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I am Dr. Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy, a physician, scholar, mental health equity expert, organizational consultant and entrepreneur. I am also a mother to two beautiful Latino-Indian kids.
I am a triple-board certified Adult, Child and Adolescent, and Forensic Psychiatrist and the Founder and CEO of Saagara PLLC, a consulting firm assisting child- and family-serving organizations to center justice, equity and healing in their services. I bring passion and expertise in medical education, advocacy and leadership in child and family mental health. I have experience in providing and leading collaborative and integrative care to youth and families in community clinical settings. |
TEKU |
I am also the Founder and CEO of TEKU, an educational organization supporting child and family mental health and well being outside of clinical settings and practices. I am passionate about increasing preventive efforts that help families protect their mental health and enhance social connection, healing and justice in our communities.
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Media, Publications and Upcoming Events
June 2024
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is invited as a speaker at the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America happening July 4-5 in San Antonio.
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is invited as a speaker at the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America happening July 4-5 in San Antonio.
May 2024
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is invited as a speaker at the 2024 Food and Nature Education Conference organized by Gardopia Gardens and held at Trinity University on May 18th, 2024. You can register here.
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is invited as a speaker at the 2024 Food and Nature Education Conference organized by Gardopia Gardens and held at Trinity University on May 18th, 2024. You can register here.
April 2024
Teku joins advocacy efforts led by UpPartnership's Future Ready Leadership Table to advocate for an increase in city funding to support youth health, education and wellbeing .
April 2024
Dr. Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy is invited to join AACAP President Dr. Tami Benton's Presidential Taskforce. Led by Dr. Tami Benton, Melvin Oatis and Lisa Culllins, the taskforce aims to set priorities for the presidential theme, along with driving and monitoring progress.
Dr. Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy is invited to join AACAP President Dr. Tami Benton's Presidential Taskforce. Led by Dr. Tami Benton, Melvin Oatis and Lisa Culllins, the taskforce aims to set priorities for the presidential theme, along with driving and monitoring progress.
March 2024
Dr. Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy is invited to share her work as founder and CEO of Teku with California's Council of Community Behavioral Health Agencies Race and Social Equity Task Force. Read more about the council here
March 2024
Teku co-hosts the first Women in Mental Health Clinician Entrepreneur brunch, brining together a diverse and powerful group of women leaders in San Antonio who are working hard to promote community mental health.
Teku co-hosts the first Women in Mental Health Clinician Entrepreneur brunch, brining together a diverse and powerful group of women leaders in San Antonio who are working hard to promote community mental health.
February 2024
Dr. Barbara Robles-Ramamurthy is invited to join the UTHSA MD/MPH Program as a Faculty Advisor and is highlighted on this instagram post.
January 2024
Teku launches youtube channel with a Healthy Communications webinar. Check it out here and don't forget to subscribe! The webinar is also available in Spanish
December 2023
Teku collaborated with Zocalo Health to offer educational community support spaces to discuss Latino mental health. Read the blogs highlighting these topics here:
"Mi Hijo Does Not Have Depression"
"Reducing Stigma Against Mental Illness in Latino Communities"
"Supporting Latino Men and Their Mental Health"
November 2023
Peer Review Publication
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy led an academic-community partnership to analyze clinical data to assess the effectiveness of DBT in a long term youth correctional facility. You can read the publication here
Peer Review Publication
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy led an academic-community partnership to analyze clinical data to assess the effectiveness of DBT in a long term youth correctional facility. You can read the publication here
October 2023
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy has accepted an invitation to co-edit an issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America to highlight AACAP President Dr. Tami Benton's presidential initiative inspiring child and adolescent psychiatrists to join the call to action and go beyond clinical care to support youth mental health. You can read Dr. Tami Benton's powerful AACAP Presidential Address here
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy has accepted an invitation to co-edit an issue of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America to highlight AACAP President Dr. Tami Benton's presidential initiative inspiring child and adolescent psychiatrists to join the call to action and go beyond clinical care to support youth mental health. You can read Dr. Tami Benton's powerful AACAP Presidential Address here
September 2023
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is excited to connect with fellow child psychiatrists and therapists at the upcoming annual meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry which will take place in October in New York City. You can register for the meeting and see the program agenda here.
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is excited to connect with fellow child psychiatrists and therapists at the upcoming annual meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry which will take place in October in New York City. You can register for the meeting and see the program agenda here.
August 2023
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our TEKU Parenting Community. For a low- cost, three month membership, parents and caregivers can access foundational mental health information, skills and expand your social network to promote family mental health. You can sign up for the course here.
