Rachel Leviss Emerges: Reclaiming Identity After Scandoval and Intensive Mental Health Treatment

In a significant move signaling a fresh start, reality television personality Raquel Leviss, known for her role on Bravo’s hit series Vanderpump Rules, is reportedly taking back her birth name, Rachel. This decision comes on the heels of an intensive two-month stay at a mental health facility and marks a profound step in her journey of self-reclamation and healing. According to a July 14 report by TMZ, sources close to the 28-year-old star indicate that after enduring relentless public scrutiny and online harassment post-Scandoval, she chose to embrace her original identity. Her therapists played a crucial role in this decision, explaining that detractors had weaponized the name “Rachel” to inflict pain. By actively reclaiming and embracing it, Leviss has reportedly found a way to neutralize the negativity and strip her critics of their power.

The act of reclaiming a birth name is often deeply personal and psychologically resonant, particularly for individuals in the public eye who have experienced trauma or public shaming. For Rachel Leviss, this transition signifies more than just a name change; it represents a powerful assertion of self-ownership and a deliberate step towards defining her identity on her own terms, rather than allowing external forces to dictate it. The public’s initial exposure to her as “Raquel” was tied to her pageant past and her relationship with James Kennedy, but “Rachel” is her foundation. This return to her roots suggests a desire for authenticity and a severance from the persona that became entangled in one of reality television’s most explosive scandals.

A Transformative Journey: Two Months at The Meadows

This significant personal development follows a period of intense therapy and healing. Rachel Leviss had stepped away from the public spotlight for two months to receive treatment at The Meadows, a renowned mental health facility located in Wickenberg, Arizona. Another TMZreport from July 14 confirmed her departure from the facility a week prior, indicating she is now staying at a friend’s residence as she reintegrates into daily life. The decision to seek professional help was a direct consequence of the immense public pressure and emotional turmoil she experienced in the aftermath of the “Scandoval” controversy, which thrust her into an unprecedented level of negative attention.

The cost of such specialized care was reportedly “staggering,” with the two-month stay at The Meadows estimated at $200,000. This substantial investment underscores the gravity of the situation and the comprehensive nature of the treatment she received. An insider who recently spent time with Rachel described her as “a totally different person” after her transformative stay, highlighting the profound impact of the therapy. Crucially, her time at The Meadows was dedicated to “mental health and trauma therapy,” differentiating it from conventional substance abuse rehabilitation. This distinction is vital, as it emphasizes her focus on processing psychological trauma, developing coping mechanisms, and addressing underlying mental health concerns rather than addiction. The Meadows is known for its intensive programs focused on trauma, addiction, and mood disorders, offering a holistic approach to healing that includes individual and group therapy, experiential therapies, and educational workshops. Such an environment would have provided Rachel with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of her public life and personal struggles.

The Echoes of Scandoval: A Catalyst for Change

The catalyst for Rachel’s mental health journey and her subsequent identity shift was undeniably the explosive affair with her *Vanderpump Rules* co-star, Tom Sandoval. This scandal, quickly dubbed “Scandoval,” sent shockwaves through the Bravo community and beyond, dominating entertainment headlines for months. The affair not only shattered Tom Sandoval’s nine-year relationship with Ariana Madix but also exposed intricate web of deceit and betrayal that left the entire cast and their loyal fanbase reeling. The fallout was multifaceted and intense, including Tom’s public breakup with Ariana, the temporary restraining order Rachel filed against castmate Scheana Shay, and a pervasive sense of discord that permeated the show’s tenth season. The highly anticipated three-part reunion special served as a volatile culmination, bringing the raw emotions and unresolved conflicts to a dramatic head.

The illicit relationship between Rachel (then Raquel) and Tom came to light in early March when Ariana discovered an explicit video of Rachel on Tom’s phone. This discovery instantly unraveled years of friendship and trust, propelling all parties involved into an unforgiving public spotlight. By April, the emotional toll on Rachel became evident, prompting her to seek professional help. A representative for the star confirmed to People that she was entering a voluntary facility for mental health counseling. The representative clarified that this decision was made by Rachel and her family even before the full extent of the relationship was publicly revealed, underscoring a proactive approach to her well-being amidst overwhelming circumstances. The statement at the time emphasized the “voluntary” nature of her entry, aiming to frame it as a responsible step towards healing rather than a forced intervention.

Beyond the Scandal: A New Chapter for Rachel Leviss

The journey from Raquel to Rachel, from public shaming to private healing, is a testament to the complex pressures faced by reality TV personalities. The intense scrutiny, coupled with the weaponization of her birth name by online trolls, created an environment that was deeply detrimental to her mental health. Her therapists’ guidance in reclaiming “Rachel” highlights a therapeutic strategy focused on empowerment and resilience. By embracing the name that was used to hurt her, she is actively transforming a source of vulnerability into a symbol of strength and self-acceptance.

This pivotal moment raises questions about Rachel Leviss’s future, both personally and professionally. Will she return to Vanderpump Rules, and if so, how will her new identity be integrated into the narrative? The show thrives on drama and authenticity, and a storyline revolving around her healing and identity reclamation could offer a compelling and unprecedented arc. Regardless of her television future, her decision to prioritize mental health and reclaim her identity sets an important precedent for public figures grappling with similar challenges. It underscores the importance of seeking help, even when under the harshest public glare, and the transformative power of personal growth. Her story is evolving beyond the scandal, moving towards a narrative of resilience, self-discovery, and the courageous embrace of her true self.

As Rachel Leviss embarks on this new chapter, her experience serves as a reminder that behind the headlines and reality TV drama, there are real individuals navigating profound personal challenges. Her decision to confront her trauma, invest in her mental well-being, and reclaim her birth name is a powerful declaration of autonomy. It signifies a desire to shed the negative associations of the past and step forward with a renewed sense of self, hopeful for a future where she defines her own narrative.