HOW CAN WE HELP?
MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
Our Mental Health Program was established in 2022 as part of Asia Pacific Cultural Center’s program offerings to support and serve the community.
Our mission is to provide services that honor AANHPI cultures while working toward improving the overall well-being of our AANPHI communities.
OUR VISION: A world where all Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities are utilizing and freely seeking services for their mental well-being is possible.
WHAT WE DO
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Reduce the stigma and promote literacy and awareness of mental health by offering culturally honoring community education workshops.
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Make mental health therapy accessible by sponsoring the cost of therapy.
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Provide tailored and facilitated mental health community education sessions.
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Collaborate with our AANHPI Youth Advisory Board to guide our program's strategies for improving youth's mental well-being.
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Collaborate with AANHPI-identifying and licensed mental health professionals.
HOW TO ACCESS OUR SERVICES
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Join our free mental health community education workshops held throughout the year. These workshops are for people to learn about mental health support, provide space to encourage each other to seek support, and normalize therapy.
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Request for sponsored mental health counseling sessions if you are experiencing economic insecurity and/or lack of healthcare insurance.
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Request tailored and facilitated workshops on mental health topics that is relevant to your community.
MENTAL HEALTH FACTS
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Learn more about Asian American and Pacific Islander Mental Health
RESOURCES
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Multicultural Counselors - www.multiculturalcounselors.org. You can search profiles to find a counselor that meets your needs by ethnicity, language, religion, and location.
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Behavioral Health Services Locator - www.piercecountywa.gov/5859/Behavioral-Health. You can find behavioral health providers that meet your specific needs
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For a non-life threatening but urgent behavioral health crisis, please contact the 24-hour Pierce County Crisis Line at 1-800-576-7764 or Text "HEAL" to 741741
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Pierce County Recovery Support Line: (877) 780-5222. Talk to someone with experience who understands
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Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988
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If you have a life-threatening illness or injury that needs immediate assistance, please call 9-1-1. ​​
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Community Workshops, Education and Conversations Schedules: Click here to sign up.
Join us in-person at our temporary location: 3513 Portland Ave E, Tacoma, WA 98404
Boundaries in Asian Families - September 5th • 5:00pm-6:00pm
Setting and reinforcing boundaries in an Asian family context
What is Therapy? - September 12th • 6:00pm-7:30pm
Delve into the true essence of therapy, dispelling misconceptions and addressing various inquiries surrounding the practice
Trauma Therapy 101 - September 19th • 5:00pm-6:00pm
How to start healing and thriving from your trauma
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Sleep Wellness - September 26th • 5:30pm-6:30pm
Join us for sleep hygiene practices for optimal sleep
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How Our Childhood Shows Up in Our Adult Relationships - October 3rd • 5:00pm-6:00pm
Applying an attachment lens to understanding relationship patterns and improving adult relationships
Navigating Cultural Stigmas in Mental Health - October 15th • 6:00pm-7:30pm
We navigate the various stigmas that withhold the Pacific Islander community from seeking mental health therapy.
Generational Trauma - October 17th • 5:00pm-6:00pm
Defining generational trauma, how it is passed down, and how one can break its cycle.
Setting Boundaries/What are Boundaries - October 24th • 5:30pm-6:30pm
Learn how to set healthy boundaries and enhance your personal and professional relationships
Reducing Anxiety Through Mindfulness Practices - November 7th • 5:00pm-6:00pm
Self-Love Practices - November 14th • 5:00pm-6:00pm
We explore what self-love is, why it is hard to give ourselves love, and how we can practice giving ourselves love.
Knowing your feelings - November 19th • 6:00pm-7:30pm
We will learn the importance of knowing, identifying, and sharing your feelings outside of what we’ve learned in early childhood
Compassion Fatigue - December 5th • 5:00pm-6:00pm
What is it? Do you, have it? In this workshop, you will learn how to continue practicing compassion while continuing self-preservation.​
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ONE OF OUR PARTNER THERAPISTS?
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If you have a financial barrier, do not have insurance, or have used up all your benefits, and would like to see one of our AANHPI-identifying and licensed mental health professionals for individual or couple counseling, we are sponsoring the costs of up to 5 counseling sessions.