July 2023
La Dra. Robles-Ramamurthy fue invitada al show Doctors Saying Stuff para platicar acerca del uso de sustancias y como apoyar a nuestros seres queridos. Vea el episodio aqui.
La Dra. Robles-Ramamurthy fue invitada al show Doctors Saying Stuff para platicar acerca del uso de sustancias y como apoyar a nuestros seres queridos. Vea el episodio aqui.
June 2023
Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy has joined the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute as a Senior Fellow to support their efforts in promoting mental health equity for children and families in Texas.
May 2023
Podcast Entre Madres y Doctoras
La Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy estuvo de invitada en el podcast Entre Madres y Docotoras para platicar acerca de la salud mental de las madres y de nuestros hij@s.
Podcast Entre Madres y Doctoras
La Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy estuvo de invitada en el podcast Entre Madres y Docotoras para platicar acerca de la salud mental de las madres y de nuestros hij@s.
April 2023
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is selected to join the American Psychological Association Guideline Update Panel for the treatment of PTSD in adults. Read more about the panel here.
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is selected to join the American Psychological Association Guideline Update Panel for the treatment of PTSD in adults. Read more about the panel here.
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March 2023
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy was invited to write an editorial for the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry on the topic of antiracism in the care of unaccompanied immigrant minors. You can access the article here. |
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March 2023
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy was invited to deliver a workshop at the Texas Substance Use Symposium 2023 attended by hundreds of clinicians and community leaders. |
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January 2023
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy was invited to present Grand Rounds at the University of California San Diego, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. You can watch the recording here. |
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December 2022
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is invited to share her expertise on Centering Justice and Collective Healing in Child and Family Mental Health at the upcoming Grand Rounds at the Institute of Living. The presentation is scheduled for December 8th and you may watch the presentation here. |
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December 2022
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is invited to participate in a panel organized by Physicians for Human Rights to share her expertise on how clinicians can serve as defenders of human rights. You may watch the recording here. |
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October 2022
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy was invited to lead a chapter on Migrant and Refugee Mental Health for the newly published Textbook of Community Psychiatry. You can read the chapter here. |
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October 2022
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is invited to share part of her narrative as a physician, mental health advocate, mentor and social entrepreneur in the podcast Unedited Voices of Medicine led by Sahit Menon. You can listen to the episode here. |
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October 2022
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is invited to participate in a panel titled "Powerful Pens Visible Voices" celebrating the launch of the Center for Health Policy led by Dr. Wari Allison. Register for the event here. |
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September 2022
Uvalde prompted Texas to start taking mental health in schools more seriously. Is it enough?Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is featured in this one-hour podcast by Bonnie Petrie discussing children's mental health, mass shootings and gun safety. You can listen to the episode here. |
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September 2022, Peer Reviewed Publication
Beyond Children's Mental Health: Cultural Considerations to Foster Latino Child and Family Mental Health Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy led a publication published in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America with co-authors Dr. Jess Sandoval, Dr. Amalia Londono-Tobon and Dr. Lisa Fortuna. |
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Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy will be participating at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2022 Annual Meeting as a member of the Program Committee and is also leading the following presentations:
Creating Our Own Tables: Innovations in Mental Health Equity. Clinical Perspectives led by Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy, with participation from Dr. Alfiee from the AAKOMA Project, Dr. Myeshia Price from the Trevor Project and Dr. Victoria O'Keefe from Johns Hopkins and Dr. Lisa Fortuna from UCSF. Innovative and Collaborative Ways to Address the Children's Mental Health Crisis: Meeting Patients Where They Are Through Community-Academic Partnerships. Clinical Perspectives led by Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy and Phillip Yang. Gender Differences in Responsiveness to DBT Intervention for Youth in a Juvenile Correctional Facility. Poster presentation led by Phillip Yang. You may register here to attend |
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In partnership with Zocalo Health, Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy will host a community gathering to promote conversations about mental health among Latino communities. The event is scheduled for October 5th, 6-8pm at Cafe Azteca in San Antonio, TX. You can register to attend here.
