Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brittany Tarrant. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Brittany, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents encouraged me to put it simply. I was just a little girl prancing around in my tutu exclaiming that I wanted to be a ballerina, teacher, gymnast AND a doctor, and my parents nourished every dream I’ve ever had. They taught me to shoot for the moon even if I land on the stars and they colored my experience with opportunities that would expand my world. I grew to love other cultures and traveling because they were fearless enough to let me travel abroad at a student ambassador at the tender age of 11 (and then 16). My mother has answered every one of my worried calls the night before a big exam and provided with words of encouragement. My parents affirmed every dream I’ve ever had even when people around me were telling me that I wouldn’t make it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, where my family encouraged me to follow my dreams. I developed a love for the human brain and mental health while studying Psychology at the University of Maryland, College Park. That’s when I realized psychiatry would be a great fit for me. I completed my Master’s degree at Georgetown University and then earned my Doctor of Medicine degree at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C.

I’m passionate about mental health and treating those who are often overlooked and forgotten in our society. I’m dedicated to advancing the field of psychiatry through compassionate, thoughtful, and culturally humble care. I’m committed to eliminating barriers to accessing care and de-stigmatizing mental illness.

My clinical interests include treating a wide range of psychopathologies including: anxiety, psychotic and mood disorders, trauma, and special populations including people of color, women, children and young adults, gender and sexual minorities, veterans, and individuals involved in welfare and criminal legal systems.

In 2022, I established Belle Esprit Psychiatry, Inc. with the goal of offering comprehensive psychiatric and psychotherapeutic services that are tailored to each individual.

When I’m not working, I’m involved in teaching, mentorship, community outreach, and various leadership positions. I’m dedicated to creating spaces of healing and inclusion and have been engaged in diversity, equity, and inclusion work at UCLA and beyond. In my free time, I love to relax with family and friends, explore the local food scene, and travel near and far.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

1000% times over, yes! Work doesn’t often feel like work when it’s intertwined with purpose and passion. Of course, working as a psychiatrist, the work is grueling. People aren’t okay and working in mental health can come with its challenges at every level. However, when you get to meet face-to-face with patients who have come to you at their lowest, shared their innermost vulnerabilities with you, and you get to be part of their healing journey – that makes the work worth it. Could my path to my career have been easier? Less storied? Of course, but my journey led to me to where I am now, which is exactly where I’m meant to be, impacting others’ lives daily.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

I pride myself on being authentic, relatable, empathetic, and compassionate. My patients (or clientele) come from all walks of life, so it’s important for me to be culturally informed and humble. It’s also important for me to be patient-centered and clinically sound so that my work speaks for itself. I’ve found that platforms which allow me to expand to target patient populations have helped for growing my platform, as well as word-of-mouth. All of the promotion in the world means nothing if patients aren’t satisfied. Establishing my brand, Belle Esprit Psychiatry, and curating the message and image I want to send, has been important in attracting the clientele that I’m targeting. Additionally, resources such as Therapy for Black Girls has been instrumental in allowing me to be represented in spaces where I may not otherwise be seen.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.belleespritpsychiatry.com
• Instagram: BelleEspritPsychiatry
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-tarrant-83119a89/
• Other: https://providers.therapyforblackgirls.com/listing/brittany-tarrant-md-ms/