Mental health support refers to a comprehensive approach to addressing the mental health challenges faced by healthcare professionals, including access to counseling services, peer support initiatives, resilience training, and the reduction of stigma associated with seeking help.
What are the Mental Health Services?
We are proud to now offer professional psychotherapy services at the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center—providing vital mental health care in both English and Spanish, led by licensed psychotherapist Alberto DĂaz de LeĂłn JimĂ©nez Bravo, M.A.
These services are generously sponsored by Tamale’s Tours, whose support makes this milestone possible for our community.
Meet Our Psychologist: Alberto DĂaz de LeĂłn JimĂ©nez Bravo
Alberto is a bilingual, highly qualified psychotherapist who holds a Master’s degree in Relational Systemic Family Therapy from UNIVA (Universidad del Valle de Atemajac). He brings deep experience from both private practice and hospital settings.
Areas of Expertise:
- Individual therapy
- Couples and family therapy (in-person and online)
- Grief support and thanatology
- Psychological care for hospitalized patients
- LGBTQ+ affirming and trauma-informed therapy
Alberto’s compassionate, ethical, and culturally sensitive approach ensures that every client is welcomed into a safe and non-judgmental space.
Why Mental Health Matters
Mental health is essential to living a full and balanced life—especially for members of the LGBTQ+ community, who often face added challenges such as stigma, discrimination, and isolation. Offering access to affirming, bilingual mental health care is a key step in our mission to build a stronger, healthier Puerto Vallarta.
What are the English Classes?
Our English program is a free, year-long course created to help students strengthen their language skills, boost confidence, and expand opportunities—especially for those seeking jobs in tourism, hospitality, and service industries in Puerto Vallarta.
Who can attend?
Anyone is welcome, regardless of background or skill level. The current class includes LGBTQ+ individuals and allies from across Latin America, ages 26 to 45, all eager to learn and grow. New students are welcome to join at any time.
How is the program structured?
The course is taught by ZacarĂas “Zack” de la Cerda, who developed a 12-month curriculum that blends classroom learning with hands-on practice.
- First 3 months focus on foundational grammar and vocabulary.
- Next 8 months include immersive, real-life scenarios—like role-playing in hotels, bars, and restaurants—to help students practice English in everyday situations.
- Classes meet weekly for 2 hours at the Community Center.
How can I sign up?
To register, or if you’d like more information, please contact us by WhatsApp or call us at (+52) 322 128 6793. You can also email us at info@vallartagaycc.com.
How is the program funded?
The first 6 months of this pilot course are generously funded by Matt Karimi and David Smith, who believe that learning English can open doors to better jobs and brighter futures. We’re currently seeking additional sponsors to support the continuation of this life-changing program.
Want to help?
Just $500 MXN ($25 USD) sponsors one student for a month. $6,000 MXN ($300 USD) covers a full year. If you’d like to sponsor a student or support the program, please contact us to learn more.
What is DoxyPEP?
Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP) means taking the antibiotic doxycycline after sex to prevent getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It’s like a morning after pill, but for STIs.
DoxyPEP does NOT help prevent:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Simian pox (mpox)
- Other viral infections
Who should take it?
You should consider taking DoxyPEP if you were assigned male at birth, are at least 12 years old, and:
- Have been diagnosed with at least one bacterial STI (i.e., chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) in the past 12 months.
- Have had unprotected oral and/or anal sex with at least one person assigned male at birth in the past 12 months.
While current research has shown that DoxyPEP is only effective for people who meet these criteria, we know that people who haven’t recently had an STI or who were assigned female at birth may still be interested in adding DoxyPEP to their STI prevention resources. We encourage anyone who believes they could benefit from DoxyPEP to discuss the risks and benefits with their provider at Howard Brown to see if it might be an option for them.
How do I take DoxyPEP?
Just remember, it’s 3, 2, 1!
In other words:
Within 3 days, or 72 hours, of unprotected sex:
- Take 2 pills, or 200 mg, of doxycycline.
- Only once, or no more than one dose per day.
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) are antiretroviral medications used to prevent HIV, but they are used at different times: PrEP is for people at future risk of exposure (daily or by injection), while PEP is for emergencies (taken up to 72 hours after a possible exposure and lasts 28 days). Both are highly effective, but PrEP is a long-term strategy and PEP is a one-time rescue treatment to prevent infection.
What is PrEP?
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication that helps prevent the acquisition of HIV.
Who can take it?
People at high risk of HIV infection (people with multiple sexual partners, people who engage in sex work, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, among others).
How do we provide it?
You attend an evaluation appointment and if you meet the requirements, you are provided with a bottle of 30 pills.
Your first appointment.
At your first appointment, you will see a nurse and they will do some rapid tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Then you will go to the doctor who will ask you several questions and complete your medical history and if you are a candidate for the medication, it will be prescribed to you and provided that same day. At that first appointment you will receive medication for 30 days.
Subsequently, in a little less than 30 days you will have your second appointment, in which you will be tested for HIV again and it will be assessed if you have tolerated the medication. If so, the doctor will give you medication for 2 or 3 months.
What is PEP?
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is a medication taken after possible exposure to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to prevent transmission.
Who should take it?
People who have had high-risk sexual contact and are in emergency situations. PEP must be taken within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV and continued for 28 days.
How do we provide it?
We provide a bottle with 30 pills and people at high risk of having been exposed to HIV take one pill daily.
Your URGENT appointment.
At your urgent appointment you will see a nurse and they will do some rapid tests for HIV, and some other STIs. Afterwards you will see the doctor who will take a medical history and assess whether you are a candidate for the medication. After having consumed a PEP pill for 28 days you will have your second appointment, where you will be tested for HIV again. The doctor will talk to you about your options and if you are appropriate for PrEP you can start your treatment with PrEP.
Your health matters. You deserve care that is respectful, inclusive, and accessible.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are common and can affect anyone who is sexually active. Many STIs don’t show symptoms, which is why regular testing is an essential part of caring for your health and the health of your partners.
At Vallarta Gay+ Community Center, we offer confidential, judgment-free STI testing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our trained staff provides accurate screenings and, when needed, timely treatment and medical guidance to help prevent complications and reduce transmission.
Beyond testing, we believe in education and prevention. We offer clear information, personalized support, and referrals when necessary—empowering you to make informed decisions about your sexual health with confidence and dignity.