Promoting Mental Health Accessibility
Mr. James Bello
James Bello is the Practice Administrator and Owner of Dogwood Family Counseling, where he oversees business operations, strategic planning, and community engagement. Born in Colombia, South America, he brings a multicultural perspective and a strong appreciation for accessible, compassionate mental health care. While not a clinician, Mr. Bello plays a vital role in supporting the clinical team by ensuring the practice operates efficiently and ethically. He is deeply committed to advancing mental health awareness and reducing barriers to care within the community. His work allows clinicians to focus on what matters most – providing high-quality services to individuals and families. He is committed to fostering a practice culture that values integrity, accessibility, and emotional well-being.
Empowering Families Together
Dr. Cassandra Bello
Dr. Cassandra Bello, LCSW-C, is a clinical social worker and co-founder of Dogwood Family Counseling. She brings with her extensive experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families through trauma, grief, conflict, and emotional challenges. With a Doctor of Social Work from Simmons University and advanced training in pediatric behavioral health and family systems, Dr. Bello is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that strengthens resilience and restores connection. Her work spans outpatient clinical practice, pediatric primary care, and family court services, reflecting her commitment to helping families heal and thrive.
Dr. Bello is deeply committed to her profession and community, demonstrated through her dedication to supporting the next generation of social workers. As a Board Certified Clinical Supervisor, she provides high-quality clinical supervision grounded in ethical practice, professional development, and clinical excellence. Her supervision emphasizes skill development, reflective practice, and adherence to regulatory and licensure standards. Through this work, Dr. Bello actively contributes to the growth, competence, and sustainability of the social work profession.
Dogwood Family Counseling Philosophy
At Dogwood Family Counseling, we understand the challenges families face during difficult times. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where families can find the mediation and assistance they need to navigate through anxiety and depression effectively.
We specialize in offering tailored therapy sessions that address the unique needs of each family member. Our experienced counselors are dedicated to fostering open communication and understanding, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued in the healing process.
Through our comprehensive approach, we aim to empower families to overcome their struggles and build stronger relationships. We believe that with the right support, families can thrive and find peace even in the most challenging situations.
Join us on this journey towards healing and growth. Our commitment is to provide compassionate care and effective strategies that will help your family navigate through life’s challenges together.
Statement of Need
Across the Eastern Shore of Maryland, many children, adolescents, and families face increasing mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and family conflict. Despite the growing need for services, access to affordable, evidence-based, and child-centered mental health care remains limited. Long waitlists, lack of specialized providers, and barriers to coordination between schools, courts, and healthcare systems often leave families without timely support.
Solution
Dogwood Family Counseling, LLC seeks to address this gap by providing compassionate, developmentally informed, and accessible mental health services to children, adolescents, and families in Salisbury and the surrounding communities. Our goal is to reduce the barriers to care, strengthen family relationships, and promote emotional resilience across the lifespan.
Mission Statement
To provide compassionate, evidence-based mental health services
that empower children, adolescents, and families to build resilience,
improve relationships, and lead fulfilling lives.
Vision Statement
To become a trusted resource on Maryland’s Eastern Shore for
accessible, high-quality mental health care that supports well-being
across generations.