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. Interiano-Shiverdecker and Romero 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.