Maria Elena Collazo, Psy.D
Dr. Maria Elena Collazo, Psy.D., is a distinguished licensed clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience in the mental health field, including 20 years dedicated to her current clinical practice as an EMDR specialist. She is highly skilled in helping clients heal from trauma by conducting comprehensive assessments, diagnosing, and creating individualized treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs. Her clinical expertise spans EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), somatic psychology, meditation, art therapy, and functional movement, all informed by the latest research in neuroscience and positive psychology. Dr. Collazo earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Universidad Albizu, Puerto Rico, in 2005, following a Master’s degree in Psychology in 2001, and has received specialized training in EMDR, maintaining active membership in the EMDR International Association.
Throughout her career, Dr. Collazo has been inspired by a deep curiosity about human behavior, which has driven her to explore innovative approaches to mental wellness. She is the founder of emotionapp.health, a pioneering digital platform designed to help users regulate emotions, practice mindfulness, and maintain emotional hygiene between therapy sessions. In addition to her clinical work, she has designed wellness programs for organizations, facilitated workshops to enhance emotional intelligence and productivity, and led transformative retreats that enable participants to reconnect with themselves and others. Her approach blends scientific rigor with creativity, offering clients and organizations practical tools to achieve meaningful, lasting growth.
Dr. Collazo attributes much of her professional development to her mentors, Dr. Albert Ray and Dr. Albert Zbik, who helped shape her approach to therapy and leadership in mental health. She is also committed to giving back through her volunteer work with United Way and Women United, supporting initiatives that promote wellness and empowerment in the community. Recognized as a Top Doctor in Excellence in Medicine (2023 & 2024), she has been featured on prominent television and radio programs, including Despierta América and Buenos Días América, sharing her expertise on trauma, anxiety, depression, and emotional resilience. With a lifelong dedication to helping individuals and organizations thrive, Dr. Collazo continues to make a profound impact on the mental and emotional wellbeing of the communities she serves.
• Universidad Albizu
• Florida Top Doctor Excellence in Medicine 2024
What do you attribute your success to?
"I attribute my success to a deeply integrated philosophy: unwavering professional discipline fueled by genuine human sensitivity.
On the one hand, I owe it to the consistency and persistence in my daily efforts, coupled with an ethical commitment to continuous learning that keeps me at the forefront of mental health science. This discipline is what allows me to set and achieve challenging goals.
But the true source of my success lies in my ability to connect, respect, and truly see the person behind the diagnosis. This means approaching every patient interaction and every therapeutic proposal with coherence, empathy, and respect for their individual journey. This same human-centered philosophy is the foundation of my professional life and the core principle I poured into my accompanying app.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always strive to be the best version of myself. By focusing on personal growth, integrity, and professionalism, I’ve been able to build strong relationships, make meaningful contributions, and continuously advance in my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
"My advice is twofold, centered on authenticity and professional grounding: 1. Prioritize Your Humanity: Never let the technical demands of our field—the theories, the systems, the administration—overshadow your core asset: genuine empathy and radical listening. Your greatest authority comes from your ability to truly connect and practice with coherence and respect for the person in front of you. 2. Define Your Own Boundaries: Consistency and persistence are non-negotiable, but so is self-care. True success requires knowing your limits and protecting your energy. Don't chase external definitions of achievement; rather, cultivate a meaningful, integrated life that ensures your career in mental health is sustainable."
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, discipline, compassion, and empathy. I strive to ensure that my actions align with my principles, approach challenges with focus and dedication, and treat others with understanding and kindness.