Dr. Rene Compean II, MD

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Laredo native returns as sole full‑time in‑person psychiatrist to deliver comprehensive behavioral health services locally

Gateway Community Health Center proudly welcomes Dr. René Compean II, MD, as its lead psychiatrist, marking a transformative milestone in local mental health care. A Laredo native and Hispanic physician, Dr. Compean brings deep community roots, robust clinical credentials, and decades of dedication to serving underserved populations.

Dr. Compean earned his Doctor of Medicine from the American University of the Caribbean in Coral Gables, FL, and completed his Psychiatry Residency—serving as Chief Resident in the outpatient clinic—at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in New Jersey. Since July 2023, he has served as the only in-person psychiatrist for Laredo’s nearly 400,000-strong community, treating a wide spectrum of mental health conditions from anxiety and depression to ADHD and autism.

Beyond clinical excellence, Dr. Compean is a compassionate mentor and leader. Tools he honed as Chief Resident include telepsychiatry expansions and partnerships with nonprofit initiatives, enhancing outreach and access. His return to Laredo is driven by a personal mission: to bring culturally sensitive, comprehensive psychiatric care to his hometown.

Community leaders recognize the meaningful impact of his appointment. “His passion for patient care and exemplary background align perfectly with our mission to provide comprehensive behavioral health services,” said CEO Elmo Lopez Jr. At Gateway, Dr. Compean now leads outpatient services, delivering psychiatric consultations, psychotherapy, medication management, and integrated care for patients age 12 and up.

Looking ahead, Dr. Compean plans to expand telehealth services, forge stronger community outreach, and mentor the next generation of mental health professionals. Reflecting on his journey—from childhood baseball to medical leadership—he highlights resilience, teamwork, and disciplined planning as foundations of his professional philosophy. “Life, much like a baseball game, is filled with challenges, triumphs, and lessons,” he shared in a recent interview.

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