Staff Spotlight: Dr. Brandi Rials

At Palm Beach Behavioral Health & Wellness, we’re proud to spotlight Brandi Rials, Licensed Psychologist and co-owner of PBBHW. Brandi’s passion for supporting children started early, when she volunteered with foster youth in high school - an experience that inspired a lifelong commitment to helping kids and families thrive. Today, she combines that dedication with her expertise to create a warm, supportive space where clients can grow, discover strengths, and celebrate meaningful breakthroughs.

What inspired you to pursue a career in mental health?
My career in mental health was inspired by a desire to work with children. I volunteered to work with foster children when I was in high school and knew then it would be my passion to support kids.
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What’s your favorite part of working at PBBHW?
PBBHW was created as a space for people to come to feel welcome, safe and heard. I love that our team and our physical office exude warmth, comfort and engagement.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting therapy, what would it be?
Trust the process. You didn’t get to the place of seeking support quickly so do not expect miracle changes to occur quickly.

What do you love most about working with children, teens, or families?
My absolute favorite moments in therapy and testing occur when clients notice that difference or change they have been working towards. That moment when the coping skill hits, the mantra or phrase clicks and when they come back excited to share how the tricky things they have been tackling don’t feel so tricky anymore.

What’s one self-care practice you never skip?
The one self-care practice I engage in every day is walking outside. Even if I can only get 10 minutes in, it’s integral to my functioning. 

What’s a book or podcast you often recommend to clients?
The books I recommend the most are by Dr. Dan Seigel. The Power of Showing Up, The Yes Brain, The Whole Brain Child and No Drama Discipline.
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How do you unwind after a long day at work?
After a long day I enjoy leisurely reading. My favorite authors are Janet Evanovich, Molly Harper and Barbara Kingslover.

What’s a fun fact about you most people don’t know?
A fun fact about me that most people don’t know is that I love cooking and baking. Our family is vegan and I love the challenge of turning old recipes into modern, plant-based versions that are just as satisfying.

What motivates you on tough days?
On tough days, the most motivating thing I can do to get going is to say, “it’s only 1 day”. I know things will feel better once I start.

What’s your favorite quote or mantra right now?
My favorite quote is “you can do hard things”

What area of mental health are you most passionate about?
In our field, I am most passionate about access to quality mental health care and how that benefits people’s lives.

Do you prefer the beach or the mountains - and why?
I say both! Those gorgeous places around our globe where the mountains meet the ocean are just perfection. Both allow you to immerse yourself in something so overwhelmingly beautiful and bigger than you, cultivating a sense of calm and appreciation for life.

What’s a small joy in your daily routine?
My small joy is early in the morning drinking a cup of coffee while planning out the day then getting a big, squishy, sometimes slightly aggressive hug from my daughter when she first wakes up.

What’s one thing you’ve learned from your clients?
My clients have taught me that resilience is a superpower.

If you weren’t in this field, what would you be doing instead?
If I was not a psychologist, I would be a writer and own a gymnastics training center.‍

With her compassion, expertise, and dedication to making mental health care accessible, Dr. Brandi Rials continues to shape the welcoming environment at Palm Beach Behavioral Health & Wellness. We’re honored to highlight her meaningful work and the positive impact she brings to children, families, and our entire community.