California Psychiatry for Asian Americans and Trauma with Dr. Alice Wong, DO.

Mental Health Services for Asian Americans and Trauma

Looking for Psychiatry Services?

In this blog, we will be introducing you to Dr. Alice Wong, DO an Integrative Psychiatrist who works with adults and provides psychiatric services for adults. Learn about how Dr. Alice Wong can help you if you are struggling with anxiety and trauma.

What kind of psychiatry services do you provide? 

I do a full psychiatric evaluation first which includes a detailed account of their presenting symptoms and stressors, past psychiatric conditions and treatment, their physical health history, medical and psychiatric conditions in the family, their lifestyles, and social environment/relationships. Then we will discuss and agree on a treatment plan. This may include any combination of lifestyle coaching, supplements/nutrition, medication(s), talk therapy, and TCM referral. 

You are physically located in Los Angeles- do people only see you in the office or do you provide online services in California? 

Yes! I offer telehealth visits for California residents so patients can “meet” me online in the comfort of their home/office. Once the appointment is scheduled, they will receive a link in their email to a secure video platform. At the time of our scheduled appointment, they just need to click that link for the virtual visit.  

How does your service help people with Trauma?

There are many ways my service can help people with trauma. I believe that most of the work in healing from trauma happens in therapy. So I always encourage my patients to be in therapy. I usually talk with them about lifestyle habits and supplements as well to ensure we are supporting their overall health so that they can continue to engage in their healing journey.

However, sometimes trauma responses (ie. intense anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, etc) can cause significant distress and impair functioning, including the ability to fully participate in therapy. In that case, we will have a conversation about medications to get them back on their feet. 

How do you uniquely help Asian Americans?

Being able to provide care in Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) gives me the ability to understand their emotions and experiences on a deeper level, especially if they are bilingual or if Chinese is their first language. I also think being Asian American myself helps give my patients a sense of familiarity and safety. Besides this, I think every Asian American is unique in their cultural experiences so I try to meet my patients where they are and maintain my curiosity to better understand each of their journeys.

What kind of people do you love working with? 

People who want to know more about themselves, their emotions, and their inner worlds.

What happens during a first appointment with you? 

Before the first appointment, I would have reviewed the health history questionnaire that the patient had filled out so that we could spend the appointment “getting to the meat of things.” The appointment will feel more like a conversation rather than checking off boxes. I may ask some clarifying questions to make sure I understand the full picture of the patient’s experience. I will share my impressions and recommendations. The patient and I will also talk about their preferences and beliefs so that we agree on a plan of action by the end of the appointment. 

What do you wish people knew about psychiatric services with you? 

It’s a collaborative effort! And I strive to be as transparent as possible. So if anything is unclear or you have a question (even if it’s a “half question”), just ask. The goal is to have conversations so both the patient and I can understand their experiences better and for us to devise a plan together.  

How can people contact you to learn more about working with you as their psychiatrist? 

They can visit my website (www.prunellapsychiatry.com) and reach out by submitting the contact form. 

What would be your top piece of advice for someone looking for a psychiatrist? 

Don’t wait until you can’t wait any longer. You don’t need to be suffering immensely to receive help. It’s much easier to address small challenges than to tackle a crisis. 

Need to find an Asian American Therapist?

Finding quality therapy for Asian Americans is hard. If you need therapy for trauma or anxiety that honors and understands your cultural background and heritage, I am here to help. As an Asian American Therapist, I help clients who struggle with anxiety and trauma overcome and learn to heal. Learn to live a more fulfilling and healthier life today.

About Alex Ly, Bay Area Asian American Therapist

Alex Ly is a Fremont-based therapist deeply committed to serving the Asian American community through specialized trauma therapy and anxiety therapy. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist receiving his Master's in Counseling from Western Seminary. Alex offers personalized, culturally sensitive counseling designed to promote healing and personal growth. He offers both in-person therapy in Fremont and online therapy across California. Ready to take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life? Schedule your free 15-minute consultation with Alex today and embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery.