Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Da Costa.
Christina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a therapist and the founder of Embrace Clinical here in Utah. As a first-generation immigrant and college graduate, my personal experiences navigating new systems, cultures, and challenges have deeply shaped the way I approach my work today. Growing up, I saw firsthand how access to support, empathy, and understanding can make a profound difference in someone’s life. That understanding fuels my passion for social justice, equity, and inclusion — and it’s at the very heart of the practice I’ve built.
Before starting my private practice in April 2023, I worked as a caseworker with Utah’s Division of Child and Family Services, supporting children and families involved in the child welfare system. That work exposed me to the complex realities families face and deepened my commitment to helping people build self-worth, resilience, and healing in the face of trauma. Eventually, I shifted fully into therapy, focusing my work on children, women, and parents — individuals who often carry heavy emotional loads while trying to navigate life’s many demands.
When I opened Embrace Clinical, I chose the name because it reflects what I want every person to feel when they walk through our doors: embraced, accepted, and supported — exactly as they are. My approach is feminist, multicultural, trauma-informed, and attachment-focused. I believe that healing happens when people feel seen, heard, and safe to share their stories without judgment.
Today, I feel incredibly grateful to work alongside a team of compassionate therapists and student interns who share my vision for inclusive, client-centered care. At Embrace, we are honored to walk alongside our clients as they heal, grow, and create meaningful change in their lives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Pursuing my college education and building my own business has come with its share of challenges and in many ways, it’s still very much a journey that I’m navigating. As a first-generation college graduate and the first in my family to pursue higher education, I’ve often had to figure things out as I go. There hasn’t always been a clear roadmap, and at times, I’ve felt the pressure of carrying not just my own hopes, but my family’s as well.
Financial limitations have been a very real part of this process. Growing up with limited resources meant that paying for school, covering living expenses, and balancing multiple jobs while attending classes was often overwhelming. There were moments when I wondered how I would make it all work, but I knew that continuing forward could create opportunities not only for myself, but hopefully for others, too.
Starting my private practice has been another major step, and one that has stretched me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Learning how to run a business while continuing to grow as a therapist requires constant learning, adjusting, and taking risks that don’t always feel comfortable. What has made all the difference is the incredible support system I’ve had around me. My partner has been one of my strongest anchors, always encouraging me to keep going, reminding me of my strengths, and providing steady reassurance when things have felt uncertain.
My close friends have also played a huge role, offering encouragement, perspective, and genuine belief in my vision, even during moments when my own confidence wavered. Having people around me who remind me why I started and who celebrate both the big and small wins makes it possible to keep moving forward.
I know there’s still so much ahead such as more growth, more learning, and more challenges to navigate. But with the support of the people around me, and a continued passion for creating meaningful, inclusive spaces for others, I feel hopeful and motivated for what’s to come.
We’ve been impressed with Embrace Clinical Services and Consulting, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Embrace Clinical Services & Consulting, our mission is to provide deeply compassionate, personalized mental health care that supports individuals and families on their path to healing and growth. As the founder, I created this practice with the belief that therapy should be accessible, empowering, and grounded in both evidence-based methods and authentic human connection. We offer a full range of services including individual, family, and couples therapy, with a special focus on trauma recovery, child and adolescent mental health, and culturally sensitive immigration hardship evaluations.
What truly sets us apart is the strengths-based approach we bring to every session. Our clinicians are highly trained in specialized modalities such as Brainspotting, PCIT, Play Therapy, and EMDR—tools we use to help clients access healing in ways that feel natural and empowering. We also proudly serve both English- and Spanish-speaking clients, and we’re known for our deep commitment to cultural sensitivity and inclusion.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the environment we’ve created: one that feels safe, supportive, and welcoming to all. We are a place where people come to reconnect with their resilience, regain their sense of self, and move forward with strength and clarity. I want readers to know that at Embrace Clinical, you’re not just receiving therapy you’re being seen, heard, and supported in a way that’s meaningful and lasting.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
People might be surprised to know that I speak three languages. I grew up speaking English, learned Spanish in middle school and beyond, then learned Portuguese as an adult. I am ready to learn Italian next!
I also conduct mental health evaluations to support various types of immigration cases such as Hardship Waivers, T-visa, U-visa, and VAWA.
Pricing:
- We are in network with some insurance plans
- We accept self pay and HSA as well as clergy pay
Contact Info:
- Website: https://embraceclinical.com
- Instagram: embraceclinicalutah
- Other: https://www.embraceevaluations.com/
