About Sonya Gonzales

Sonya M. Gonzales, LCSW-S, LCDC, SAP is a seasoned behavioral health professional with more than two decades of experience in substance use treatment, mental health care, and clinical assessment. She began her career in 2003 as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) and has since built extensive expertise working with individuals affected by substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions, and complex psychosocial needs. Her professional background provides a strong foundation for her work as a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP), where thorough clinical evaluation, treatment recommendations, and compliance-based assessment are essential, she completed and passed her exam in 2011.

Sonya earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Houston-Downtown and later completed her Master of Social Work at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work in 2009. Throughout her career, she has worked across multiple levels of care, including outpatient substance use treatment programs, nonprofit behavioral health agencies, inpatient and outpatient psychiatric hospital settings, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office County Jail. She has also served in leadership roles, including Clinical Team Leader at The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, where she developed strong experience in clinical assessment, crisis intervention, treatment planning, and coordination of care for individuals with complex behavioral health needs. Since 2007, she has provided substance use treatment and behavioral health services to clients.

As a SAP, Sonya brings a clinically grounded, ethical, and compassionate approach to evaluation and referral, informed by years of direct experience in substance use treatment, behavioral health leadership, and working with individuals navigating high-stakes systems and recovery processes.

Education

  • University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work – MSW, 2009
  • University of Houston Downtown -BS – Psychology, 2004

Licenses and Certifications

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker – Council Approved Supervisor (LCSW-S)
  • License Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)
  • Substance Abuse Professional (SAP)

Professional Recognition

  • Recognized as one of the 50 Alumni of UH Graduate College of Social Work, in 50 years, who embodies social justice in the community, 2018
  • Awarded Counselor of the Year – Houston Chapter of Texas Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP) – 2009
  • Board Member of the Year – Houston Chapter TAAP – 2010
  • Jim  Keesy Volunteer of the Year for SPECTRUM Conference, Houston Chapter TAAP – 2005, 2009, & 2012
  • Employee of the Year – Houston Area Community Services, 2009

Memberships