Contemplative Mental Health Leadership Group (CMHLG)
Leadership & Reflection

Now in its second year, the Contemplative Mental Health Leadership Group is growing into a dynamic, evolving space for mental health professionals who want more than just networking. It’s a place to explore leadership, navigate private practice, and show up with purpose—in community.

CMHLG began organically when three friends, students lf Dr. HL Vargas, connected over shared aspirations. Initially, our discussions centered on business models and taxes. However, as we continued meeting, the scope naturally expanded. A pivotal moment occurred when one member considered investing $10,000 in a business accelerator course. This inspired the creation of a year-long, contemplative growth trajectory—offering equivalent value but approached in a slow, intentional, and nuanced manner.

This trajectory draws from the “Four I’s of Oppression” model, guiding members through personal, interpersonal, institutional, and ideological development over the course of a year. Each session provides opportunities for members to check in personally, professionally, administratively, and theoretically.

Who The Contemplative Mental Health Leadership Group is For

This space is for mental health professionals at every stage:

Students in Internship – Gain exposure to real-world discussions about practice, ethics, and leadership while building professional community early.

Pre-Licensed Clinicians – Find supportive consultation, mentorship, and a peer network to complement your supervision journey.

Licensed Professionals – Access a collegial space for peer supervision, exchange strategies, and reflect on leadership without performance pressure.

Together, we build values-aligned practices, connect across licensure levels, and grow through honest reflection and shared experience.

What’s Included

• Twice Monthly Virtual Sessions (90 minutes each)
• Quarterly in-person gatherings in Colorado

Participation Guidelines

• Attend sessions regularly or as often as you can
• Maintain confidentiality and respect within the group
• Promote collaboration, not competition
• Obtain a Score.org mentor

If you’re ready to join a different kind of professional group—one that centers reflection, purpose, and shared growth—reach out and send an email with a brief bio and and any social media links you have and then you will get the invite to the next event 🙂

Upcoming CMHLG Sessions

We’ll focus on sustaining meaningful community connections and building practices rooted in care.

Past Special Guests Events

September: Workshop and Event Organization
September 11 – Session 1: Planning and Structuring Effective Workshops
Guest: Mike Lyons – SCORE Co-Chair of Workshops and Public Events
Mike brings extensive experience in product development, software management, HR and recruiting, customer relations, and project leadership. He will share actionable strategies for designing, structuring, and promoting effective workshops and trainings that meet both organizational and client needs.

June 26 – Session 2: Website and Social Media Marketing
Guest: Rachel Hiles, MPA – Digital Strategist and Caregiver Advocate
Rachel is the founder of nth degree media & designs and Sandwiched KC, a nonprofit supporting family caregivers in Kansas City. With almost two decades of experience in the disabilities field, she launched her business while caregiving for her grandmother. Rachel will guide us in developing accessible, authentic online strategies.

July: Accountability and Leadership
July 17 – Session 1: Supervision and Peer Consultation
Guest: Dr. H. Luis Vargas, PhD, LMFT – Clinical Supervisor and Educator
With more than two decades of clinical and supervisory experience, Dr. Vargas brings a relational, character-focused approach to reflective supervision and peer consultation models.

Join the Contemplative Mental Health Leadership Group Today!!

If this resonates with where you are in your professional journey and you’re looking for a grounded, reflective community to grow with, you’re welcome to join us. Send a brief bio and any social links you’d like to share, and you’ll receive an invitation to the next session. This group is built on authenticity, curiosity, and mutual support—if that’s the kind of space you’re seeking, we’d be glad to have you.