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Laura Vargas

Laura Maria Vargas

Adjunct Faculty

laura.vargas@du.edu

http://www.vargascounseling.com

Personal

Craig Hall, 2148 South High St. Denver, CO 80210

What I do

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing as a Grief Therapist, Adjunct Professor, and Director of Outreach Programs with a passion for and expertise in grief support for traumatic deaths, particularly deaths due to substance-related causes. My expertise lies in program development for supportive services, as well as direct clinical services with individuals, families, and groups. As a Latina immigrant, I strive towards equity and inclusion in all my work.

Specialization(s)

clinical social work, mental and behavioral health, Latinx populations, marginalized populations, trauma, addictions and substance use, health and wellness

Professional Biography

Laura Vargas, MSW, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Colorado who has spent her career developing grief support programs for individuals, families, and communities bereaved by the overdose crisis. As a Latina living in the US and working in behavioral health, she has focused on ensuring grief resources and services are developed and offered from a lens of cultural humility. Laura is the founder and owner of Vargas Counseling and Consulting, LLC, a private therapy practice based in Denver that serves clients throughout Colorado and Pennsylvania. Prior to becoming Peer Support Community Partners’ Director of Outreach Programs, Laura created Philly HEALs, a nationally recognized, holistic grief support program for loss due to substance use in Philadelphia. Laura has had the honor of working with over 2,000 individuals grieving the death of a loved one to substance use. Laura is a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling and has presented at national conferences, been featured on podcasts and local news stations, and consulted to various jurisdictions looking to create grief support programs for deaths due to substance use.

Degree(s)

  • BA, Psychology and International Studies, University of Michigan
  • MSW, Master of Social Work, University of Pennsylvania

Licensure / Accreditations

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)