We are offering a variety of breakout sessions with topics relevant and specific to the Korean American community. Summit attendees will be able to choose to attend two breakout sessions (all other sessions will be made available via recording).

Session Topics & Facilitators

TeleMentalHealth

This breakout session will go over the concepts related to telementalhealth, including a brief history, current standards of practice, up-to-date guidelines, and general tips. The session will address future directions in telementalhealth and how it can be best utilized to serve our patient population.

Led by Dr. Steve Koh, Psychiatrist and Faculty in Psychiatry

Steve Koh, MD, MPH, MBA is Associate Clinical Professor in Department of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego. He is the Director of the Community Psychiatry Program, Outpatient Psychiatric Services and TeleMentalHealth. He is the former President of the Association of Korean American Psychiatrists.

Domestic Violence in the Korean American Community: How to Address It? / 한인 사회내의 가정폭력 실태와 해결방안

The plight of victims of domestic violence in the Korean American community presents particular challenges to practitioners. Due to cultural and religious values and other immigrant-specific barriers, immigrant victims of domestic violence may not seek help from formal resources, such as domestic violence programs, mental health professionals, and the criminal justice system. This breakout session provides an overview of the impact of cultural and religious values and other barriers on Korean American victims' help-seeking behaviors. The presenter will also discuss cultural resources in the Korean American community that can play important roles as partners for mental health professionals in addressing domestic violence. A virtual case simulation training for faith leaders will be showcased as an example of engaging natural resources. Finally, the presenter will facilitate discussion among participants on how to address domestic violence and address concrete ways to engage and collaborate with cultural resources in the Korean American community.

Led by Dr. Joon Choi, Faculty in Social Work

Dr. Joon Choi is an Associate Professor and Ph.D. Program Director at the University of Georgia School of Social Work. She also serves on the Georgia Commission on Family Violence. She worked in the field of domestic violence for 20 years, first as a counselor/advocate for Asian immigrant women in New York City, and later as a founding member of a CDC-funded domestic violence prevention program for Asian communities in Michigan. As a researcher, she has worked on developing community-based prevention and intervention strategies that incorporate the focal community’s values, perspectives, contexts, and strengths, in order to prevent and reduce domestic violence, substance abuse, and HIV among immigrant and minority women. Her current research focuses on developing and evaluating an online domestic violence intervention training program for faith leaders in immigrant communities, funded by the Department of Justice.

Neuroscientific Interventions for Korean American Families Using Play Therapy / Korean American 가정을 위한 놀이치료 중심의 신경 과학적 치료 접근

Korean Americans face many struggles due to language barriers, cultural differences, financial hardship, lack of information and access to social services, and undocumented immigrant status. They are also vulnerable to trauma and ongoing stress that places them at a greater risk of mental health illness. Most of them live with untreated mental health illness, which develops into more serious mental health issues, relational conflicts, and financial challenges. This breakout session will discuss examples of challenges in Korean American families and how these challenges can be addressed through neuroscientific approaches using play therapy. Participants will have an opportunity to share their own culturally sensitive therapeutic approaches.

Led by Dr. Mi-Kyong Kwon, Director and Psychotherapist

Dr. Kwon is the founder and director of HopeSpring Child & Family Clinic in Fairfax, Virginia. She has been working for 25 years as an educator, a psychotherapist, a child and family advocate, and a clinical supervisor in Korea, Texas, Maryland, and Virginia. Dr. Kwon has produced many publications related to play therapy, Child-Parent-Relationship-Therapy (CPRT), filial therapy, and psychotherapy supervision in Korea and the United States for mental health professionals. Her interest is focused on play therapy, integrated trauma-focused psychotherapy, neuroscience, clinical supervision, developmental trauma, and parent education and training.

Jeanie is a first-year Counseling Psychology doctoral student at Loyola University. She received her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Wheaton College and her Bachelor degree in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. Her research interests include Asian American racial identity and immigrant experience.

Han Na received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Loyola University Chicago; M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Cleveland State University; B.A. in Psychology and minors in Computer Science, Music Business, and Statistics from Anderson University, IN. Her hometown is Seoul, South Korea & Xi’an, China. Clinically, she is interested in the adverse emotional effects of people dealing with mental disorders in diverse cultural contexts. Broadly speaking, her research interests are Asian/Asian American populations, acculturative issues, and mono-cultural characteristics/patterns in multi-cultural settings.

Intersections of Identities: Multicultural Counseling during Racial Unrest

Recent events have brought to light systemic oppression of various minority groups. In our current climate of racial unrest, counselors must be equipped with multicultural competencies and able to integrate multidimensional cultural identities into counseling work. This session will explore the importance of recognizing intersections of oppressed identities and tangible ways to empower and advocate for marginalized clients.

