In a candid conversation with Dr. Malini Saba, Managing Editor of LA Evolution Magazine, Dr. Julia Turetskaya, a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in Los Angeles, California, shares her insights and perspectives.
Dr. Julia Turetskaya is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in private practice in Los Angeles, California. She graduated from UC Berkeley and received her doctorate degree from the University of La Verne. Currently, she works with adult clients presenting with a variety of concerns, including depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and life transitions. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and being outdoors.
1) why is mental health so important to us as an individual and as a collective.
Mental health is extremely important because it shapes how we think, feel, behave, and relate to ourselves, other people, and the world. The field of psychology has come to recognize that the mind and body are deeply interconnected. One cannot be physically healthy without being mentally healthy, and vice versa. As individuals, our mental health directly impacts our daily functioning and quality of life. It allows us to wake up with energy and purpose, ready to focus on our work, enjoy leisure time, manage stress, maintain healthy relationships, and find pleasure in ordinary moments throughout the day. However, mental health doesn’t exist in isolation. Healthy individuals build healthier families, workplaces, and communities. Recent World Health Organization data estimates that over 1 billion people worldwide live with mental health conditions. The economic toll is staggering. Depression and anxiety alone cost the global economy approximately 1 trillion US dollars per year in lost productivity. Today, we are realizing that improved mental health outcomes are best achieved through collective efforts and collaboration at organizational, community, and societal levels.
2) how has the topic of mental health evolved into what it is today in your opinion?
In several positive ways, I believe. We have gradually moved away from viewing mental health issues through the lens of morality, supernatural influences, poor parenting, individual weakness, or deviance. Instead, we have adopted a more holistic, science-based perspective that allows us to assess and treat people by integrating biological, psychological, and social factors. We now look at people’s strengths and resources rather than just presenting concerns. We also emphasize prevention, resilience, and multicultural sensitivity. Additionally, even in the last 15 years, I have witnessed decreased stigma around the topic of mental health and greater acceptance of seeking help. In today’s highly interconnected world, we recognize that mental health not only affects individuals but also has far-reaching consequences for communities and the broader world. There is still work to be done, but we’re moving in the right direction.
3) why did you choose this line of career ?
I remember taking an Introduction to Psychology course during my studies and being captivated from the first day of class. Even as a child, I always found myself sitting back and observing others. I find human behavior and the human mind to be fascinating. To think that a person can sit down and compose an entire song in an hour, or bounce back from unimaginable trauma and achieve amazing outcomes. Most days, I find my job as a therapist to be very rewarding. I feel honored that people trust me enough to share their stories of pain and suffering, and to include me in moments of joy and celebration. I also appreciate that being a psychologist has allowed me the flexibility to engage in different activities. A typical work week for me involves seeing patients for talk therapy, conducting autism assessments, consulting with colleagues on clinical cases, supervising unlicensed psychologists, and writing articles on topics of mental health and well-being.
4) how important is mental health in our current era ?
Mental health awareness and treatment are both very important. For many, life today is more stressful than ever. We are faced with constant digital connectivity, information overload, social comparison, economic pressures, and rapid societal changes. One of the things we learned from COVID-19 is that isolation and disconnection cause our mental health issues to spiral. If mental health were treated with the urgency of other major global health threats, like infectious diseases, we would be able to make a real difference. Research consistently shows that positive mental health in youth predicts better educational success, career attainment, physical longevity, and overall life satisfaction.
5) organizations have been consistently looking at incorporating mental health in their daily activities, how important do you think this is for corporate life?
It is definitely important. People usually spend so much time at work and mental health can impact various factors, like work attendance, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. I think that for most organizations, consistent mental health support for their employees will offer a great return on their investment. The U.S. Surgeon General’s framework highlights workplaces as potential “engines of well-being” when they prioritize psychological safety, growth opportunities, and a feeling of belonging at work.
6) if you had one advice to give the Gen Z what would it be ?
To stay as grounded and present as possible. It is easy to become overwhelmed with the constant stimuli and nonstop distractions in our environment. Smartphones, social media, and around-the clock news can create intense pressure, social comparison, and anxiety. The world is rapidly changing, and the last decade has been anything but easy. Remember to stay grounded in your values and goals and to lean on your core support system.
7 ) it is Mother’s Day month . How do you incorporate being a mother with your career?
I follow the same advice I give other working mothers. Maintaining a balance and setting realistic goals is key. There are days when I’m unable to take my kids to certain activities, so I make sure to prioritize these the following week. I’m also mindful of not burning out at work by prioritizing self care, including exercise, travel, and downtime. I want to show my daughter that it is possible to balance career and family life without sacrificing her own mental health in the process.
8 ) what advice would you give to young women out there who want to seek a career in mental heath?
A career in mental health can be extremely meaningful and fulfilling. It especially suits young women who are curious about people, tolerant of ambiguity, and committed to lifelong learning. It also allows for flexibility in one’s career path. I have witnessed many of my colleagues shift between clinical work, consulting, writing, and academia. It is not without its challenges, though. If you’re in school now, my advice is to focus on strong academics, relevant experience, and greater self-growth and understanding. If possible, take the opportunity to shadow a psychologist or volunteer at a nearby clinic. Most importantly, learn to prioritize and protect your mental health, so that you can sustain your well-being long-term.