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CONTACT US
If you're interested in any of the mental health services or community education sessions.​
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Call APCC at 253-383-3900 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm or
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Call 253-590-7457 for emergency help after hours.
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GET TO KNOW OUR PARTNER MENTAL HEALTH THERAPISTS
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Ayako Aizawa
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AYAKO: I was born and raised in Japan. My life in the US started over 20 years ago. With my background, I can establish a special rapport with people from other countries as well as children of immigrants. Genuine empathy toward frontline workers in social service/healthcare settings is also my strong point after my 15 years of commitment to serve vulnerable communities under “the system”. I’m also a state-certified Geriatric Mental Health Specialist and have extensive experience working with older adults, people with ongoing medical conditions, and their caregivers. In my personal life, I’m a member of a bilingual/biracial/bicultural family and a parent of a neurodiverse/twice exceptional child. "Professional areas of focus include Marginalized People (BIPOC/Black, Indigenous People of Color, AAPI/Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, LGBTQ+ Folx, Immigrants/Children of Immigrants, etc.), Healthcare/Social Service Workers, Older Adults and Their Caregivers, People with Chronic Health Conditions.
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Credentials/Email/Availability: MS, LMHC, GMHS ayako@yoursongcounseling.com / yoursongcounseling.com. Available: Accepting new clients.
Sala Afalava
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SALA is a licensed professional mental health counselor that runs an exclusively online private practice while also pursuing her Doctorates degree in Clinical Psychology at Northwest University. Sala earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwest University. Her clinical experience is in working with children, adolescents, and adults in addressing anxiety, complex trauma, life transitions, and relationship concerns. She values her relationship with clients and understands the sacredness of each individual and their healing process. Sala is committed to helping her clients and firmly believes in their success.
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Credentials/Email/Availability: MA, LMHC sala@nh-counseling.com
https://nh-counseling.com/about. Available: telehealth only
Connie Oh
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CONNIE: I was born in Korea and moved with my parents to California when I was six. After college, I worked in the corporate environment for many years until I married my husband, who was serving in the Army. As a military family, we have been assigned to nine different duty stations, including a few overseas tours. I have been married for over 21 years, and we have two teenage children. As an Asian American, a military spouse, and a mother of two adopted children, I am familiar with cultural complexities, uncertainty, significant transitions, and many unique challenges. I also love discovering new places, eating great international food, and developing deep relationships. Connie has clinical experience and interest in individuals, marriage and couples counseling, military families, depression/anxiety, grief and loss, addiction, trauma, family of origin issues, including childhood trauma, divorce recovery, spiritual concern and questions, women's issues, caregivers' fatigue.
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Credentials/Email/Availability: MA, LMHCA
https://www.shelterwoodcollective.com/practitioners/connie-oh
Available: telehealth only"
Eunice Setiawan
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EUNICE: I enjoy working with adults, children/adolescents, and families. I believe that counseling needs to be a safe and brave space to process hard topics. I value trust, respect, culture, education, and fun in my work which inclines towards empathic, trauma-informed, attachment, and strength-based approaches. I identify as an Asian-American, military veteran spouse, and parent. My expertise includes anxiety, depression, trauma/complex-trauma/PTSD, military/aviation families, families, parenting, multicultural/identity issues, family of origin issues, and foster care/adoption. I believe in honoring the client’s consent and feedback in the therapeutic process because the client is the true driving force behind change. Every individual has the potential to meet their goals and become the person that they want to be. Finding the right fit therapist is important- please reach out to discuss if we would be a good fit. 😊
Credentials/Email/Availability: LMHCA, NCC eunice@shmwa.com/ www.shmwa.com
Paige Pereira
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PAIGE: I practice from a client-centered, strengths-based approach, utilize CBT, incorporate DBT principles to teach distress tolerance skills, and provide psychoeducation to increase insight and awareness for client and their family systems. I am Pacific Islander identifying, culturally rooted as a Chamorro woman from Guam. I value the connection between culture and its unique role in our mental health. My respective identities help guide my clinical work, by building foundational trust and encouraging clients to find comfort in exploring their personal identities. If you are ready to begin/continue your healing journey and you feel we’d be a good fit, please contact me via email for a consultation.
