From Deepika Padukone to the common man, Tanvi Mehta believes everyone deserves mental wellness

In a world where conversations around mental health are gradually gaining visibility, art therapist and mental health advocate Tanvi Mehta is quietly but powerfully leading a movement that fuses creativity, cultural sensitivity, and emotional healing. Whether working with young children in India or survivors of gender-based violence in New York, Tanvi’s goal is clear: to make mental health care more human, more accessible, and more rooted in individual stories.Tanvi’s global journey—from India to Singapore, Italy, and now the United States—has deeply influenced her practice and artistic identity. Currently based in New York, she works with a nonprofit supporting survivors of gender-based violence and serves as the Social Justice Chair for the New York Art Therapy Association (NYATA). In both roles, she is advocating for a more inclusive and culturally grounded mental health framework.With a master’s degree in art therapy from New York University, Tanvi has supported individuals across various life stages and circumstances—from children coping with chronic illness to older adults living with dementia, and survivors of domestic violence and trafficking, to those managing complex conditions like bipolar disorder and multiple sclerosis. But her work transcends traditional therapy models. “What I’ve learned,” says Tanvi, “is that art offers an emotional language beyond words. Especially in communities where verbal expression is stigmatised or unsafe, art becomes a doorway to healing.” As a South Asian woman, Tanvi understands the silence surrounding mental health in many cultures. “Therapy wasn’t a concept that was openly talked about where I grew up,” she shares. “I knew that if I entered this field, I’d have to do it in a way that felt rooted, familiar, and culturally relevant.” That’s why her sessions often include culturally meaningful materials, native languages, and symbolic expressions. “It’s not just about processing trauma—it’s about reclaiming identity,” she says.
She also leads workshops across borders—virtually and in person—reaching clients far beyond geographic limitations. Whether supporting a child in Mumbai or an adult in Manhattan, her approach centers on dignity, self-expression, and emotional access. And it’s not just the marginalised or underrepresented who need this work. Even the most privileged aren’t immune to emotional pain. “While celebrities and individuals from upper-class backgrounds may appear to lead glamorous and fulfilled lives, mental health challenges don’t spare anyone,” Tanvi explains. “Privilege might bring access, but it doesn’t immunize anyone from emotional struggles. In fact, many public figures are now helping shift the narrative.” She points to Deepika Padukone, who has openly spoken about her battle with depression and launched the LiveLoveLaugh Foundation, and Huma Qureshi, who frequently highlights the importance of mental well-being. “These women are helping normalize therapy—not as a crisis response, but as a regular form of self-care. Success and struggle can coexist.” As Tanvi puts it, “Therapy is not about who needs it more—it’s about who’s ready to look inward. Whether it’s a corporate professional managing burnout or a celebrity feeling lost behind the cameras, emotional well-being isn’t about appearance—it’s about alignment. And therapy is one step closer to that alignment.This summer, Tanvi is set to release her first children’s book—a gentle, culturally sensitive introduction to grief for ages 6–9. “It’s designed not just for kids, but for parents, caregivers, and teachers who want to start emotional conversations early—through art and story,” she says. She also hints that the book may be the first in a series exploring emotional literacy and development. Through her quiet resolve and global lens, Tanvi Mehta isn’t just practicing art therapy—she’s reimagining how the world sees healing. In a time when mental health is often overshadowed by stigma or silence, her work reminds us that vulnerability is not weakness—it’s a starting point for transformation, whether you’re a Bollywood icon or just someone trying to get through the day.