The Hispanic Mental Health Conference 2025: Hombres, Healing & Hope: Breaking the Silence on Men’s Mental Health,” was a groundbreaking event that brought together mental health professionals, community leaders, and advocates to address critical issues impacting Hispanic men and their families. The conference, held on September 19, 2025, at Dallas College Mountain View Campus, focused on men’s mental health and aimed to break the silence surrounding this topic in the Hispanic community.
During the conference, Javier Perez, a catastrophic injury, and employment law attorney had the opportunity to interview guest speakers, the executive leadership of the Cannenta Foundation, and attendees as part of the pilot episode of the Nuestro Campeón Podcast.
Cannenta’s initiative to support Hispanic mental health lines up with Javier’s mission to support individuals and families beyond the courtroom. As a catastrophic and severe injury attorney, he has witnessed firsthand the trauma and suffering that often leads to long-term emotional and psychological impact upon families, individuals, and community. Mental health initiatives matter deeply in his work. Beyond the physical consequences of serious injuries, clients face emotional trauma and long-term recovery challenges — areas where legal advocacy and mental health support must work hand in hand.
Purpose of the Conference
The conference aimed to keep the Hispanic community informed about the importance of men’s mental health, addressing the cultural stigma surrounding Latino masculinity and mental health.
Dr. Leti Cavazos, founder of the Cannenta Foundation, emphasized the need to create spaces where men can share, heal, and feel supported without fear or shame. Mental Health America reports that “More than 16% of the Hispanic population in the U.S. — over 10 million people — report experiencing a mental health condition each year, yet many face barriers to accessing care.”
The need is critical and the lack of mental health professionals serving the Hispanic market is highly deficient. According to gitnux.org, the following are barriers to accessing care:
- Language barriers prevent 30% of Hispanic individuals from seeking mental health care.
- About 40% of Hispanic immigrants are less likely to seek mental health treatment due to fears of deportation.
- Only 35% of Hispanic adults with depression receive appropriate treatment, often due to lack of resources or stigma.
Hispanic communities experience pronounced mental health disparities due to a combination of cultural, access-related, and socioeconomic factors. Cannenta is breaking those barriers.
Speakers and Their Insights
– Dr. Leti Cavazos, Founder & CEO, Cannenta Center for Healing & Empowerment
Dr. Cavazos spoke about the importance of reducing stigma, creating access to mental health services, and building empowerment. She highlighted the need to help men grow through vulnerability to improve family dynamics and communication.
– Fred Sandoval, Executive Director, National Latino Behavioral Health Assoc.
Mr. Sandoval introduced the concept of Resolana, a safe space in Hispanic families where personal conversations take place. He emphasized the importance of culturally informed care and equitable health policies for Latino communities.
– Dr. J. Rocky Romero, Program Director, Connecting Our Voices/CEO, JR Romero & Associates
Dr. Romero shared his expertise in culturally responsive training, CRT research, and systems change. He drives innovation at the intersection of culture, equity, and mental health.
– Javier Perez, Founder Javier Perez, Law Firm
Javier Perez, Founder of the Javier Perez Law Firm and counsel to Crain Brogdon, LLP, one of the nation’s leading catastrophic injury law firms, was a speaker served as the Platinum Sponsor (Patron Platino) of The Hispanic Mental Health Conference 2025: Hombres, Healing & Hope: Breaking the Silence on Men’s Mental Health demonstrating his leadership and commitment to the Hispanic community.
Attorney Perez spoke about the responsibility of supporting efforts in the community that alleviate suffering especially when long-term recovery is undetermined and legal advocacy is essential. Beyond the physical consequences of serious injuries, these clients face emotional trauma and long-term recovery challenges — areas where legal advocacy and mental health support must work hand in hand. He highlighted the devastating impact of depression and mental health issues on individuals and families.
In his profession, as a catastrophic and serious injury attorney, Mr. Perez reiterated that he sees and appreciates the power of mental health in his clients, particularly tying it to this year’s theme, Hombres, Healing & Hope: Breaking the Silence on Men’s Mental Health, Latino men who perhaps see their only worth to their family as being a provider and protector.
He commended Cannenta for their hard work and efforts to erode the stigma, build awareness to provide a safe space for their male clients to express themselves and help them to see their value beyond providing for their families.
– Hilda McClure, COO, Cannenta Center
Ms. McClure emphasized the need to adopt counseling modalities that fit the community and address the shifting family dynamics. She stressed the importance of mind and body connection and taking care of oneself.
About Cannenta Foundation and Its Services
The Cannenta Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides compassionate, culturally sensitive mental health care to the Hispanic community. Its mission is to remove financial barriers and offer comprehensive services for improved outcomes. The foundation has two main projects.
– Project Ayuda: Provides low-cost or no-cost bilingual mental health services to underserved communities, addressing financial and language barriers.
– Project Adelante: Empowers Hispanic mental health clinicians to complete their licensing process by removing financial barriers, increasing the number of bilingual mental health professionals in the community.
Impact and Conclusion: www.cannentafoundation.org
The Hispanic Mental Health Conference 2025 was a significant step towards addressing the mental health needs of Hispanic men and their families. By providing a platform for discussion, education, and connection, the conference aimed to transform individual lives and the systems that surround them. The Cannenta Foundation’s work is crucial in promoting culturally sensitive mental health care and supporting the Hispanic community. With its projects and initiatives, the foundation is making a positive impact and creating a more inclusive and accessible mental health landscape.
About Attorney Javier Perez
Attorney Javier Perez provides compassionate, purposeful legal representation in catastrophic injury cases and employment law. With decades of experience and a deep commitment to justice, Javier Perez advocates for individuals and families with integrity and determination, ensuring that their voices are heard, their rights are protected, and they receive the compensation they deserve.
About Intuitivo Marketing:
Intuitivo Marketing is a full-service, bilingual marketing agency specializing in strategic branding, digital and traditional media, and business development. With deep expertise in multicultural markets, we help businesses connect with Hispanic consumers through data-driven strategies and impactful campaigns that drive growth and long-term brand loyalty.