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Credentials/Email/Availability: LSWAIC paige@shmwa.com / www.shmwa.com
Scarlett Ekeroma
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SCARLETT: I specialize in helping individuals set healthy boundaries and process healing their inner wounds. I assist you in giving a voice to the inner wounds you carry. I use a variety of techniques and incorporate a wholesome approach (looking at the psychological, physical, emotional, spiritual, and social aspects of your life) to help promote personal growth and healing. I believe a healthy coaching relationship, through trust-building, will help elevate and encourage you through various situations.
Credentials/Email/Availability: MA, LMFT, CMHP hello@elevatehealingllc.com / www.elevatehealingllc.com. Availabilities: telehealth only
Portia Bajwa, LICSW
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PORTIA: Portia is a licensed clinical social worker based in WA state and conducts her practice over telehealth. She works with adult individuals and couples who are struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, grief and loss, and depression. Portia incorporates mindfulness and somatic-based approach in order to increase connection, awareness, and growth in the therapeutic space. She specializes in working with BIPOC members of the community, including immigrants and first- and second-generation Americans. She also specializes in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community as an ally.
Credentials: LISW, MSW
mail/Availability: portia@sansaracounseling.com / https://www.sansaracounseling.com/
Veronica Ngoc Nhan
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VERONICA: I attended Pacific Lutheran University (PLU), where I obtained my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. During my time at PLU, I trained in working with couples while also interning in clinical settings where I focused on working with children, teens, and young adults. After graduating, I began my career, continuing my focus on teens and young adults with substance use/abuse along with mental health challenges. Eventually, I transitioned back to my foundation in working with adult individuals and couples, helping them navigate personal and relational obstacles such as anxiety, infidelity, depression, self-esteem, and trauma. Throughout my training and in my professional career, I have provided treatment for clients from diverse cultures and varying socioeconomic backgrounds.
Credentials: LMFT. Availability: Telehealth only
Contact: https://www.revivetherapywa.com / nhanlmft@gmail.com
Luke Thao
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LUKE: Expertise - Hello, I emphasize approachability and collaboration within the therapeutic process and relationship. What this means to me is sharing a space where we practice (in all its vulnerability, humor, and profundity) what it means to be who we are and who we want to be. Growing up Asian-American (Hmong), gay, and Christian-identified (nondenominational, pastor's kid), I appreciate the intersectional experience of navigating multiple (and often competing) identities. My hope is to support those desiring to venture deeper into what it means to live authentically and with purpose. I especially enjoy working with those interested in exploring: socialized masculinity and sexuality (e.g., Out of Control Sexual Behavior, desire discrepancy, body image, values and beliefs...), the specific interaction of faith/spirituality and sexuality (e.g., shame, trauma...), intersectional identity work (i.e. our complex and interacting layers as people), surviving dating, navigating life transitions, and living with anxiety (e.g., social, highly sensitive person...) and depression.
Availability: Telehealth Only. Credentials: MA, LMFTA
Contact: luke@thaotherapyservices.com
Thavarry Yaim
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Thavarry’s belief is that counseling is most effective when taking a collaborative and holistic approach. Every individual is unique in their needs and the time it takes to address them. She strives to create a strong, therapeutic relationship that is built on trust, respect, responsibility, empathy, attentiveness, and open-mindedness through communication. Thavarry’s goal is to offer you a safe and supportive space, to walk with you in your journey, explore aspects of the 'self' that you would like to build on, and discover strengths that can be used in your present and future to have the life that you desire.
