Paulina Gonzales, LCSW
Clinical Director – Virtual Outpatient
Paulina Gonzales, LCSW, serves as the Clinical Director of Intensive Outpatient Services at Mainspring Recovery. As a bilingual clinical leader with nearly a decade of experience in behavioral health, she has dedicated her career to expanding access to evidence-based, culturally responsive treatment for individuals and families affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. As a first-generation Mexican American, Paulina understands the profound influence that culture, language, family, and lived experience have on the recovery process. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that meaningful healing begins when people feel seen, heard, and genuinely understood. She is passionate about building systems that reduce barriers to care and create opportunities for every person to receive compassionate, high-quality treatment.
Paulina earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Tarleton State University and her Master of Social Work from The University of Texas at Arlington. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Social Work with a concentration in leadership and organizational practice, where her scholarship explores culturally responsive leadership and strategies for improving access to behavioral healthcare. Licensed as a Clinical Social Worker in both Texas and Virginia, she has spent her career working across direct practice, clinical leadership, and program development. These experiences have shaped a leadership philosophy rooted in servant leadership, continuous improvement, and the belief that strong organizations are built by investing in both people and purpose.
At Mainspring Recovery, Paulina leads the Intensive Outpatient Program with a focus on strengthening clinical excellence while supporting the growth of both clients and staff. She oversees program development, clinical operations, and quality initiatives that ensure services remain effective, ethical, and responsive to the needs of the communities they serve. She is especially passionate about expanding bilingual behavioral health services and creating systems that are both innovative and sustainable. By strengthening clinical practice and fostering collaboration across disciplines, she works to advance Mainspring Recovery’s mission of delivering individualized, recovery-oriented care that empowers lasting change.
Paulina believes leadership is not defined by authority, but by the ability to create an environment where others can succeed. She is driven by the conviction that meaningful change begins with trust, collaboration, and a willingness to continually learn. Guided by cultural humility and ethical practice, she strives to cultivate a workplace where clinicians feel supported, clients feel valued, and innovation is encouraged. Her long-term vision is to help transform behavioral healthcare by advancing equitable, culturally responsive systems that improve outcomes, strengthen communities, and ensure every individual receives care that honors their dignity, identity, and potential.