Today we’d like to introduce you to Meenal Patel
Hi Meenal, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My path to Lotus Wellness Counseling was anything but linear. After graduating from Kennesaw State University, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go. I had my Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Minor in Education, but I just knew I wanted to work with kids. I took a job as a therapist at a school while also working at a customer service company. I loved working with the kids who needed extra support, and it helped me realize that I wanted to work in the mental health field.
I decided to go back to school and get my Master’s in Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. My internship was with adults with severe and chronic mental illness, and it was there that I found my passion. I loved helping people who had gone through so much, and I wanted to do more of it.
After graduating, I worked in the residential program at the same hospital as my internship, and then at an inpatient treatment center. It was then that my interest in addiction and the LGBTQIA++ community grew. I also worked at a private practice for a while, which helped me hone my skills.
In 2020, my fiance and I moved back to Atlanta from Chicago, and that’s when I decided to start my own practice. Lotus Wellness Counseling, LLC was born in November 2020. It’s been a whirlwind, and we’ve grown a lot in a short amount of time. I’m so grateful to be able to help people through some of the hardest times in their lives.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am so grateful for the challenges in my life that have ultimately helped me get to where I am today. I didn’t start graduate school until my late twenties and started my business in my mid-thirties. I honestly don’t think I could have handled it any other way. I had to learn a lot of hard lessons before I had the confidence to open my own practice. But now I’m here and I’m so excited to help people through some of the hardest times in their lives.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Lotus Wellness Counseling, LLC is a virtual (for now!) behavioral health private practice. At LWC we see young adults to elderly adults. We see individuals, couples, family, and friends! As a team we cover a lot of specialties including addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, pre and post natal concerns, relationship dynamics, and many many more specialties.
We are always accepting new clients to our virtual practice using our HIPAA compliant video platform. We also accept major insurances and provide self-pay rates too.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Thank you so much to everyone who helped me get to where I am today. I am so grateful for my family, friends, and colleagues. I would not be here without you.
My parents and brother are physicians, and they have shown me how to help people and care for individuals. They have provided me with guidance and support every step of the way. My brother is also a big reason for my success. He has been a role model and has always pushed me to be better.
My husband has been unmatched in his support. He has listened to me vent, helped me figure things out, and just been there for me. He was especially supportive when I was starting Lotus Wellness Counseling.
To all my colleagues in Georgia and Illinois, thank you for helping me figure out how to open a business, grow as a practice and clinician, and market my services. To everyone else who has crossed my path in life, thank you for supporting me and believing in me and Lotus Wellness Counseling.
Last but not least, thank you to my four-legged companion, Riley. You may not be able to talk, but you have been the best support dog a person could ask for. I hope to make you a therapy dog soon!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lotuswellnesscounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lotus_wellness_counseling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LotusWellnessCounseling/
