Exploring Life & Business with Dipti Patel of Black Lotus Therapies

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dipti Patel.

Dipti, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My path to becoming a therapist has been shaped not just by formal training, but by the places I’ve lived and the experiences that came with them. I was born in India and came to the United States when I was two. I grew up in small-town Watonga, Oklahoma, as the only South Asian family in the community. From an early age, I navigated questions of identity, belonging, and difference—experiences that sparked a deep curiosity about people, resilience, and emotional well-being.

I later moved to Boston for college and graduate school, which expanded my worldview in ways I hadn’t imagined. Living in a fast-paced, diverse city exposed me to new perspectives and helped me understand how culture, family systems, and environment intersect with mental health.

After Boston, moving to Houston on my own became a pivotal chapter. It gave me space to reflect more deeply on my identity and life experiences, and that self-understanding ultimately strengthened my ability to sit with others—especially those whose lives may look very different on the surface, yet who carry similar internal struggles.

Today, I run a private practice where I work with clients from all backgrounds, with a particular focus on supporting South Asians navigating identity, family pressures, and the demands of everyday life. At the heart of my work is creating a culturally affirming space where clients feel seen, understood, and empowered to define lives that feel authentic and sustainable to them.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many people, my path has included periods of uncertainty, self-doubt, and learning how to trust my own voice—especially while navigating systems and spaces that weren’t always built with people like me in mind.

As a South Asian woman, there were moments when I felt pressure to minimize parts of myself in order to fit professional expectations, or to prove my legitimacy in subtle ways. Balancing cultural values, family expectations, and my own internal compass was an ongoing process, both personally and professionally.

There were also the very real challenges of building a career in mental health—financial strain during training, emotional fatigue, and the responsibility that comes with holding space for others while continuing to tend to my own growth. Each of these experiences deepened my empathy and reinforced the importance of self-awareness, support, and sustainability in this work.

Looking back, those struggles shaped not only how I practice, but how I show up with clients—with humility, curiosity, and a deep respect for the complexity of their journeys.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Black Lotus Therapies ?
My private practice is rooted in providing thoughtful, culturally responsive mental health care. I work with individuals from all backgrounds, with a particular focus on supporting South Asians navigating identity, family expectations, life transitions, and the emotional weight of balancing multiple worlds.

What sets my practice apart is an emphasis on authenticity and cultural nuance. Many South Asians hesitate to seek therapy because they fear it will mean being told to cut off family or abandon deeply held cultural values. My approach is the opposite. The work is about helping clients create lives that feel aligned and sustainable for them, while thoughtfully navigating family relationships in ways that feel realistic and respectful.

I strive to create a space where clients don’t have to over-explain their cultural context and can explore their experiences without judgment. This is also why I offer consultation calls. Therapy can feel intimidating, and sometimes people simply want to speak with another human who understands some of what they may be carrying. That initial connection alone can help ease fear and build trust.

The name Black Lotus Therapies reflects this philosophy. The lotus is a symbol of growth and resilience—rising through murky conditions while remaining rooted and intact. For me, it represents the kind of healing I believe in: not about erasing where you come from, but learning how to grow within complexity and move forward with intention.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of building a practice that values honesty and humanity over perfection. Healing isn’t about having everything figured out—it’s about support, clarity, and forward movement. I want readers to know that my practice is a place where people can show up as they are, feel less alone, and define their own path forward.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding mentors and building a network doesn’t have to be intimidating (even though it kind of is). What’s helped me most is being intentional about connecting with people whose experiences or values resonate with mine, rather than trying to meet as many people as possible. Sometimes that means sending a thoughtful email, asking to meet for coffee, or simply starting a conversation. You’ll often find that people are happy to share their stories when they know someone is genuinely listening.

Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal—even a single conversation can shift your perspective or inspire your next step. My advice is to stay curious, open, and willing to reach out, while also being patient. Relationships, guidance, and growth take time. Never underestimate the power of starting small: even one thoughtful, supportive connection can make a meaningful difference.

Pricing:

• I offer sliding scale pricing on a case by case basis to accommodate students and/or anyone with financial hardship. The goal is to make therapy accessible to as many people as I can.
• $150/50 minute session individual session
• $200/90 minute family. or couples therapy session
• Accept BCBS TX, Aetna, and Curative insurances

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blacklotustherapies.com
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/dipti-patel-houston-tx/812624