I am Gabrielle Bovard and my memoir, Waiting Room, is coming soon. Heartfelt and empowering, it offers a close look at the lives of those who wait for mental health care, including my own. Join me as I share my story and travel to some of the most underserved communities in the United States. Through a series of intimate conversations, we face challenges, share our wisdom, and learn how to embrace this imperfect life, together.

I want you to know that
you are not alone.

A collage of images including a photograph or two women, an Alabama stamp, a cotton branch, and a torn photograph with the caption "If you fail, you will lose your love."

When I sought a trauma-informed mental health care provider in the midst of a major loss, I was made to wait five months to see a specialist. I felt isolated. I felt abandoned by the system meant to help me. I feared I was wasting precious time in a seemingly endless waiting room. More than anything, I longed to feel better.

This is the true story of how I discovered the power of connection and community, of vulnerability and bravery, while traveling through the United States. Get to know me, Gabrielle, and then go with me to meet the people in rural, urban, and suburban neighborhoods all over the United States. Underserved by the mental health care system, members of these communities share their heartfelt stories and wisdom. Together, we find what it takes to heal in a hurting world—all without leaving the waiting room.

“The doctor can see you in five months.”

A collage of photos and art by the author, Gabrielle Bovard. An image of a shirt with the caption "safe shirt."
A collage of images including a mountain scene, an armchair, a flower, and a leaf.

Hi, I’m Gabrielle,
pronounced with a long “A” sound,
and I am an adventurer.

Legally, I must tell you that I am not a licensed mental health professional. Now that we have that out of the way, I can share this:

I believe the world is at its best when everyone has access to the tools they need to do great things. And sometimes, we have to fabricate our own tools.

That’s why I wrote Waiting Room. I hope that by telling my story and the stories of so many others who wait for care, I can humanize mental health. Erase the stigma. Make it normal. Make it a group project where everyone shows up to contribute to something imperfectly excellent. We are better that way.

A writer, keynote speaker, traveler, cat-mom, and the founder of Random Note Project, I live my life to make the world a better place one word at a time. That, and to find the planet’s best cookies. Any suggestions?

While you wait, check out these useful tools to help you care for your mental health. And, unlike magazines in the office, you can save and share these all you want.

Mental health resources

A collage of images of people, letter tiles saying "Will get better," and a pen with the caption, "must only use this pen for crossword puzzles"

"I choose to live my life with open hands, never holding, always letting go, and always having room for more. Allowing for change. Believing that the best is always in this moment, even as moments slip away."

— Gabrielle Bovard

Join us.
We’re all a little messy and you are welcome here.

Check in to the Waiting Room community early. Be the first to find out about events, mental health resources, and (of course!) when you can get your copy of the book. No spam, I promise.