A Champion for Inclusive Mental Health: Meet Dr. Virmarie Diaz Fernandez, Peregrine Health’s New Clinical Advisor
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At Peregrine Health, we believe that delivering high-quality behavioral health care demands leadership, innovation, and a commitment to reaching underserved communities with compassionate, culturally competent care. That’s why we are beyond thrilled to welcome Dr. Virmarie Diaz Fernandez as our new Clinical Advisor.
Dr. Diaz Fernandez is a board-certified psychiatrist, a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and a dedicated advocate for minority mental health populations, including the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities. With expertise in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), women’s mental health, and supporting survivors of human trafficking, she brings a unique and invaluable perspective to our team.
Her deep experience in both clinical and administrative roles will be instrumental in shaping the future of Peregrine’s behavioral health programs, ensuring they are not only effective but also sustainable and equitable.
We sat down with Dr. Diaz Fernandez to learn more about her journey, her vision for behavioral health, and why she’s excited to be part of Peregrine Health.
Can you share a little about your background in behavioral health and what drew you to this field?
My journey in behavioral health started at the University of Puerto Rico Medical School, where I did my medical training and my first year of Psychiatry Residency. I moved to Gainesville, Florida, to continue my Psychiatry Residency at the University of Central Florida, where I was Chief Resident for the last two years.
I am a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, always looking to learn more with certifications in areas like Nutritional Psychiatry and Women’s Mental Health. I feel a strong calling to help minority mental health populations, especially the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities, and survivors of human trafficking. What drew me to this field is the ability to make a real difference in people's lives by providing compassionate and culturally sensitive care. It is very rewarding to see the positive impact on individuals and communities.
What excites you most about joining the Peregrine Health team?
I am so excited to join the Peregrine Health team because their values match perfectly with mine. They focus on patient-centered care and inclusivity, which are very important to me. The chance to work with a team that is passionate about diversity and excellence in mental health services is wonderful. I look forward to bringing my experience in developing policies and quality measures to help us achieve great things together. It’s inspiring to be part of a team that wants to make a real difference in behavioral health!
How does Peregrine Health’s mission align with your own mission as a behavioral health care provider?
Peregrine Health’s mission aligns beautifully with my own mission. They focus on providing accessible, comprehensive, and culturally sensitive care, which is exactly what I strive for in my practice. I am committed to helping diverse populations, especially those who might not have easy access to mental health services. Peregrine Health’s dedication to improving mental health outcomes through innovative and collaborative approaches is something I deeply believe in. Together, we can create an environment where everyone receives the care they deserve, tailored to their unique needs.
How do you envision yourself contributing to the success of Peregrine Health's partnerships with FQHCs and RHCs?
I see myself contributing to Peregrine Health's partnerships with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) by using my experience in clinical and administrative roles to enhance service delivery. I am very committed to education and collaboration, so I will support mid-level providers by providing supervision and developing educational resources.
By building strong, collaborative relationships with FQHCs and RHCs, we can improve access to high-quality mental health services for underserved populations. I am excited to help improve patient outcomes and make a positive impact in the community!
We are excited to welcome Dr. Diaz Fernandez to the Peregrine Health team in this vital role. Her expertise will play a key part in advancing our mission to transform lives through behavioral health care.
To learn more about Peregrine’s Sustainable, high-performing behavioral health programs for clinics and communities, contact us here.
Interested in joining the Peregrine Health team? Explore our available corporate roles here.