How does therapy support Asian American mental health?

Therapy provides a safe space to heal intergenerational trauma, manage career stress, overcome creative blocks, and navigate cultural identity challenges. Services include Brainspotting and EMDR therapy available in Los Angeles, Pasadena, the Bay Area, and across California.

What mental health issues commonly affect Asian American communities?

Common concerns include anxiety, depression, perfectionism, impostor syndrome, family pressures, relationship challenges, and creative blocks. Asian American therapists at Oak and Stone Therapy provide culturally sensitive support using Brainspotting, EMDR, and other healing modalities.

Is culturally sensitive therapy important for BIPOC and children of immigrants?

Yes, culturally sensitive therapy acknowledges racial identity, cultural values, and intergenerational expectations. Our services include Brainspotting and EMDR therapy adapted to the needs of BIPOC and first-generation clients across California.

Who can benefit from Oak and Stone Therapy's blog?

Our blog supports Korean Americans, Taiwanese, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Singaporean, Filipino, and other East and South Asian communities, as well as BIPOC individuals and first-generation Americans seeking emotional growth, resilience, and culturally sensitive therapy options like Brainspotting and EMDR.

Taking an Empowered Position During the Pandemic: Mental Health Support in Los Angeles

For You

Mar 30

Written By Hatty J. Lee

Checking in today — with myself, and with you.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in moments like this. The news cycle is constant, emotions are high, and the amount of (mis)information out there around the coronavirus (COVID-19) can feel like too much to sort through.

When we’re flooded with uncertainty, it’s normal to experience a swirl of emotions: fear, confusion, frustration, and even guilt. But while those emotions are real, we can also take meaningful steps that help us feel grounded, connected, and empowered — both individually and collectively.

Choosing an Empowered Response

One way we can all contribute is by staying informed through reputable public health sources and taking intentional action to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This not only protects our own well-being — it also helps support our hospitals, our elders, and the most vulnerable among us.

For me, choosing to stay grounded in the midst of uncertainty has looked like this:

Ways I’ve Been Taking Care of Myself and My Community

Naming and sharing my fears — instead of holding them alone, I’ve been opening up with trusted loved ones.
Getting information from trustworthy sources — I’m mindful about who I listen to and avoid headlines that heighten panic without context.
Setting boundaries around media — I limit how often I check the news and try not to spiral in a sea of updates.
Staying connected — through FaceTime, phone calls, text check-ins, and moments of shared concern or care.
Prioritizing joy and routine — reading, writing, watching movies, playing games with my kids, and making space for laughter.
Caring for my physical health — movement, rest, and good nutrition go a long way in calming the nervous system.
Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness — taking extra steps to sanitize my home and wash hands thoroughly.
Offering telehealth therapy sessions — our practice has moved entirely to secure video sessions to protect our clients and community.
Removing cancellation fees — we’ve waived all cancellation penalties related to illness or potential exposure to COVID-19.
Adjusting my budget — I’m reflecting on spending, saving, and preparing in practical ways.
Educating my children — we talk about the importance of hygiene, compassion, and community responsibility.
Minimizing travel and unnecessary outings — not out of fear, but out of care for those around us.

How Are You Choosing Empowerment?

I invite you to reflect:

What does it look like for you to take an empowered position in the midst of uncertainty?
What routines, relationships, or boundaries help you stay grounded?

There is no perfect way to navigate this. But even small steps — one mindful breath, one honest conversation, one kind gesture — can create calm in the midst of chaos.

About the Author

Hatty J. Lee, LMFT #53772 (she/her) is a Korean American marriage and family therapist, Brainspotting practitioner, and founder of Oak and Stone Therapy. With over 15 years of experience in community mental health, schools, and private practice, she provides therapy in person in Los Angeles and Pasadena, and virtually throughout California and Seoul, South Korea. Many of her clients identify as Asian American creatives, including actors, writers, celebrities, and producers in the entertainment industry. She shares mental health insights on her Instagram and is the co-author of The Indwell Guide, a visual storytelling and mental health guide that offers practical tools to support healing and self-discovery.

Asian American TherapyAnxiety TherapyAsian Therapist

Hatty J. Lee

Oak & Stone Therapy is a team of Asian American therapists who offers individual, couples, child and teens, and family therapy virtually across California and in-person in Los Angeles and Pasadena, California.

http://www.oakandstonetherapy.com