Why Family Matters: Dr. Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy on Kids' Mental Health
Episode Overview
Dr. Barbara emphasizes the critical role of families in shaping a child's mental well-being and advocates for a more family-oriented, holistic approach in mental health care. She discusses the challenges of providing comprehensive care within the restrictive models of clinical practice and highlights the significance of addressing family dynamics and wellness to support children's mental health effectively. Dr. Barbara shares her journey in the field of forensic psychiatry, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach in mental health interventions. She talks about her work at Teku, a virtual platform promoting child and family mental health, and her efforts to build a holistic perspective from an intersectional standpoint. Throughout the episode, Dr. Barbara provides valuable insights and personal anecdotes, bridging the gap between professional expertise and personal experiences as a mother.
I think we have to be just very mindful, right? Things are really challenging, and it's really hard to transition from work to kids to be a wife. It's a lot. And so I'm going in there more as a human being, and that's what I need too, to be more of a human being.
How important is family in shaping a child's mental health? Dr. Sulman Aziz Mirza sits down with Dr. Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy, a renowned psychiatrist and founder of Teku, to explore this crucial question. This episode dives deep into the significant role families play in nurturing children's mental well-being. Dr. Barbara, with her extensive background in academic medicine and advocacy work with marginalized communities, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.
From discussing the unique challenges faced by Latino families in accessing mental healthcare to breaking down cultural stigmas, Dr. Barbara emphasizes the need for a holistic, family-oriented approach. She shares her journey in forensic psychiatry and how it intersects with her work at the US-Mexico border, shedding light on the complexities of providing mental health care in diverse cultural settings.
The conversation also touches on innovative strategies like incorporating yoga and nutrition into mental health care, offering practical tips for families to support their children's mental health. Dr. Barbara's commitment to inclusive and equitable mental health interventions shines through as she discusses her work at Teku, a virtual platform dedicated to promoting child and family mental health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about children's mental well-being.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or mental health professional, you'll find valuable insights and practical advice to help support the young minds in your life.