My Story

Hello and welcome to my page! My story began as a  first-generation born Vietnamese American in awe of how people carry wounds invisible to everyone else. My family came to America the year I was born and my life is shaped by our immigrant story and American acculturation.  I grew up with a love for poetry and bookmaking. Prior to medical school, I volunteered in child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence activism.  I am made up of experiences as a woman, a daughter of immigrants and a cancer survivor. Over time, I found my life’s purpose in child psychiatry. 

Child psychiatrists are comprehensively trained to understand the psyche of children and adults. We have knowledge in child development, psychopathology and collaborating with complex medical systems.  Our 10 years of education, supervision and continuous certification prepare us to recommend evidence based treatments. Unfortunately, in many sectors in mental health, child psychiatrists are pidgeon-holed to prescribe medications. Therapy with child psychiatrists is becoming a myth. I believe that children and adults benefit from a provider that starts with therapy but can prescribe medications if needed. As much as I believe in the efficacy of medications, I enjoy the in-person connection, Ah Ha! moments and creativity that comes with psychotherapy. My work with traumatized youth inspired me to open a private practice that connects with people metaphorically through art and play. Adults learn best about children stepping into their world of play. It has been a long-term dream of mine to blend the two loves of my life: psychiatry and artistic expression to serve my patients.  After completing my training in adult, child and adolescent psychiatry, I did an additional early childhood fellowship and I am currently working towards certification in play therapy and expressive arts therapy. 

I have continued working with marginalized groups like the LGBTQIA , BIPOC and immigrant communities.  I continue to serve survivors of child abuse in foster care/adoption agencies and in underserved communities. I have experience with the myriad of psychiatric disorders but my passion continues to be working with survivors of trauma, anxiety, depression, marginalized individuals and those struggling with identity and life’s transitions. I incorporate techniques in art and play therapy with children and teens. I can also work with the adults rediscovering their expressive and playful selves.  

I appreciate your trust in me to be a part of you and/or your child’s mental health journey.