My background:

I grew up in a village in Guangdong, China and immigrated to San Francisco when I was a teenager with my family. As a first generation immigrant, I struggled with language barriers, acculturation and identities. With time I was able to slowly improve by finding and exploring my own identities and true self and understand how these challenges have shaped the person I am today. My background as an immigrant and life experiences, led me to choose social work as my career and passion. It’s my hope to use all the skills I have to assist you, explore with you and provide guidance on whatever stage you are in at the moment.

Education and license:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) #99848

Master of Social Work with concentration on Health/Mental Health, San José State University

Bachelor’s of Art in Social Work, San Francisco State University

Trainings:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Social Justice Informed Therapy

Gottman Method Level 1

Certified Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained

Work experience:

I have worked in various mental health settings and non-profit organizations in the Bay Area. In recent years, my focus has been on psychiatric social work; and serving the severely mentally ill and homeless population in San Francisco County and San Mateo County. I have a strong background in intensive case management, crisis intervention, individual psychotherapy, facilitate and plan support groups, including family therapy. My work requires collaboration with families, hospitals, board and care facilities, homeless shelters, primary care providers, and other related agencies to support my clients in achieving their long-term goals.

San Mateo County-Behavioral Health and Recovery Services

I worked full time as a Psychiatric Social Worker with the San Mateo County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services. I work with a team of psychiatrists, nurses to help clients better manage their mental health symptoms. I also worked in the Crisis Team in response to crisis requests throughout the San Mateo County, and outreached to homeless encampments in the San Mateo County.

UCSF Citywide Case Management

Prior to my work at San Mateo County, I was working as a Clinical Social Worker at UCSF Citywide providing outpatient mental health services to the Asian community. Services included individual therapy, psychoeducation, group therapy, intensive case management and connecting clients with a psychiatrist for medication management when necessary. As the population we served was struggling with homelessness and substance abuse in San Francisco we collaborated with various residential programs and Acute Diversion Units for further stabilization of symptoms.

Community Youth Center of San Francisco

I worked as a Youth and Family Counselor at Community Youth Center of San Francisco (CYC) in my college years and was a peer leader when I was attending high school in San Francisco.  

Professional Affiliations:

Facilitator for Cultural Humility Training for San Mateo County

Former Co-chair for the Chinese Health Initiative of San Mateo County

Personal interests:

I like to travel as much as I can and I am a foodie. I enjoy listening to music and singing, Pilates, Barre and HIIT trainings.