Tatyana Patel

If you are feeling lost, you are not alone. Our paths can become blurry by traumatic experiences and/or health conditions that impact our cognitive, emotional and physical health. It is when people are blindsided by the anxieties of every day life or by things outside of their control, that they forget everyone has strengths. This is not the time to give up or stop looking for effective and meaningful solutions. My purpose is to understand diverse human experiences through a cultural lens and historical perspective, as well as guide individuals, families and communities gain motivation to cope with stressors and embrace the gift of life. I believe people are innately capable of achieving goals and realizing potential provided they are supported and willing to take steps towards positive changes. My philosophy in treating mental health, social and behavioral challenges involves addressing the whole person. Simply by drawing attention towards one’s qualities and abilities can shift perspectives and lead to better relationships with self and others. I have experience working with all ages throughout the life span, but most recently, my focus has been assisting children and adolescents in the treatment and management of various mental health struggles on an in-home level of care. “Do you really want to be happy? You can begin by being appreciative of who you are and what you’ve got.”

I am an Anthropology student at VCU.  I am a big supporter of the normalization of mental health and accessibility to services.  I look forward to assisting this community in obtaining mental health services.