEP?
Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) means taking the antibiotic doxycycline after sex to prevent getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It’s like a morning after pill, but for STIs.
Who should take it?
Studies have shown that taking DoxyPEP reduces the chances of contracting syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia by approximately 70-75%, among men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women (TGW), and people with multiple sexual partners.
How is it taken?
Ideally, you should take two 100 mg doxycycline tablets within 24 hours, but no more than 72 hours after having sex without a condom. Condomless sex means oral, anal, or vaginal/front hole sex, where a condom is not used all the time.
Your appointment
At your appointment you will see a nurse and they will do some rapid STI tests. Then you will see the doctor. The doctor will take a medical history and prescribe the medication.