Indiana is often called the "Crossroads of America," a place where tradition meets a rapidly changing future. But for many Hoosiers, navigating that intersection can feel isolating. Whether you are the first in your family to build a life in the U.S. or a man trying to balance the expectations of strength with the realities of modern demands, you don’t have to carry that weight alone.
At Mindful Garden Counseling, I serve Hoosiers working to cultivate a more fulfilling life. Whether you are living in nepantla — the in-between space of cultural expectations and individual ambition — or you are a man struggling with emotional clarity while also projecting strength and security, this is the space for you.
Indiana is experiencing a historic shift. In 2024, international migration accounted for 70% of our state's population growth. Today, nearly 1 in 7 children in Indiana live in a household with at least one immigrant parent.
Growing up "First-Gen" in the Midwest brings a specific set of challenges. You may find yourself acting as the cultural bridge for your family while simultaneously trying to break into professional spaces where no one looks like you. This unique position often leads to:
The "Success Pressure": The feeling that you must achieve perfection to honor your family’s sacrifices.
Cultural Code-Switching: Toggling between traditional family expectations and the culture of your workplace or school.
Identity Conflict: Grappling with the feeling of being "not enough" of one culture and "too much" of another.
Parentification: Growing up as the "translator" or emotional anchor for your family, often managing adult responsibilities before you were ready, leaving you feeling responsible for everyone’s well-being but your own.
I provide a space where you don't have to explain your culture — you just have to be yourself. Together we can build a life that feels genuine and aligns with you personal values.
In Indiana, the "work hard, don't complain" mentality is a point of pride. But that same stoicism can become a barrier when life gets heavy.
The data shows that Indiana's men are facing a quiet crisis:
In 2024, the suicide rate for men in Indiana was four times higher than for women.
Indiana consistently ranks above the national average for residents reporting mental illness, yet men remain significantly less likely to seek professional support.
Many men in our state struggle with the "quiet" symptoms of depression—irritability, social withdrawal, or burying themselves in work—rather than sadness.
In virtual sessions, I provide a space for men to let their guard down and explore raw emotions to better understand themselves. My approach is genuine and goal oriented. I allow you to see the real me, so you can show me the real you. Together we focus on goals to manage stress, improve relationships, and regain fulfillment in your life.
If you are a Hoosier seeking therapy that validates Midwest experiences and values, you're in the right place.
Fill out the contact form linked below to schedule a consultation call.
We will collaborate to determine therapeutic match and schedule the first session.
Log in to the first session. Take a deep breath and be present for the journey.
Below are some helpful instructions for requesting health care records and contacting licensing authorities
Requesting Your Health Care Records
Clients may request copies of their health care records using one of the following methods:
Email: phillip.liu@mindfulgardenco.com
Phone: (210) 793-8536
Please include your full name, date of birth, preferred contact information, dates of service requested, and how you would like your records delivered. Additional authorization or identity verification may be required before records are released.
Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
1 (800) 457-8283
https://www.in.gov/pla
402 W. Washington Street, Room W072, Indianapolis, IN 46204
You may contact this agency with questions regarding provider licensure or to submit a disciplinary concern.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Support Groups:
NAMI offers a range of support groups for individuals struggling with mental health challenges and psycho-educational courses.
Virtual and in-person options are available.
Events are free to attend with prior registration.
Indiana FSSA Mental Health Centers and Crisis Services:
Determine the type of service needed (mental health center, addiction treatment, psychiatric hospital, etc.)
Locate the service center nearest to you and contact their crisis number to get support.
Family and Intimate Partner Violence Support:
Indiana based supports (and local city based organizations)
Amani Family Services: Serves immigrant and refugee families, offering individual, family, and group counseling. They also provide adjustment groups and substance abuse support. Based in Allen County.
La Casa Amistad: Offers bilingual (Spanish/English/Arabic) support services and programming for immigrant families in the Northern Indiana area. Based in South Bend.
Immigrant Welcome Center: Connects immigrants to various resources, including mental health services, through their community-based network. Based in Indianapolis.
Exodus Refugee Immigration: Provides mental health screenings and counseling for refugees and asylees, including individual, couple, family, and group sessions focusing on trauma and adjustment. Based in Indianapolis.