By Laura Eckstein Jones By Laura Eckstein Jones | April 4, 2024 | People, Feature,
When Dr. Brook Choulet opened Choulet Wellness: Scottsdale Concierge Psychiatry & Therapy (chouletwellness.com) in 2020, she brought a fresh perspective to mental health care in The Valley. Now, she’s expanding her reach, working with elite athletes and launching the Scottsdale Professionals Collection this April. Here, she brings us up to speed.
How do you think the discourse on mental health has changed over the last few years?
Although the importance of addressing one’s mental health has been more normalized and publicized over the last few years, there is still quite a ways to go to overcome the stigma related to being on medication, seeing a therapist or receiving mental health treatment. There are more high-achieving professionals and athletes speaking out on their challenges with things like depression, anxiety and ADHD.
You were previously the consulting team psychiatrist for the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury and are currently a physician on the NBPA’s mental health registry. What have you learned working with these high-profile athletes?
Being an elite athlete is incredibly demanding and can be quite stressful, as athletes are constantly trying to balance performance, self-care and external pressures oftentimes from family and significant others. Working in the NBA and WNBA, I saw firsthand that the constant travel can amplify mood challenges, fostering feelings of isolation and self-doubt. Yet, witnessing the transformative impact of building self-confidence, setting boundaries and mastering compartmentalization in elite athletes’ lives is deeply rewarding, empowering them to navigate the complexities of personal and professional domains with resilience.
How do you unwind and clear your head?
Detaching from the pressures and stress of dayto- day tasks between work and home life is a must. I try to take time away from my phone and be out in nature as much as my schedule allows. Spending time with friends and family truly fills up my joy cup —it can feel drained at times between managing personal and professional obligations.
You recently became involved with Scottsdale Professionals Collection. What’s that all about?
Scottsdale Professionals Collective (SPC) is an exclusive, curated community of Scottsdale’s top attorneys and healthcare professionals. SPC, co-founded by Lindsay Benjamin (attorney and owner of Benjamin Legal) and myself, aims to cultivate a dynamic community through our online platform and in-person events among leading professionals in the Scottsdale area.
How can readers become involved?
The kick-off event is April 4 at a private residence. If you are interested in requesting membership, reach out through the website (scottsdaleprofessionalscollective.com).
Lastly, how do you balance it all—and stay sane while doing it?
Achieving a harmonious work-life balance requires a high level of efficiency and effectiveness. I maintain a disciplined schedule, meticulously organizing work commitments and dedicated time for self-care and family.
Photography by: BY JAMES PATRICK PHOTOGRAPHY