Citlally Geanette Briones
Citlally Geanette Briones
Master’s StudentCounseling
Expected Graduation: May 2027
Biography
My name is Citlally Briones, and I am a graduate student at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley pursuing a Master of Education in the College of Education and P-16 Integration. My major is Counseling with a specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I began my master's after earning a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology with a minor in Mexican American Studies. I am passionate about culturally responsive mental health services, especially within migrant and bilingual communities. My academic and professional interests are grounded in my lived experiences as a first-generation Chicana student from the Rio Grande Valley. I am continuously committed to promoting access, healing, and empowerment through education and advocacy.
Research Interest:
My research interest centers primarily on the intersectionality of mental health, education, and cultural identities within Mexican American, Hispanic, and Borderland communities. Particularly, my interest is drawn to examining how certain systemic barriers, such as limited access to culturally competent care, language discrimination, and even generational trauma, impact one's mental health and consequently their academic trajectory. Much of my research interest explores Chican@ psychological frameworks and how validation of bilingualism, biculturalism, and borderland experiences can promote integrative and holistic aspects of healing and empowerment. I find my work is grounded in my personal experience and strives to push for further research and understanding of the unique and universal mental health needs from the borderlands.