Helping You Live Your Best Life

About

Introducing Our Team

We introduce you to our team of highly qualified professionals in the fields of psychiatry and psychology.

Dr. Mario González-Torres

Co-founder

I am Dr. Mario R. González Torres, a Board Certified psychiatrist with a sub-specialty in children and adolescents, with over a decade of clinical experience and the father of two teenagers. Since 2011, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults in various mental health settings, including inpatient services and partial hospitalization programs, where I also served as medical director.

My career has been recognized with distinctions such as Heroes in Hospitals (2015) by the Puerto Rico Hospital Association and the Doctor's Choice Awards in 2021 and 2022. I have served as president of the Puerto Rican Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists (2017–2020) and the Puerto Rico Academy of Psychiatry (2020–2022). I am a professor of psychiatry at the Universidad Central del Caribe and participate in mental health education and awareness projects.

Currently, with my husband, Dr. Mario González, I run the González & Talavera Clinical Institute and the Banditas Mental Health product brand, bringing mental health care to families in a creative and accessible way.

Dra. Jessika Talavera

Co-founder

I am Dr. Jessika Talavera, a clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in the evaluation and treatment of adults with anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, daily stress, and other chronic mental health conditions. For two decades, I worked at the San Juan Veterans Hospital, where I worked in close interdisciplinary collaboration with the Psychology, Psychiatry, Neurology, and Physical Medicine services. This experience allowed me to integrate psychological care with other areas of medicine, optimizing treatment plans and promoting the comprehensive well-being of patients. In 2020, I was recognized as a distinguished graduate of the Doctor of Philosophy program in Clinical Psychology at Carlos Albizu University.

Currently, with my husband, Dr. Mario González, I direct the González & Talavera Clinical Institute and the Banditas de Salud Mental brand of products. Through these projects, we design specialized programs and therapeutic materials that integrate scientific rigor, clinical intervention, and practical tools for managing anxiety, attention deficit disorder, and hyperconnectivity burnout.

Beyond my profession, I value a simple and light life. I practice "slow living." I believe in the beauty of simplicity, in the power of connecting with nature and with people.

Jonathan Rosario, MS

Psychological Counselor

I am Jonathan Rosario, a licensed psychologist specializing in Counseling Psychology. Throughout my career, I have worked with diverse populations, including people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit disorder, substance use, and the LGBT+ community. My postgraduate training in contextual therapies, conducted in Madrid, Spain, allowed me to integrate innovative, scientifically supported strategies into my clinical practice, while strengthening the multicultural awareness and sensitivity necessary to embrace diversity and advocate for social justice.

I am currently pursuing doctoral studies in Clinical Psychology, focusing my research on Compassion-Focused Therapy. My interest lies in understanding the role of self-compassion in distress tolerance, spirituality, and, ultimately, in people's holistic well-being.

I am passionate about supporting others in their search for meaning and purpose, cultivating a compassionate self that transforms personal lives and relationships with others. I enjoy walking through the forests and visiting El Yunque, where I reconnect with nature, as well as the small everyday gifts that inspire gratitude and remind us of the beauty that always surrounds us.

Dra. Nilmarie Vega

Clinical Psychologist

I am Dr. Nilmarie Vega, a clinical psychologist. I completed my doctoral degree in the Clinical Psychology program at Carlos Albizu University. As part of my professional training, I completed an American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited internship at the Veterans Affairs Hospital. Through my practice, I have had the pleasure of providing psychological services and psychological assessments in multiple settings. Within these organizations, I have worked collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to provide an effective treatment plan.

Throughout my professional development, I have worked with people at different stages of their lives and with various mental health conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, schizophrenia, adjustment problems, and other chronic illnesses.

I am inspired by creating a safe and creative space where people face their challenges with empathy and compassion, discover their strengths, and develop skills to build the life they desire. Personally, I practice living with awareness and intention, finding happiness in simple moments, time with loved ones, hobbies, and connection with nature.