Empowering Minds: Dr. Pia L. Scott-Boston on Breaking Stigmas and Prioritizing Mental Wellness During Mental Health Awareness Month
- Tammy Reese
- 4 minutes ago
- 8 min read
By Tammy Reese
In a world that often encourages silence over vulnerability, Dr. Pia L. Scott-Boston is using her voice and her decades of experience to help others heal. As a licensed professional counselor, educator, and mental health advocate, Dr. Pia brings compassion, cultural sensitivity, and clinical expertise to the forefront of every space she enters. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Heart of Hollywood Magazine sat down with this trailblazing therapist to discuss the power of therapy, the urgency of mental health advocacy, and the daily practices we all can use to strengthen our emotional well-being. With her work rooted in empathy and empowerment, Dr. Pia reminds us that mental health isn’t just personal, it’s a collective priority.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what led you to become a mental health professional?
Dr. Pia: I am Dr. Pia L. Scott-Boston, and I am a mental health professional with a background in counseling. I was drawn to this field because of a deep interest in understanding human behavior, my experience with grief, and loss, and a strong desire to support others through life’s challenges. Over time, witnessing how mental health impacts every aspect of a person’s life inspired me to pursue formal training so I could be a part of the healing and growth process for others. It’s incredibly rewarding to help people gain insight, build resilience, and improve their well-being.
Please tell us about your expertise and the services you provide.
Dr. Pia: I specialize in anxiety disorders, trauma, and couples counseling, and I work with individuals, couples, families, and groups, depending on their needs. My therapeutic approach is grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, and I tailor treatment plans to best support each client’s goals.
The services I provide include individual and couples therapy, psychoeducation workshops, and support groups, as well as mental health assessments and referrals when necessary. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to work toward lasting change.
What populations do you typically work with, and what areas do you specialize in?
Dr. Pia: I typically work with adults, couples, families, or specific communities such as LGBTQ+, veterans, or BIPOC individuals. My areas of specialization include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship issues, and I have particular experience supporting clients through life transitions, identity exploration, and stress management.
I strive to provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care, and I’m committed to creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel safe, respected, and supported in their journey toward mental wellness.
Why is Mental Health Awareness Month so important in today’s world?
Dr. Pia: Mental Health Awareness Month is incredibly important in today’s world because it helps break the stigma surrounding mental health, encourages open conversations, and promotes access to support and resources. In an increasingly fast-paced and often stressful society, many people silently struggle with issues like anxiety, depression, burnout, or trauma. Raising awareness helps normalize these experiences and reminds individuals that they’re not alone — and that help is available.
It’s also a time to advocate for better mental health policies, educate the public, and highlight the importance of early intervention, which can lead to better outcomes and healthier communities overall.
What are some of the most common misconceptions you see around mental health?
Dr. Pia: One of the most common misconceptions is that mental health struggles are a sign of weakness or something people should just “snap out of.” In reality, mental health conditions are legitimate medical concerns, just like physical illnesses, and they often require support and treatment.
Another misconception is that therapy is only for people in crisis. Many people benefit from therapy for personal growth, stress management, or navigating life transitions. There’s also a persistent belief that only medication can help when, in fact, many forms of therapy and lifestyle changes can be highly effective.
Finally, there’s often a stigma around seeking help — especially in certain cultures or communities — which can prevent people from reaching out. Breaking down these myths is key to making mental health care more accessible and accepted.
What practical strategies or daily habits do you recommend for maintaining good mental health?
Dr. Pia: Maintaining good mental health involves small, consistent habits that build resilience over time. Here are a few I often recommend:
Stay active — Regular physical activity, even a short daily walk, boosts mood and reduces stress.
Get enough sleep — Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night, as rest is essential for emotional regulation.
Practice mindfulness or meditation — Even 5–10 minutes a day can help you stay grounded and manage anxiety.
Connect with others — Nurture relationships and seek support when needed. Social connection is a powerful buffer against stress.
Set boundaries — Protect your time and energy by saying no when necessary and creating space for rest.
Limit screen time and news intake — Especially when it starts to feel overwhelming or negatively impacts your mood.
Engage in activities you enjoy — Make time for hobbies, creativity, or anything that brings you joy or a sense of purpose.
Practice gratitude — Reflecting on what you’re thankful for, even during tough times, can shift your mindset and build positivity.
These habits may seem simple, but over time, they can have a meaningful impact on mental health. Additionally, my personal favorite, is limiting Social Media if and when you can.
