Chelsi Torres

Chelsi Torres, LCSW, is a mental health provider at the UT Health Houston Trauma and Resilience Center, where she delivers care to a specialized patient population that includes survivors of intimate partner violence, first responders, and combat veterans. Many of the individuals she serves have experienced significant trauma, making access to high-quality, evidence-based treatment essential.

Through support provided by the Gavin Farrell Foundation, Chelsi was able to participate in advanced trauma-focused training designed to strengthen clinical care for individuals living with PTSD and trauma-related conditions. This opportunity ensured that clinicians working with high-need populations had access not only to training, but to sustained professional support.

As part of this Foundation-supported training pathway, Chelsi completed training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), and Written Exposure Therapy (WET). These evidence-based modalities expanded her ability to address a wide range of trauma presentations. “It is one thing to hear that a treatment is evidence-based and that patients can get better,” she explains, “but actually seeing that improvement and the reduction of symptoms is very mind blowing.”

A key component of Chelsi’s experience was the consultation and mentorship built into the training process. “The consultation part of training is huge,” she shares. “Having space to ask questions is important, because every client responds to trauma work differently.” This ongoing support proved especially valuable when navigating complex clinical cases.

One client’s progress stands out in Chelsi’s work. The client, who struggled with intrusive thoughts and avoidance stemming from childhood trauma, completed Written Exposure Therapy and experienced significant improvement in just five sessions. “It was like night and day,” Chelsi recalls. “She was more open. Without any suggestion from me, she began sharing her story with trusted others and felt more confident talking about her trauma.”

Through participation in these Foundation-supported learning communities, Chelsi has not only refined her clinical approach, but also gained greater confidence and efficiency in treating PTSD. “These treatments really work,” she says. “Patients can get better. They do not have to remain stuck in the life circumstances their PTSD symptoms are creating. It makes the work feel more meaningful.”

By investing in clinician training and ongoing consultation, the Gavin Farrell Foundation helps ensure that providers like Chelsi Torres are equipped to deliver effective, evidence-based trauma care. This investment strengthens clinicians, improves treatment quality, and expands access to care for individuals and communities impacted by trauma.