Led by Dr. Angie Kim, PhD, LMHC, NCC, Faculty in Counseling

Dr. Angie Kim is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC). She is also an assistant professor of counseling at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA, teaching courses including Multicultural Diversity in Counseling. The presenter’s scholarly research is in the areas of defining barriers and factors that impact underutilization of mental health services by Koreans and Korean Americans as well as examining the roles of churches and church leaders in increasing mental health awareness and care.

The Korean American Church and Counseling: Exploring Creative Ways to Provide Care

One of the essential calls of the church is to provide care for its people and those who are in need. In this session, we will examine some of the current issues in the Korean American Church when it comes to the understanding and practice of counseling. Moreover, we will explore creative ways to provide care in and through the Church. Counselors and other mental health professionals, as well as pastors and church leaders, are welcome to participate in this conversation.

ABCs of School Counseling: Back to the Basics in the Midst of a Pandemic

As educational professionals, health care officials, legislators, and our family and friends across the country debate the physical and mental health risks of reopening schools in the fall, school counselors can and should be an essential part of the conversation.  Now more than ever, school counselors need to amplify their voice and stress the importance of their work in addressing students' social, emotional, learning, and mental and behavioral health needs.  They also need to advocate for school policies that provide equity and access for all learners and are nuanced to the cultural needs of the community.  During this session, we will discuss best counseling practices as students, families, and staff prepare for a new and complicated school year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and what some have deemed the "pandemic of racism."  Participants will be encouraged to share their creative ideas and personal experiences with the group.

Led by JK Park, School Counselor

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Jong Kwan "JK" Park immigrated to the U.S. at age 6. Since then, his life journey offered opportunities for him to interact and develop relationships with people from diverse backgrounds both in the U.S. and abroad. This past school year marked his 12th year working as a high school counselor in the Greater Boston area. JK received his B.A.in Psychology and Sociology from Grove City College, and his M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Boston College. In his spare time, JK enjoys playing and watching soccer, eating ice cream, and delighting in nature with his wife and his two daughters.

To Be Seen and Heard: The Intersection Between Identity, Trauma and the Adoption Industry

Today, there are approximately 124,000 Korean adoptees in the United States. While the accepted narrative is often based on the fact that we are adopted transracially into white families, many adoptees have been telling a different story. In this session, we will explore elements of the adoptee experience such as racial and cultural identity, the impact of trauma on our health, and the solutions necessary for us to thrive today and in the future. At the end of the session, you should have a greater understanding of the adoptee experience, the challenges that we have been addressing, and our efforts to overcome the high rate of suicide attempts within our community. With this greater understanding, the hope is for deeper compassion and collaboration.

Led by Moses Farrow, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Moses Farrow, LMFT has been in the mental health field for 20 years and is the only Asian adoptee adoption-trauma therapist in Connecticut. He is a co-founder and President of the Mental Health Division for the Gide Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. He is passionate about the mission to eliminate suicides in the intercountry/transracial adoptee community. He hopes that through adoptee education and mental health awareness, the foundation will help create a better world for future generations of adoptees.

COVID-19-related Anti-Asian Discrimination: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Among Asian American Young Adults

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by WHO on March 11, 2020, leading to more than 152,000 deaths within the U.S. by July 30, 2020. Fear about the coronavirus has led to a rise in discrimination against Asians and Asian Americans, and the prevalence of COVID-19-related discrimination among Asian and Asian American young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic was recorded, using data from the COVID-19 Adult Resilience Experiences Study (CARES), a cross-sectional online survey conducted during the COVID-19 state of emergency. This session will present the findings of this study and how microaggressions and experiences of overt and covert discrimination impact levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The findings will highlight greater urgency to develop and implement policy- and individual-level interventions to reduce race-based discrimination among Asian and Asian American young adults.

Self-Care in the Time of Uncertainty: It's Okay to Not Be Okay

Zoom fatigue is real, everyone!! In this breakout session, participants will learn about the what, why and how to self-care, especially during this time of Covid-19. Learning specific techniques of mindfulness, stretching, laughter yoga, and tips on physical and dietary health/eating, participants will definitely not be sitting still the whole time during this 40m session. Giving our eyes, shoulders, lower and upper back, wrists, knees, etc. some 'rest' will help replenish the 'online fatigue' and keep you more focused and centered to continue forward (or recognize what is important or that more rest is needed). Just as the airline announcements say "Put your mask on first, before putting the mask on the child," we must stop to take care of our minds and bodies first, without guilt, shame, or embarrassment in order to serve others healthily.

