MEET OUR FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL CLINICIAN

Who We Are:
Elevare Clinical and Consulting Group was founded by Iris Barahona, LICSW, LCSW-C, a bilingual, trauma-informed clinician with over two decades of experience in mental health and substance use. Iris created Elevare Clinical and Consulting Group to meet the unique needs of every client and therapist. Whether through therapy, supervision, or consultation, her passion is helping people grow, gain confidence, and feel better about themselves. Iris is licensed in Maryland and Washington, DC, and is an approved clinical supervisor in Maryland. 

Therapeutic Approach:
Iris takes a collaborative, client-centered approach that prioritizes emotional safety and empowerment. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and other evidence-based models, she helps clients explore root causes and move toward meaningful, lasting change.

Supervision & Consulting:
As a seasoned supervisor and consultant, Iris offers clinical supervision grounded in encouragement, accountability, and integrity.  She supports new and emerging clinicians in building strong ethical foundations and clinical confidence. She also partners with organizations to strengthen teams, support staff development, and improve service delivery.

What’s in a Word

Elevare is Latin for “to rise” or “to elevate.”

At Elevare Clinical, our mission is to help you rise—emotionally, mentally, and in your overall well-being. Through a collaborative therapeutic process, we’ll work together to challenge the thoughts and patterns that keep you feeling stuck.

Whether you’re navigating the stress of daily life, coping with depression, or adjusting to major life transitions, you don’t have to do it alone. Together, we’ll focus on uncovering your inner happiness, building your strength, and creating stability as you move forward in a complex and often chaotic world.