Originally an East Coaster, I was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to parents who immigrated to the United States from South Korea. Growing up was filled with confusion as I lived in two often opposing worlds: one foot in my Korean immigrant home with shoes off and an emphasis on others more than the individual and the other foot outside the home teaching me to prioritize independence. This bicultural experience shaped who I am today and my worldview in all its complexities.

After obtaining my Master’s from the University of Pennsylvania, I went on to work as a clinical research assistant for Dr. Aaron Beck, founder of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), aiding in suicide prevention and schizophrenia research and treatment. I requested interviews with dozens of individuals who had attempted suicide as part of this research, but very few people of color agreed to be participate and many even rejected free therapeutic interventions.

This trend deeply saddened me and led me to search for answers through research and clinical endeavors to understand the mental health needs of populations of color and how to improve mental health services in the community to be more culturally sensitive and responsive.