Mental Health Q & A with Dr. Stella B. Keitel, Clinical Psychologist & Co-Founder of Breaktide Coaching

Dr. Stella B. Keitel is a licensed clinical psychologist based in New York City. Well-versed in clinical and assessment forensic psychology, she was an acute care treatment team leader and provided direct care to people struggling with severe and persistent mental illness and violent behaviors. Since founding her own practice in 2020, Dr. Keitel has become well-known for her direct and supportive approach when it comes to treatment. Dr. Keitel believes the best therapy outcomes are from treatments that don’t necessarily look and feel like “treatment.” Dr. Keitel works from several therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, and many Trauma modalities.

In 2022 Dr. Keitel co-founded Breaktide Coaching, a holistic recovery, wellness, and executive functioning coaching company for adolescents and adults. Dr. Keitel’s creative approach to integrating different modalities in the treatment world caters to the uniqueness of her patients and, ultimately, allows for therapy to be effective and safe for all.

I’m excited to introduce you all to Dr. Keitel while chatting about her path and approach.

– Please introduce yourself
Hi! My name is Stella Bracco Keitel, and I am a Licensed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist based in NYC.

– You are a licensed clinical psychologist with a Psy D please explain what that means
The “Psy.D.” stands for Doctor of Psychology, which signifies that I’ve completed an extensive doctoral program focused on the clinical practice of psychology, psychological assessment, and research. A Ph.D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy, which one can earn in the field of psychology. Unlike a Ph.D., which often emphasizes research and academia, the Psy.D. is geared more toward applying psychological principles in clinical settings rather than conducting research. My training allowed me to develop specialized skills in diagnosing and treating various mental health disorders. It equipped me to conduct thorough psychological assessments, develop personalized treatment plans, and provide evidence-based interventions to help individuals improve their mental well-being.

– What makes this specialty different from psychiatry?
I love this question and get it often! Both clinical psychologists and psychiatrists work to improve mental health and well-being, but they differ in their training, approaches, and scopes of practice. Clinical psychologists focus on psychological interventions (aka therapy) and do not prescribe medication. In contrast, psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and may focus more on the treatment of mental disorders with psychopharmacological interventions (aka medications.) Research has shown us that when psychologists and psychiatrists work together, treatment outcomes are better, especially if the patient is only talking medications without therapy.

– Why did you choose this specialty?
I absolutely love what I do. Many years ago, I was studying alongside incarcerated women as a part of a college program experiment, and my eyes were opened to the overwhelming need for improved mental health help in our communities. I didn’t know how to address the problem on a macro level, so I applied to graduate school. Since then, I’ve worked in community clinicals, prisons, state hospitals, forensic hospitals and have taken countless pro bono cases. I still don’t have the macro-level solution, but I’m proud to dedicate my life to creating more wellness in this world.

– Who seeks out your care, and for what reason?
My practice welcomes individuals of all ages seeking support for various mental health needs. From adolescents transitioning into adulthood to seasoned adults navigating life’s complexities, clients often come to me seeking assistance with challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, and severe mental health disorders. I specialize in high-risk behaviors so we also welcome individuals struggling with self-harm and violent behaviors.

– What types of patients do you take care of?
I have the privilege of working with diverse individuals, each with unique experiences and needs. My clients come from different backgrounds and walks of life and seek support for a broad spectrum of mental health concerns. At the end of the day, they all have one thing in common: They are human and, in some way, are struggling with the human experience. My team and I will care for them and, most importantly, help them learn to successfully care for and love themselves.

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month. What do you wish the general public would learn about mental health and seeking care?
Not all therapy is created equal. Ask questions! Don’t just listen to anyone’s advice or guidance without thinking critically. Be honest! Tell your therapist when they’ve got it wrong, or you don’t believe them, etc. Getting mental health help is about YOU and YOUR wellness; your voice matters.

What would it be if you could share one piece of health-related advice with patients or the public?
Master a sleep schedule, drink lots of water, don’t underestimate the foods you put in your body, let the sunshine on your face (with sunscreen on), notice all the glimmers, and practice gratitude. Nothing lasts forever!