Coming from a South Indian immigrant family myself, I am particularly interested in supporting the Desi population living throughout California. Whether you were born here to immigrant parents or have come to the U.S. as an adult looking for school or work opportunities, I recognize that there are many acculturation challenges that come with straddling two cultures.

Mental Health Stigma

A major concern of Desi families relates to the perceived stigma around mental health issues. It may not feel possible to seek a therapist for fear of your family finding out or being perceived as weak or mentally ill. Another concern may be the fear of seeing a therapist who doesn’t understand your cultural traditions and values. If these are some concerns you have, I want to assure you that you will be treated with respect, confidentiality, and a desire to understand your unique circumstances. As a licensed MFT, I am trained to work with clients in the context of the relationships that matter most to them – partners, siblings, parents, children, extended family members, work & community relationships.

Some stressors that Desi clients may experience involve:

• academic performance
• career paths
• arranged marriages
• interracial relationships
• assimilation to U.S. culture
• coming out
• identity development
• traditional gender roles
• domestic violence