My story

When I was just 12 years old, I immigrated from Taiwan to Los Angeles, California. As a newcomer, I felt both scared and compelled to speak English. It was scary because it did not feel natural, and often caused me to feel ashamed and embarrassed. I often wondered, “What if they don’t understand me? Am I making mistakes?” I longed to be able to express myself and my needs clearly. Thankfully, I had a wonderful English teacher that listened to me closely; the warm and judgement-free environment provided me with the comfort I needed to make progress without fear. Before I knew it, I finally gained the confidence to speak my mind. This experience showed me the value of a safe space to be vulnerable, and the potential for growth in such an environment.

In psychiatry, I’ve found that talking about “mental health problems” can feel like speaking a new language for many people. It can be daunting to recognize the issues and seek help. With Ripple Healthcare, my mission is to create an environment much like the one that my English teacher created for me. To do so, I provide my clients with a psychiatrist that listens to the whole story—one that carefully explains each step of their treatment, gently guiding them through with ongoing support. As an integrative holistic psychiatrist, I am aware that my patients may not be familiar with some of my treatment options. Keeping this in mind, I always create space for them to feel safe and explore their options towards healing. With every patient I take on, I am committed to working through their problems until they reach a positive shift in their mental health and overall wellbeing.