Rimsha Arif, MD

Dr. Rimsha Arif is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with advanced training in child and adolescent psychiatry. She works with adults and young people, providing thoughtful, evidence-based care in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Dr. Arif’s multicultural background has shaped her understanding of the many personal, familial, and cultural factors that can influence mental health. Of Pakistani descent, she was born in St. Louis and raised primarily in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. She later lived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and now considers Memphis, Tennessee, her family’s home. Having spent much of her life moving around the world, she brings curiosity, cultural awareness, and an appreciation for different perspectives to her work with clients.

Dr. Arif studied psychology at Dalhousie University in Halifax before earning her medical degree from Saba University School of Medicine. She completed her general psychiatry residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria and pursued further specialized training through a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School.

Dr. Arif was drawn to psychiatry because it allows her to combine medical knowledge and evidence-based care with the opportunity to build meaningful relationships. She values spending time with both adults and young people, learning about their experiences, and supporting them as they work toward greater stability, confidence, and quality of life.

Competent, efficient, reliable, and attentive, Dr. Arif is committed to providing high-quality care and following through for her clients. She understands that seeking mental health support can feel vulnerable and strives to create an environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their concerns. By listening carefully and communicating clearly, she works to establish trust and ensure that each client feels respected and understood.

Dr. Arif believes clients should be active participants in their care. She takes time to understand each person’s experiences, concerns, strengths, and goals before working collaboratively with them to develop an individualized plan. Her approach is supportive and empowering, helping clients better understand their mental health and feel confident participating in decisions about their care.

Dr. Arif is energized by continued advancements within psychiatry and by the opportunity to help address the growing need for accessible mental health services. Most importantly, she values the relationships she forms with her clients and feels privileged to support them through some of the most vulnerable and challenging periods of their lives.

Outside of work, Dr. Arif enjoys exploring the Austin area, staying active, and spending time with family and friends.