Episode 113: I'd Rather Work At Rikers: The Journey Of The Bad Indian Therapist [featuring Tracy Vadakumchery]
Imagine working at a group practice that treated you so poorly that you decided to quit, and take a job at Rikers Island.
During this episode of the All Things Private Practice Podcast, I talk with Tracy Vadakumchery, A.K.A. The Bad Indian Therapist.
Tracy shares their story about working in Rikers during COVID and starting a private practice to prioritize her own mental health.
We talk about the struggles of a South Asian therapist trying to create a thriving practice, without any small business knowledge. We talk about cultural differences and expectations, and how to prioritize your own needs. "It's not selfish to charge for services—it's necessary," says Tracy Vadakumchery.
Tracy understands that the financial challenges of being a small business owner can be tough. But she reframes the idea of charging fees as necessary, not selfish or greedy. This allows her to offer free resources and affordable services to those who can't afford her fee.
More about Tracy:
Tracy Vadakumchery is a licensed psychotherapist and business owner of The Bad Indian Therapist. She helps South Asian Americans overcome unhealthy guilt and shame and embrace authenticity. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to support clients with healing from cultural trauma. She sees clients in person in New York and virtually in California and Florida.
Tracy hosts GROUP SUP, which is clinical group supervision for South Asian American therapists across the country. You can go to thebadindiantherapist.com/my-services to schedule a free intro call. Tracy also offers a FREE course called "Detoxify Your Guilt."
- Tracy's Website: thebadindiantherapist.com
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Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad
I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.
Mentioned in this episode:
The Receptionist for iPad
I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking. Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
Resilient Mind Counseling
It's Patrick. Some of you may know that I own a group therapy practice in North Carolina, Resilient Mind Counseling. We specialize in supporting the Neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, and Black, Brown, and Asian communities online and across North Carolina. We also have limited in-person openings at our offices in Asheville and Cary. We really love working with clients who are coming to terms with both Autism and ADHD discoveries later in life or questioning, as well as the intersections of race, gender, identity, and orientation. All of our therapists have lived experience and identify as AuDHD, Autistic, or ADHD. Our team of affirming therapists offers a safe, anti-racist, anti-oppressive, inclusive, and accessible space where you can show up exactly as you are—no masking, no judgment, and no need to make eye contact, just real connection and healing. We accept most commercial insurances like Blue Cross Blue Shield, United, Aetna, and Med Cost, as well as self-pay options. We currently have openings for new clients. Visit our website at resilientmindcounseling.com. You can also text or call our HIPAA-compliant phone line at (828) 515-1246, or email us at scheduling@resilientmindcounseling.com.