Led by Sandra Myounga Kim, Licensed Mental Health Clinician (LMHC) and Fitness Instructor

Sandra M. Kim is a mental health clinician, fitness instructor, education consultant, former youth pastor, art teacher and higher ed administrator. She hails from sunny, southern California but has lived in 6 different countries and 4 different states which has influenced her perspectives of the world and people. Having worked in 9 different colleges (and attending 4 of them) around the world, including schools in Germany, China, Korea and the US, she is also well-versed in the triumphs and challenges of student life. Her hope is to bring an overall health and wellness mindset to both professionals and clients, merging together the mental, physical, spiritual, emotional, relational, and professional/academic.

Korean Americans in Los Angeles: Current Trends in Their Mental Health

Through this breakout session, I would like to discuss mental health issues faced by Korean-Americans who reside in the U.S., specifically in Los Angeles. We will also look at mental health trends found in the Korean American community, according to various age groups. Additionally, we will explore ways to open up for seeking help for oneself and others.

Led by Jane Park, MFT, Case Manager

Jane Park is from Korean American Family Services in Los Angeles. She has been working in the counseling department for the last two years, helping Korean-Americans in the community, promoting mental health through various avenues, such as Korean newspapers, radio, and seminars. She studied Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Seminary and enjoys eating Korean food, especially Korean BBQ at home due to COVID-19.

How Public Policy Impacts Korean American Mental Health

This breakout session will explore how public policy can help shape the mental health landscape, determine which resources are available to the community, and inform the clinical approaches that are utilized by mental health professionals. It will also be an opportunity to take a look at how the macro-level intersections of policy and government trickle down to more micro-level direct services offered in the Korean American community.

Led byJoanne Park, Mental Health Clinic Director

Jo Park is the Director of the Mental Health Clinic at Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York, Inc. Prior to this position, she was the Associate State Director at AARP where she managed the volunteer program for New York State and was responsible for recruiting, onboarding, and training over 1,500 volunteers. She also managed the Asian American Pacific Islander initiatives and AARP Foundation's work in New York to combat hunger for older adults. Ms. Park serves on the NYU School of Medicine Community Engagement and Population Health Research Community Advisory Board. She is experienced in program and staff development, program evaluation, training, and education. Her clinical experience includes working with children in foster care, adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities, and victims of trauma. Ms. Park received her B.S. in social work from New York University and a M.S. in social work from Columbia University.

Dr. Ok Ro Hong, Psychiatrist

Ok Ro Hong M.D. came to the United States in 1982, where she completed her residency in psychiatry at the Illinois State Psychiatric Institute. This was followed by a Fellowship in Addiction Medicine at Parkside Lutheran General Hospital. Dr. Hong started ProPsych Associates with clinical psychologists where for 35 years she has specialized in adolescent and adult General Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. She is married and has two grown children.

Dr. Soyoung Suh, Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

Dr. Soyoung Suh is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety, OCD, depression, mood dysregulation, interpersonal problems, and parenting issues with adolescents as well as adults. She also conducts neuropsychological and psychological assessment for disorders such as ADHD, learning disability, anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. While she integrates various evidence-based treatment methods, her main approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Dr. Young Ok Kim, Psy.D., M.Div.

Dr. Kim currently serves as the president of the Korea American Wellness Association (KAWA) in Chicago. She worked as a missionary with OM in India, Siberia, and at OM Korea for ten years before becoming a clinical psychologist.

Jin Lee, D.Min., LCPC

Jin Lee serves at a local Korean-American church as the English pastor and serves the community as a licensed clinical professional counselor through his private practice. He finds joy in guiding people to live with hope and works together with clients to take practical steps towards lasting change. 

Hyeno Kim, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor

Hyeno Kim is the Director of Hanul Family Alliance and is a Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CADC), licensed with the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc.  

Changing Factors and Self-Care: Teletherapy During a Pandemic

Providing therapy services during the pandemic may have taken an emotional toll on your body and mind. This session addresses the ongoing challenges of compassion fatigue, vicarious trauma, and burn out as you help your clients navigate through uncertain times while still maintaining your own well-being and self-care. We will also address the drastic changes happening in our world today and how we can shift the way we do therapy and how we take care of ourselves.

Led by Dr. Angela Lee, Licensed Psychologist

Dr. Angela Lee is a licensed psychologist and clinical supervisor working at a private practice in Dallas, TX. She works with adults in individual and couples psychotherapy and provides psychological evaluations for all ages.