Mental health within Asian communities remains highly stigmatized, but younger generations of Asian Americans are beginning to recognize the importance of mental health in building a life well lived. In this conversation with Dr. Jenny Wang, PhD, nationally recognized psychologist and author on the intersections of mental health, Asian American identity and racial trauma, we will explore the ways Asian and non-Asian communities can prioritize mental health, rewrite narratives that bind us, and move towards individual and collective freedom and agency. We hope this intimate conversation will offer tangible actions which audience members can implement immediately to improve their mental wellbeing.
Dr. Jenny Wang, PhD is a Taiwanese American clinical psychologist, speaker and author on the intersections of Asian American identity, mental health, and intergenerational trauma. She received her doctorate from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and completed her postdoctoral training at the Duke University Medical Center. Her professional mission is to destigmatize mental health within the Asian community and empower Asian Americans to prioritize their mental well-being. She spearheaded several mental health directories, including the Asians for Mental Health therapist directory, to connect individuals with culturally relevant mental health care. She founded the Instagram community Asians for Mental Health (@asiansformentalhealth), where she explores the unique ways in which Asian American identity impacts our mental health. Her best-selling book, Permission to Come Home: Reclaiming Mental Health as Asian Americans was published by Grand Central Balance in May 2022. Dr. Wang serves as an advisor on the mental health advocacy board of Wondermind, a mental health media company co-founded by Selena Gomez, Mandy Teefey, and Daniella Pierson. She is also an advisory member of the Mental Health Coalition created by Kenneth Cole. She currently sits on the academic advisory board for The Asian American Foundation on their research initiative focused on AAPI youth mental health. Dr. Wang has been seen on Good Morning America, NBC, Today Show, and more.
