We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Urmi Jani, Psy.D. a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Urmi, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

For someone who considers themselves risk averse, I find myself self-reflecting and thus discovering that my career is where it is today, because of the risks that I have taken along the way.

First and foremost, choosing psychology as a career for an immigrant South Asian, especially when faced with initial parental disapproval, defined my challenging yet rewarding journey. For many South Asian families, traditional career paths such as medicine, engineering, or law are highly valued, and diverging from these expectations can lead to misunderstandings and concerns about stability and success. However, with resolve, I was able to bridge this gap by having open dialogue with my parents, wherein I emphasized the personal fulfillment and societal contributions that come with a career in psychology thereby gaining their support.

Other risks that have luckily worked out in my favor have related to the ways in which I’ve procured my jobs including both my post-doc as well as my current role as a concierge psychologist at Choulet Wellness. I’ve secured these valuable positions in my career by proactively cold-calling supervisors and sending over my credentials. I’ve been told that this approach, while unconventional, has consistently set me apart from other candidates by demonstrating my initiative, confidence, and determination. By directly reaching out to potential employers, I not only showcased my eagerness to join their team but also created opportunities to personally highlight my qualifications and suitability for a role that could be created. My post-doc for example, was at a bustling group private practice that had never had the opportunity to train students. Upon meeting with the owner of the practice, we were able to have a meaningful conversation about how I could fit into their practice and help them grow the center. Not only did I get the post-doc, but I also stayed on after licensure for several years until my family had to geographically relocate. Now, this practice continues to not only have post-docs, but also graduate students on practicum training and rotating through there.

In my experience, taking risks has opened doors to unique opportunities that has helped me to accelerate my career advancement, proving that boldness and initiative can and do lead to the most rewarding professional experiences. So, maybe I’m not risk averse after all.

Urmi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a dedicated clinical health psychologist committed to promoting holistic well-being through evidence-based interventions and compassionate care.

Psychology definitely found me at an early age. I went through a tough time as a child, and was subsequently mandated to attend counseling. I recall feeling quite unsupported through this ordeal, which, even then, not knowing much about the field, realized that this was not at all the way things were supposed to go. I resolved right then to do things differently.

I am proud of my education and my experiences which have left me with a solid understanding of the intricate interplay between mental, emotional, and physical health, As such, I specialize in providing comprehensive psychological services to individuals striving for optimal health and vitality. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety, life transitions and relationships.

I use a person-centered approach and utilize tailored interventions to meet the unique needs and goals of each patient.
Grounded in empathy and respect, my therapeutic style fosters a safe and supportive environment where patients can explore challenges, gain insight, and cultivate resilience.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

100 percent yes. I have the profound privilege of connecting with individuals on a deep, meaningful level and guiding them through their most challenging times. Witnessing the resilience and growth of my patients as they overcome their struggles and achieve personal breakthroughs is incredibly rewarding.

I cherish the opportunity to use a blend of scientific knowledge and empathetic understanding to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Every day brings new challenges and learning experiences, allowing me to continuously grow both professionally and personally while contributing to the betterment of others’ mental health and well-being. I also love that every single day is totally different from the day before it.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Several key factors have helped me build my reputation within the psychology market in Scottsdale. Firstly, my commitment to ongoing education and staying current with the latest research and therapeutic techniques has ensured that I provide the highest quality care. Secondly, my dedication to empathy and building strong, trusting relationships with my patients has fostered a positive and supportive therapeutic environment. Consistently achieving positive outcomes and patient satisfaction has naturally led to word-of-mouth referrals. Additionally, active participation in professional communities and networking groups, such as the Scottsdale Professional Collective, has expanded my network and visibility. Finally and perhaps most importantly, maintaining ethical standards and confidentiality has established a foundation of trust and professionalism that clients and colleagues alike respect and value.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1283307
• Instagram: @drjanipsyd
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/urmi-jani-psy-d-2a74833b/

Image Credits

Katie Levine Photography