DEI Statement

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Maria Droste Counseling Center, we believe everyone deserves access to mental health care where they feel respected, understood, and valued. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and social justice throughout our organization and the communities we serve. We recognize that this commitment requires more than words. Disparities, discrimination, and systemic barriers affect both mental health and access to care, and advancing equity requires continuous action, learning, and accountability.


As part of this commitment, we advocate for and support people and communities who have historically experienced marginalization, discrimination, and barriers to mental health care, including:

  • People of Color: We stand in solidarity with individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, acknowledging the systemic discrimination and racial disparities they have faced.

  • Black and African American Communities: We are committed to addressing the specific challenges and injustices faced by Black and African American individuals.

  • Indigenous Peoples: We recognize the historical and ongoing impact of colonization and discrimination on Indigenous communities in Colorado, the United States, and around the world. 


  • LGBTQ+ Community: We embrace individuals with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, affirming their right to mental health care that is free from discrimination.


  • People with Disabilities: We strive to create an inclusive environment that acknowledges the unique needs of individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, sensory, or developmental disabilities.


  • Immigrant and Refugee Communities: We acknowledge the unique challenges faced by immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, including language and cultural barriers, and we are dedicated to addressing them.


  • Religious and Faith Communities: We respect the diverse beliefs and practices of various religious and faith groups and affirm their right to culturally competent mental health care.


  • Women and Gender Minorities: We actively challenge gender-based discrimination and are dedicated to addressing disparities in mental health care.

  • Socioeconomic and Socioeducational Backgrounds: We understand the impact of socioeconomic disparities, lack of access to education, and economic disparities on mental health and commit to breaking down these barriers.

  • Aged Populations: We acknowledge the unique needs of older adults, who may face isolation and mental health challenges, and are dedicated to providing support.

  • People with Lived Experience: We work tirelessly to challenge the stigma associated with seeking mental health care, providing a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment.

  • Intersectional Identities: We understand that individuals may belong to multiple marginalized groups and pledge to address their unique experiences with sensitivity and empathy. We use person-first language and celebrate diversity loudly.


Land Acknowledgement

We recognize that we are on the unceded territory and homelands of the hinono’eino’ biito’owu’ (Arapaho), the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, and the Tsétsėhéstȧhese/Tsitsistas/Só'taeo'o (Cheyenne). We also recognize the many other Tribal Nations with ancestral and enduring ties to the lands across Colorado and the communities we serve.

We recognize the painful history of genocide, forced displacement from Indigenous lands, and other violent acts such as internment, family separation, youth incarceration, and coercive assimilation. We honor the Indigenous Peoples and Tribal Nations who have maintained enduring relationships with these lands and recognize that Indigenous communities are an integral and living part of Colorado today. 

Our Values

  • Anti-Oppression

    We are committed to dismantling oppressive systems, promoting equity, and advocating for the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or lived experiences.


    Our dedication to anti-oppression drives us to challenge systemic biases, privilege, and discrimination in every aspect of our work. We actively strive to create an environment where clients, clinicians, interns, staff, and community members experience belonging, respect, and dignity.


  • Anti-Racism

    We are unwavering in our commitment to actively confront and eradicate racism in all its forms, acknowledging that it harms individuals, communities, and society as a whole.


    Our anti-racism stance goes beyond mere words; it is reflected in our policies, practices, and the way we engage with the world. We are dedicated to being allies, advocates, and catalysts for lasting change.


  • Equity

    We strive for a society where every person, regardless of their background, has equitable access to opportunities, resources, and rights.


    Our dedication to equity means promoting fairness, justice, and equal treatment for all. We work tirelessly to break down systemic barriers and create pathways for everyone to reach their full potential.


  • Inclusivity

    We actively seek to include, embrace, and value diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences to foster innovation and growth.


    We are committed to creating spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging and where the richness of diversity is harnessed for the benefit of all.

  • Safety

    We prioritize the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of all individuals, striving to create environments where everyone can express themselves without fear of harm or discrimination.


    Safety is paramount in our commitment to anti-oppression, liberty, and anti-racism. We work diligently to provide spaces where individuals can thrive, free from threats, violence, or prejudice, and where their well-being is safeguarded at all times.

  • Anti-Burnout

    We prioritize workplace practices that foster resilience in clinicians, staff, and interns, recognizing that resilient clinicians result in resilient workforces and increased access to care.


    We strive to keep productivity expectations reasonable so that both early and late career clinicians have enough time and space to focus on providing high quality clinical care. 


  • Empowerment

    We empower individuals and communities to advocate for themselves, amplify their voices, and drive change.

    We provide tools, resources, referrals, and support needed for individuals and communities to take control of their destinies and shape a more hopeful future.

  • Transparency

    We operate with openness and honesty, fostering trust and accountability in all our interactions.


    Transparency is the cornerstone of our commitment to anti-oppression and anti-racism. We are dedicated to sharing information, acknowledging our mistakes, and learning from our experiences to continuously improve.

  • Continuous Learning

    We are dedicated to ongoing education and self-reflection, recognizing that our journey toward anti-oppression, liberty, and anti-racism is never-ending.

    We embrace a growth mindset, acknowledging that learning is a lifelong journey. We continuously seek to expand our understanding, challenge our assumptions, and adapt our practices to align with our values.


  • Compassion

    We approach our work with empathy, care, and a deep commitment to understanding the experiences and needs of others.


    Compassion is the driving force behind our values. It guides our actions, motivates our efforts, and reminds us of the humanity that connects us all.