For Dr. Batavia, psychiatry isn’t just a profession—it’s a calling that grew out of a powerful realization during medical school. While on rotation at Lincoln Memorial University’s DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, she found herself drawn to the stories of patients who were often overlooked.

“I saw daily the amount of suffering in my patients,” she says. “It became evident there are so many people who do not have a voice and are often blunted. At that moment, I made it my mission in this field to give power to those voices.”

That mission continues to guide her work today as Medical Director of Psychiatry (please verify specific title) at Highpoint Health – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas in Gallatin. Dr. Batavia is passionate about dismantling the stigma that still surrounds mental health. One of the biggest misconceptions she encounters is the belief that needing mental health support somehow reflects poorly on a person’s character.

“Mental health is not a stigma, and it’s okay to not be okay,” she emphasizes. “Don’t fear that reaching out for help will cause judgment on who you are.”

In today’s fast-paced, stress-filled world, mental health challenges like depression and anxiety are more common than many people realize. Yet recognizing the early signs can be tricky.

Dr. Batavia advises paying close attention to shifts in behavior or mood. “Often, the early signs of mental health struggles become isolating,” she explains. “You might notice someone withdrawing from family or friends, or just not seeming like themselves.”

So what should someone do if they notice these changes in themselves or a loved one? According to Dr. Batavia, the most effective approach usually involves a combination of therapy and medication. Evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are particularly helpful for conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

“Medication can quickly address the symptoms,” she says, “but therapy dives into the underlying causes and teaches coping mechanisms, which are so beneficial in the long term.”

Still, many people hesitate to seek help, and that hesitation often comes back to stigma. Dr. Batavia encourages friends and family to play a supportive role by showing patience and understanding.

“Just being there for someone can make a huge difference,” she notes.

And help is out there. Whether it’s through therapy, medication management, church or community groups, or condition-specific support groups—for example, those for individuals living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s—resources are available.

Highpoint Health – Sumner has opened a 12-bed inpatient unit for adults over the age of 55 struggling with acute mental health needs. The private unit, located on the 4th Floor of the hospital, is a safe physical space for patients to recover and incorporates medication, therapies and programs to heal the mind. Dr. Batavia manages the behavioral health unit and works with her team of behavioral health professionals to get the patients out of crisis mode so they may either return to home, a nursing home or skilled facility, and if needed, continue with therapies on an outpatient basis.

Ultimately, Dr. Batavia hopes more people will feel empowered to seek the support they need and realize there is help close to home. “Mental health is health,” she says. “And every voice deserves to be heard.”

If you or a loved one is in need of acute behavioral health services, Highpoint Health Behavioral Health is a phone call away. Call 615.328.5412 or Visit.

Follow Stay Positive News and Highpoint Health for ongoing preventive mental health tips. Check out the Mental Wellness Wisdom tips already shared here.