Dr. Regina Nagarajan’s journey to becoming a leading psychiatrist began at Yale University, where she majored in History of Science and Medicine. With a passion for education and service, she spent time as a middle school science teacher with Teach for America. This early experience shaped her approach to patient care, emphasizing empowerment through knowledge and understanding.

 

Driven by a desire to help others on a deeper level, Dr. Nagarajan returned to Yale for medical school and completed her residency at Yale in 2020. Now a board-certified psychiatrist, she has dedicated over nine years to treating patients with psychiatric illnesses, with a particular focus on treatment-resistant depression.

 

Beyond traditional psychiatry, Dr. Nagarajan’s personal experiences with burnout led her to explore holistic approaches to mental health. This journey introduced her to the power of meditation and the concept of food as medicine. She has since completed specialized training in various mindfulness techniques, coherent breathing, and earned a culinary coaching certificate through the Institute of Lifestyle Medicine. Her holistic perspective is not just professional; it’s personal—she strives to create a balanced life for herself and her family, enjoying time outdoors, cooking and spending time with her husband and two children.

 

After years of outpatient experience, Dr. Nagarajan felt compelled to create a more intimate, patient experience. She envisioned a practice where people wouldn’t be lost in the system, where care could be truly personalized, and where holistic principles could guide treatment. This vision led to the creation of Joyful Minds Psychiatry, where she integrates lifestyle medicine with psychiatry—along with cutting-edge treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)—offering patients a compassionate path to lasting wellness.