Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Michel, MD.
Hi Kendra, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
As early as I can remember, I have always wanted to practice medicine. As a young child, I took it upon myself to bandage my siblings’ scabs and ease their pain when they weren’t feeling well. I grew up as a first-generation Haitian American in New Jersey. My parents valued education and worked tirelessly to provide my siblings and me with opportunities to chase dreams they were not afforded.
My journey to medicine began as an undergraduate student at Ohio University, where I majored in biological sciences with a premedicine focus. Following undergraduate studies, I earned a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at Rutgers University in New Jersey. I completed my medical education at the American University of Antigua. During my medical training, I developed a deep appreciation for mental health care and ultimately made the decision to specialize in psychiatry.
In the early 2010s, mental health was highly stigmatized, and many patients avoided seeking treatment despite overwhelming struggles with depression and anxiety. This deeply intrigued me. I wanted to create a space where patients would feel comfortable sharing parts of themselves in order to receive the care they desired.
I relocated to Atlanta and completed my psychiatric residency training at Morehouse School of Medicine, where I gained a wealth of experience. I recall working long hours at the Atlanta VA and Grady Hospital, rotating through inpatient and outpatient units as well as the emergency department. Since completing my residency training in 2021, I have worked primarily as an outpatient adult psychiatrist. In 2025, I started a virtual private practice, where I currently see patients throughout the state of Georgia.
My focus is on integrating holistic and wellness practices with mental health care. I am a strong advocate for healthy living and encourage my patients to find meaningful ways to incorporate wellness into their daily 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?
Too many to count. Where I came from, I did not see many doctors who looked like me. The odds were stacked against me. I was a first-generation college graduate with limited resources, but I did not lack discipline. I fought to get here.
Throughout my journey in medicine, I experienced many hardships. However, I remained determined to achieve my goals and did not allow my struggles to interfere with the path I set for myself.
We’ve been impressed with Serene Body and Mind Psychiatry, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started a virtual private practice in 2025 with the goal of expanding access to mental health care for individuals throughout the state of Georgia. At Serene Body and Mind Psychiatry, we emphasize wellness and healing through a balanced approach that integrates holistic principles with modern medical practices. We utilize evidence-based psychopharmacology to manage mental health conditions while also encouraging healthy lifestyle habits as part of comprehensive care.
We currently provide services exclusively through virtual visits, and patients must be physically located in Georgia at the time of their appointment. We serve adults ages 18 to 65 and treat a range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), insomnia, trauma-related conditions, and mood instability. We accept some major insurances and self pay.
What are your plans for the future?
I look forward to continuing to grow my practice and serve individuals in Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia. My passion extends beyond clinical care, and I hope to expand my work through speaking engagements, educational opportunities, and potentially coaching, allowing me to connect with people in more meaningful ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://serenebodyandmindpsychiatry.clientsecure.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serenebodyandmindpsychiatry/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-e-michel-md-mbs
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@serenebodyandmindpsych
