MERAKI PSYCHOLOGY CENTER

Dr. Patel is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the states of New Jersey and New York. Her interest in understanding human behavior and experiences was ignited at a young age with the desire to always help others. This passion grew stronger through the combination of her clinical and research training and is now embodied in her efforts to help others ignite their own passions and find their own way.

 

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Dr. Patel received her B.A. from Rutgers University and earned her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology on the Child and Adolescent track from University of Hartford. She has over 12 years of clinical experience at numerous settings including hospitals, clinics, college counseling centers and in private practice. Her research focuses on expanding our understanding of factors that are important to South Asians related to food habits, body image and eating disorders. 

 

Dr. Patel has extensive training in Cognitive Behavior Therapies (CBT):

• Received specialized training on OCD and Exposure and Response Prevention through NOCD and Center for Anxiety and Behavior Therapy.

• Completed extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) through Behavioral Tech. 

• Trained in two empirically based treatment modalities for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

  • 1) Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) for PTSD: She is a Strong Star Network Provider (https://www.strongstartraining.org/network)

  • 2) Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for PTSD: She is a CPT Quality Provider (https://cptforptsd.com/cpt-provider-roster/).

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She uses these modalities to help implement the change you are looking for and simultaneously teaches you coping skills to better manage your emotions, distress, and relationships.  These are all evidence based treatments utilized for a wide range of diagnoses and difficulties.

 

In addition to private practice, Dr. Patel holds a full time position as a psychologist at Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at Rutgers University, in New Brunswick NJ. 

 

TREATMENT APPROACH

Dr. Patel provides individual, couples, parenting & family therapy for adolescents & adults. Her specialities include cognitive behavioral therapies, anxiety and mood disorders, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, identity and cultural issues, OCD, trauma/PTSD, and Borderline Personality Disorder. 

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She feels each person is unique and therefore tailors treatment to fit each client’s individualized needs. She believes each individual’s identities interact to influence who the person is. In her clinical approach, Dr. Patel takes into account each aspect of a person’s identity and explores this in relation to the existing issues. Therefore, treatments are culturally sensitive and adapted to fit clients’ various identities and needs.

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Dr. Patel believes we are all on a journey to better understand ourselves, our relationships, and our choices. The journey is full of challenges and hurdles where we gain more insight into what is and is not effective in our lives. Her approach is to help guide you through these difficulties and empower you while honoring your values. Her philosophy for treatment is a collaborative, interactive and compassionate approach focused on achieving your goals, strengthening your relationships, and teaching you skills to better manage distressing situations and circumstances in order to help you work towards the life you want.  She aims to provide a safe and nonjudgmental environment for you to work towards discovering your best sense of self through empowerment, awareness and behavioral tools.