Availability: Virtual only. Credentials: MA, LMHC
Contact: tyaim@attunedwa.com
Cheryl Dann
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I am a licensed, Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the states of Washington and Oregon. I welcome adolescent and adult clients with mental health conditions. My approach in treatment is collaborative, partnering with clients in pursuit of their mental wellbeing. I incorporate the growing practice of nutrition psychiatry in my treatment plans as I see the benefits of natural remedies complementary with traditional treatments. I derive treatment decisions from evidence-based research. I recognize that medication alone may not sufficiently treat these disorders and I put emphasis on continued engagement with a licensed therapist and commitment to overall wellness. I also offer talk therapy, supportive counseling, and solutions-focused brief therapy
Availability: Virtual, In-person (must be requested). Credentials: ARNP, PMHNP-BC
Contact: scheduling@caringmindsllc.net
Xuan Ho
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Xuan Ho is a first-generation Vietnamese American therapist specializing in individual, couple, and family therapy. With a Master's degree in Couple and Family Therapy from Antioch University, she has extensive experience in community mental health and private practice. In her work with individuals, Xuan addresses a range of issues from anxiety and depression to relationship challenges and trauma. For couples, Xuan focuses on reducing conflict, improving communication, and fostering greater self-awareness and understanding between partners. As a sex therapist, Xuan assists individuals and couples with various sexual issues including desire discrepancy, erectile dysfunction, and sexual shame, among others. Additionally, Xuan is skilled in helping families navigate conflicts and power struggles more effectively. Her therapeutic style is characterized by compassion, cultural sensitivity, and a focus on client empowerment. Xuan is best suited for clients who are motivated for change and open to trying new approaches.
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Availability: Virtual. Credentials: LMFT
Contact: xuan@harmonytherapysolutions.org
Cynthia Huynh-Wu
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As a narrative-centered therapist, Cynthia provides a supportive environment for you to deepen your understanding of yourself, challenge these barriers, and reframe your story in order to make empowered choices that align with your values and goals.
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As the daughter of Southeast Asian refugees, Cynthia has firsthand experience living between cultures and navigating inherited trauma and intersectional identities. From both a professional and personal perspective, she believes in the spirit of human resilience and the ability to heal through storytelling.
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Availability: Not accepting new clients, virtual, in-person. Credentials: MA, LMHC
Contact: cynthia@diasporacounseling.com
Elisha Geers
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Expertise: Elisha has been in the mental health field for over 4 years. She is AAPI/LGBTQ aligned and strives to elevate those communities. Her therapeutic approach is curious and humanistic; she sees people as imperfect, ever-changing, inspiring, and limitless. Other inspirations include psychodynamic, attachment, feminist, queer, and existential theories, tarot, nature, solitude, and community.
Availability: Virtual. Credentials: MSW, LICSW
Contact: 206-385-872
Taylor Nguyen
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Taylor is a Vietnamese-American, queer, cisgender woman who has worked with individuals from all walks of life and ages. Taylor works from a holistic, and social justice lens; she values building authentic relationships with her clients by engaging with an open mind and learning about her client’s stories. Taylor truly believes that everything in one’s life is interwoven, therefore, working from a holistic perspective helps her clients to face everyday challenges.
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Taylor believes in creating a safe space in which clients can come as they are, no matter where they are in life. She believes in working with clients to find their authentic selves and working with them to create healthy habits for a lifetime.
Credentials: MA, LICSWA
Contact: scheduling@gardenwellnessgroup.com
Di-Linh Hoang
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Di-Linh is a Vietnamese American, cisgender woman, who has worked with individuals, families, and kids. She works from a holistic and empathic perspective, and values incorporating a multicultural and social justice lens in her work. Di-Linh has worked in a variety of settings such as schools, a nonprofit agency, and private settings. She believes that our past experiences and environments shape and influence us. Therefore, she wants to help clients navigate through challenging experiences that may come up in life. Di-Linh is passionate about guiding and empowering clients in their own journey of growth and well-being.
Availability: Virtual. Credentials: LMHC
Glaiza Gatdula
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I was born and raised in the Philippines, moved to Guam when I was 20 and moved to WA when I was 27. I am a mother of 2, and my life centers around my family and our cat. Navigating multiple cultures impacts a lot of who I am—I always navigate individualism and collectivism, which affects all of us in one way or another. Most of my work with you will focus on helping you manage life stressors, whether you are feeling depressed, anxious, or have experienced trauma. We'll aim to understand the roots of your problems and make healthier and more conscious choices moving forward. Sometimes, I will challenge your thoughts; at other times, we'll slow down together to reflect, process, and feel the emotions to gain acceptance of the things you cannot control.
Availability: Waitlist. Contact to join the list for online therapy.
Credentials: NCC, LMHC
Contact: (206) 260-0288
CONTACT US
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If you're interested in any of the mental health services or community education sessions.​
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Call APCC at 253-383-3900 from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm or
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Call 253-590-7457 for emergency help after hours.
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