How can people best support friends or family members who are struggling?
Dr. Pia: One of the most powerful ways to support someone is simply by being present and listening without judgment. You don’t need to have all the answers — just showing that you care and are willing to listen can help them feel less alone.
Encourage them to seek professional help if they haven’t already, and offer to assist with practical steps, like finding a therapist or going with them to an appointment if they’re open to it. Be patient and avoid minimizing their feelings or offering quick fixes.
It’s also important to take care of your own emotional well-being — supporting someone can be emotionally taxing, so maintaining healthy boundaries and getting support yourself is key.
Sometimes just asking, “How can I support you right now?” can open the door to meaningful conversation and connection.
What changes would you love to see in how mental health is discussed or treated in schools, media, or healthcare?
Dr. Pia: I would love to see mental health being treated with the same importance and urgency as physical health, both in schools, media, and healthcare settings. In schools, early education about mental health and emotional well-being could help normalize these conversations and encourage young people to seek help before issues become more serious. Programs that teach coping skills, emotional regulation, and resilience from an early age would help students navigate life’s challenges more effectively.
In the media, I hope for more realistic and compassionate portrayals of mental health struggles. Too often, the media either sensationalizes or oversimplifies mental health issues. By sharing authentic stories and showing the complexity of mental health, media can help reduce stigma and provide better education to the public.
In healthcare, integrating mental health services with primary care is a key step. Many people go to their general practitioners with emotional struggles, but often they don’t receive adequate mental health support. Having mental health professionals on-site or easily accessible through referrals could make it easier for people to get the care they need in a more holistic and integrated way.
Ultimately, I believe a broader societal shift towards compassion, understanding, and prevention is needed, where mental health is seen as an essential part of overall health.
As someone who helps others heal, how do you care for your own mental health?
Dr. Pia: As a mental health professional, it’s essential to prioritize my own mental well-being to be able to support others effectively. I practice a few key habits to care for myself:
Regular self-reflection and supervision — I make time to reflect on my work with clients and engage in supervision or consultation to ensure I’m processing my experiences and not carrying undue emotional weight.
Boundaries — I’ve learned to set clear boundaries between work and personal life, which helps me avoid burnout. This means scheduling downtime and not allowing work to bleed into personal time.
Physical activity — Staying active is crucial for me, whether it’s yoga, walking, or strength training. Exercise not only helps me stay physically healthy but also supports mental clarity and reduces stress.
Support Systems — Just as I encourage others to seek support, I make sure to have my own support systems. Having someone to talk to and process difficult emotions with helps me maintain balance.
Engaging in hobbies — I make time for things I enjoy, like reading, writing, volunteering, or creative projects. These activities bring me joy and help me recharge.
Mindfulness and relaxation — I practice mindfulness and deep breathing techniques to stay grounded, especially after emotionally intense sessions with clients.
By prioritizing self-care, I’m able to show up as my best self for others. Mental health work is demanding, so nurturing my own well-being is just as important as the work I do with my clients.
What advice would you give to someone afraid or hesitant to seek therapy?
Dr. Pia: If you’re feeling afraid or hesitant to seek therapy, it’s completely understandable — taking that first step can feel intimidating. But I want to reassure you that therapy is a safe, non-judgmental space where you can work at your own pace. A therapist’s role is to listen, understand, and guide you — not to judge or tell you what to do.
It’s also important to remember that therapy isn’t just for crises or severe mental health issues. It can be a valuable tool for personal growth, self-discovery, and managing everyday stress, anxiety, or life transitions. Everyone, no matter their background or challenges, can benefit from therapy in some way.
If you’re worried about opening up, know that you don’t have to share everything all at once. It’s a gradual process, and you’re in control of what you choose to talk about. Over time, you’ll likely start to feel more comfortable and empowered.
Lastly, seeking therapy is a brave and positive step toward taking care of your mental well-being. Just as you would see a doctor for physical health concerns, seeing a therapist is an important part of looking after your emotional health.
Where can people learn more about your work or connect with you?
Dr. Pia: If you’re interested in learning more about my work or would like to connect, you can visit my website at https://www.thinkpositivecc.org/, [IG: piathedocscott, or LinkedIn: Dr. Pia L. Scott-Boston, I regularly share insights, resources, and articles related to mental health that might be helpful. You can also reach out to me directly through email at info@thinkpositivecc.org if you’d like to schedule a consultation or have any questions about the services I offer.
If you’re looking for resources or support, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to connect and offer guidance.
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