About Us
Our Mission
The Counselors Against Sex Trafficking Research Lab is committed to advancing research, training, and advocacy to improve the identification, intervention, and support for individuals impacted by sex trafficking in the United States and beyond. We foster a collaborative and community-oriented research environment that cultivates leadership, supports research identity development, and empowers emerging scholars to engage in meaningful, socially responsive scholarship.
Our Core Values
- Research Excellence: We are counselors and counselor educators committed to conducting rigorous, innovative research that informs best practices in the identification and eradication of sex trafficking.
- Transformative Training: We design and deliver data-driven training programs for mental health professionals working with survivors and individuals at risk of sex trafficking.
- Advocacy for Justice: We promote awareness and systemic change through community engagement and professional education, advocating for the rights and dignity of vulnerable populations.
- Leadership Development: We intentionally mentor and support emerging leaders in the counseling profession, fostering confidence, ethical decision-making, and commitment to social justice.
- Researcher Identity Formation: We create a supportive environment where scholars can explore, define, and grow their research identities through collaboration, reflection, and experiential learning.
- Community and Belonging: We value a culture of mutual respect, inclusivity, and shared purpose, where every member contributes to a vibrant, mission-driven research community.
Our History
In spring 2019, Drs. Interiano-Shiverdecker and Romero joined efforts and developed a relationship with a non-profit agency in San Antonio providing services to sex-trafficked youth. It was at this time they scoured the counseling literature and identified a need for more awareness, research, and training for mental health professionals. The long-lasting emotional and physical consequences of sex trafficking, called upon mental health professionals to join the fight against sex trafficking. As a response, Drs. Romero and Interiano-Shiverdecker developed the Counselors Against Sex Trafficking (CAST) Research Lab to promote research and training that improves the identification and treatment of sex trafficking, consequently advocating for the elimination of sex trafficking. Their efforts have led to numerous research projects, publications, and presentations on the topic.
Meet the Team
Currently, our team includes counselors, counselor educators, doctoral students, and counselor education master’s students.
How to Join
Interested in joining the CAST Research Lab?
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you!
Counselors Against Sex Trafficking 