I am a licensed psychologist specializing in the treatment of myriad conditions prevalent among transitional age young adults, including anxiety and mood disorders, characterological concerns, posttraumatic stress, relational concerns, and multicultural identity development. Utilizing a therapeutic approach of assimilative integration, he conceptualizes from psychodynamic and multicultural perspectives and provides an integrative array of evidence-based treatment modalities and interventions.
My research specialty focuses primarily on ethnic minority mental health, Asian American psychology, and vocational psychology. My dissertation, entitled "What Is Career Success? Asian American Psychology of Working," has been published in the Journal on Vocational Behavior. Some of my other research publications also appeared in Transcultural Psychiatry, Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, and Asian American Journal of Psychology.
What year did you graduate: 2018
Principal advisor/mentor during your time in your program? Sumie Okazaki
Undergraduate Major/College: Psychology, Hunter College, CUNY
Masters Program/University- Clinical Psychology/Teachers College, Columbia University
What was the best class you took as an AP student? Tie between the Seminars on Counseling Theories and Vocational Theories
What was the most influential part of your experience in your program? Relationships I have made throughout the program, including with my advisor and my fellow students
What is something you wished you would have done differently during your academic years in the program? I wish I had focused more on honing my research methodologies in the program and refining a narrower focus earlier on.
Do you have any thoughts you’d like to share with prospective students? Trust in the scaffolding process of the program! I was surprised to find how I was always going to be well-prepared by the program to positively impact society and my life. The faculty in the Department are truly invested in our success!
What was your first job after you graduated? Postdoctoral Resident, Counseling and Psychological Services UC San Diego
What is your current job? Clinical Assistant Professor, USC Keck School of Medicine
Do you have any advice for people interested in a similar career path? Counseling psychologists are generally better equipped to offer multiculturally competent care than any other specialties in the field, including clinical psychologists. However, we do face an often unfriendly climate in some hospital settings. I have found that it usually becomes irrelevant once you have identified a niche or expertise, i.e., a special population or specific disorders.
Did you get licensed? Yes