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Benny A. Perales, MSW, LCSW

General Summary

Benny A. Perales, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed master social worker who has worked in the social work profession for more than eight years. Benny’s professional experience is in the psychiatric, corrections, and medical field. He currently provides integrated behavioral health and psychosocial support for clinics and hospitals. Therapeutically, Benny supports a range of mental health issues associated with cancer including depression, anxiety, adjustment, grief, and guilt; as well as help in navigating the complex resource needs patients might encounter in their treatment journey.

Education

  • Internship in Palliative Care and Bereavement Counseling
    Veterans Health Administration, San Antonio, TX
  • Master of Social Work
    Texas State University, San Marcos, TX
  • Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Psychology
    Texas A&M University-San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
  • Associates of Interpreting for the Deaf
    San Antonio College, San Antonio, TX

Accolades & Memberships

  • Association of Oncology Social Work

Previous Clinical Practice

  • San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, Director of Social Services, San Antonio, TX (July 2022 – March 2023)
  • San Antonio Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, Licensed Master Social Worker and Admission Intake Counselor, San Antonio, TX (September 2019 – July 2022)
  • Bexar County Adult Detention Center, Senior Social Worker, San Antonio, TX (April 2016 – July 2018)
  • University Health Bexar County Adult Detention Center, Social Worker Supervisor, San Antonio, TX (August 2016 – July 2017)

Other Information

Benny is from San Antonio, Texas and is proud to be the first person in his family to go to high school and earn a college degree. This is his second career after retiring as a nationally certified sign language interpreter. Benny has a passion for working with individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. He takes pride in ensuring each patient is seen and heard while providing a safe space to be vulnerable. Previous experience includes working with individuals who have been incarcerated, acute mental health requiring psychiatric admission and treatment, and providing grief therapy for life changing events. Benny is a veteran having served in the United States Marine Corps, a cancer survivor, a proud uncle, a good son, as well as an advocate for those who are marginalized in our society. Benny practices selfcare by laughing as much as possible, journaling, meditating, feeling his feelings, and going to the movies with friends and family.