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September 2022
My job security relies on another woman taking care of my children Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy shares her experience as a physician mother navigating the complexities of being a multicultural primary caregiver to her young children, contextualizing women's professional struggles within larger social structures. |
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August 2022
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy and Dr. Hector Colon-Rivera led a presentation in partnership with Frederick Shegog and Hernan Carvente-Hernandez on the topic of Young Males and Depression. The event was sponsored by the Partnership for Male Youth for their 2022 National Symposia on Adolescent and Young Adult Male Health. You can find the recording here. |
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July 2022
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is invited as a Keynote Speaker at the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Annual Conference to discuss how Pediatric Hospitalist can center Justice and Collective Healing in the current children's mental health crisis. |
June 2022
Supporting Kids After a School Shooting
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy speaks on tips for caregivers navigating difficult conversations and decisions
Supporting Kids After a School Shooting
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy speaks on tips for caregivers navigating difficult conversations and decisions
May 2022
KSAT Q&A: How to Talk to Kids About Uvalde Shooting
Dr.Robles-Ramamurthy explains how to help kids to cope with Uvalde shooting
KSAT Q&A: How to Talk to Kids About Uvalde Shooting
Dr.Robles-Ramamurthy explains how to help kids to cope with Uvalde shooting
May 2022
¿Cómo Hablar con los Niños tras la Masacre Escolar en Texas? Una Experta Comparte Recomendaciones
¿Cómo Hablar con los Niños tras la Masacre Escolar en Texas? Una Experta Comparte Recomendaciones
April 2022, Peer Reviewed Publication
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy's work mending Dialectical Behavioral Skills and Anti-Racism to empower South Texas educators is recognized by the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry as "Best of Connect"
Read all about it here
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy's work mending Dialectical Behavioral Skills and Anti-Racism to empower South Texas educators is recognized by the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry as "Best of Connect"
Read all about it here
April 2022
'This needs to end': parents, students struggling with rise in bullying caused by COVID-19
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy discusses concerns about increased bullying experienced by children during the pandemic
'This needs to end': parents, students struggling with rise in bullying caused by COVID-19
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy discusses concerns about increased bullying experienced by children during the pandemic
April 2022
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy discusses an important research collaboration between Physicians for Human Rights and Al Otro Lado which documented severe and persistent psychological consequences of forced family separations at the U.S-Mexico border.
Article available here
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy discusses an important research collaboration between Physicians for Human Rights and Al Otro Lado which documented severe and persistent psychological consequences of forced family separations at the U.S-Mexico border.
Article available here
April 2022
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy collaborated with Physicians for Human Rights to research the impact of forced family separation on deported parent's wellbeing. Full report available here
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy collaborated with Physicians for Human Rights to research the impact of forced family separation on deported parent's wellbeing. Full report available here
April 2022
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy was invited to lecture at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Douglas B. Hansen Annual Update Course on the topic of Latinx Youth and Family Mental Health. You can register for the course here
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy was invited to lecture at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Douglas B. Hansen Annual Update Course on the topic of Latinx Youth and Family Mental Health. You can register for the course here
April 2022, Peer Reviewed Publication
Equity in Community Mental Health
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy led a manuscript delineating opportunities and challenges in creating equitable community mental health services for BIPOC Youth
Equity in Community Mental Health
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy led a manuscript delineating opportunities and challenges in creating equitable community mental health services for BIPOC Youth
March 2022
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy and Hernan Carvente-Martinez, CEO of Healing Ninjas, discuss ethical concerns arising during medical treatment of youth in correctional facilities at the Penn Forensic Psychiatry Seminar
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy and Hernan Carvente-Martinez, CEO of Healing Ninjas, discuss ethical concerns arising during medical treatment of youth in correctional facilities at the Penn Forensic Psychiatry Seminar
March 2022
Part 1: Racism, Education and Black Children's Mental Health
Part 2: Book Bans, Racism and Black Children's Mental Health
In this two-part series, Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy writes about the impact of racism on Black childrens'' mental health and the lost opportunities for growth and learning that are taken away by book bans.
Part 1: Racism, Education and Black Children's Mental Health
Part 2: Book Bans, Racism and Black Children's Mental Health
In this two-part series, Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy writes about the impact of racism on Black childrens'' mental health and the lost opportunities for growth and learning that are taken away by book bans.
February 2022
Voices for Children San Antonio
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy was invited to participate on a panel organized by Voices for Children San Antonio to discuss children's mental health during and after the pandemic. Accompanying panelists included Texas State Senator Jose Menéndez, Dr. Mario Torres, Dean, UTSA College of Education and Human Development and Dr. Lisa Cortez Waldren, Magik Theatre Director of Education
Voices for Children San Antonio
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy was invited to participate on a panel organized by Voices for Children San Antonio to discuss children's mental health during and after the pandemic. Accompanying panelists included Texas State Senator Jose Menéndez, Dr. Mario Torres, Dean, UTSA College of Education and Human Development and Dr. Lisa Cortez Waldren, Magik Theatre Director of Education
January 2022
Healing Lessons From 'Encanto'
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is excited to join Psychology Today as a writer focusing on 'Collective Healing' to foster family and community mental health. Read her first article on the Healing Lessons from 'Encanto'
Healing Lessons From 'Encanto'
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is excited to join Psychology Today as a writer focusing on 'Collective Healing' to foster family and community mental health. Read her first article on the Healing Lessons from 'Encanto'
January 2022
The best places to have a good cry in San Antonio
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy comments on the benefits of feeling your feelings and allowing yourself to cry.
The best places to have a good cry in San Antonio
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy comments on the benefits of feeling your feelings and allowing yourself to cry.
January 2022
Black News Channel
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy speaks with Professor Marc Lamont Hill on Black News Channel about Black children's mental health, highlighting the interaction between the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and racism
Black News Channel
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy speaks with Professor Marc Lamont Hill on Black News Channel about Black children's mental health, highlighting the interaction between the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and racism
November 2021
San Antonio residents battle anxiety, depression as COVID-19 challenges our mental health
November 2021
DS50 Founding Fellow for DocSpace
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is selected as a Founding Fellow for the DocSpace fellowship,
assisting therapists in creating innovative ways of delivering mental health services.
DS50 Founding Fellow for DocSpace
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy is selected as a Founding Fellow for the DocSpace fellowship,
assisting therapists in creating innovative ways of delivering mental health services.
October 2021
AACAP Annual Meeting
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy chaired a session on the topic of advancing mental health equity for Black and Latinx children and families.
An expert panel including Dr. Sarah Vinson, Dr. Wanjiku Njoroge, Dr. Lisa Fortuna, Dr. Amalia Londono-Tobón and Dr. Kunmi Sobowale
described their path to develop clinical, research and advocacy skills and the different roles they play to advance our knowledge, clinical
practice and advocacy for systemic changes to better serve our communities.
October 2021
Central America Donors Forum
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy participated in an international panel organized by KIND (Kids In Need of Defense)
and in collaboration with Central American partners to discuss the need to support the mental health of immigrant
children who have been deported.
Central America Donors Forum
Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy participated in an international panel organized by KIND (Kids In Need of Defense)
and in collaboration with Central American partners to discuss the need to support the mental health of immigrant
children who have been deported.
October 2021
AACAP 68th Annual Meeting
As a member of the Program Committee of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy welcomes her colleagues to the Annual Meeting
AACAP 68th Annual Meeting
As a member of the Program Committee of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dr. Robles-Ramamurthy welcomes her colleagues to the Annual Meeting
March 24, 2021
My San Antonio
San Antonio psychiatrist offers advice on how to guide kids through a reopened world
February 26, 2021
San Antonio Express News
Commentary: After the storm, a focus on meeting basic needs
February 23, 2021.
Las Doctoras Recomiendan Podcast:
Escuche todos los episodios en los que ha participado la Dra. Robles-Ramamurthy discutiendo la salud mental infantil y familiar
December, 2020 Peer Reviewed Publication
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Black Children and the Pressing Need for Antiracism in Child Psychiatry
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Black Children and the Pressing Need for Antiracism in Child Psychiatry
February 11, 2019
CNN
Nearly 1 in 7 US kids and teens has mental health condition, and half go untreated, study says
CNN
Nearly 1 in 7 US kids and teens has mental health condition, and half go untreated, study says
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March 2019, Peer Reviewed Invited Commentary
Robles-Ramamurthy, B., Watson, C. Examining Racial Disparities in Juvenile Justice. Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law. 2019, Mar; 47(1): 48-52. |
2018, Book Review
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
Book Review: Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
Book Review: Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nehisi Coates
I am a strong advocate for children and families from historically excluded and marginalized communities. I have been leading community efforts aimed at reducing health inequities for more than a decade.
As a medical educator and scholar, one of my goals is to bring awareness about the importance of restorative and transformative justice approaches, advocacy and structural humility to improve systems of care for families interacting with the multiple systems, such as the mental health, legal, immigration, child welfare and the educational systems.
As a consultant, I mend my personal, medical, academic expertise and activism to improve community services advancing family mental health and healing.
I am currently offering trainings, workshops and consulting services to child- and family-serving agencies. I am looking forward to partnering with you to advance mental health equity for children and families.
PLEASE NOTE: I DO NOT OFFER CLINICAL PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES AT THIS TIME
I am currently offering trainings, workshops and consulting services to child- and family-serving agencies. I am looking forward to partnering with you to advance mental health equity for children and families.
PLEASE NOTE: I DO NOT OFFER CLINICAL PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES AT THIS TIME
Are you an organization serving kids and families AND ready to improve your team's cohesion and clinical skills, practices and policies to offer more meaningful services and connection to the communities you serve?
I want to hear from you!
I want to hear from you!
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