6 Filipino American Mental Health Experts To Follow on Instagram
It’s no surprise that mental health stigma is still prevalent in the US, given that mental health treatment isn’t easily accessible to many people. But what’s even more elusive, is an honest conversation about mental health in the Filipino American community. Filipino Americans, along with most AAPI immigrants are less likely, than any other minority group, to seek mental health care and treatment because of stigma attributed to shaming the family, self-reliance, and being culturally reserved. This is generally seen as a result of our colonial legacy, immigration struggles and Catholic beliefs. Which is why, if you’re Filipino American, it may be beneficial to seek help or guidance from a practitioner that is also Filipino American and understands the national and cultural nuances that are unique to our communities.
Reminder: Although information and education about mental health is not a replacement for therapy or other forms of treatment, it does help to create awareness and better understanding of topics related to mental health. With that being said, here is a list of Fil-Am mental health professionals to check out right now on Instagram for daily inspiration!
1. Dr. Rona, PsyD, RYT
Dr. Rona is a licensed clinical psychologist and registered yoga teacher based in California. She focuses on holistic mind-body wellness, intersectional diversity, cultural responsibility, and complex trauma; as well as, specializes in chronic pain management and other psycho-physiological challenges. She speaks about common mental health related topics specifically for Filipinx-Americans, such as colonial mentality, body image, pain expression and more. You can check out her Instagram for helpful infographics and relatable videos on various mental health struggles faced within the Fil-Am community.
2. Alyssa Lia Mancao, LCSW
Alyssa Lia Mancao is a licensed social worker and the founder of Alyssa Marie Wellness, a therapy group practice located in Los Angeles, CA. Her approach to therapy is client-centered, and dives into early attachments and past experiences. A few of her specialities include: relationships, family dynamics, narcissistic abuse recovery, and LGBTQIA+ affirming. Alyssa Marie Wellness provides both therapy and reiki healing. Through her instagram, Alyssa shares resources and information on personal development topics, and has created an open and collaborative community that she often interacts with to answer any questions they might have related to mental health! Check out her Instagram to learn more about increasing your self-awareness and emotional maturity.
Website | IG: @alyssamariewellness
3. Dr. Therese Mascardo, Psychologist
Dr. Therese is a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of Exploring Therapy, an online wellness community. On Instagram, Dr. Therese addresses topics that are familiar to many, such as imposter syndrome, loneliness, and burnout. Not only does Dr. Therese share information on mental health, she also provides information for current therapists. You can work with her if you’re seeking treatment, or if you’re currently a therapist needing guidance on building your brand. Striving to inspire others to “build a life they don’t need a vacation from” (Dr. Therese’s motto), you can explore her Instagram to see how you can start living that life too.
Website | IG: @exploring.therapy
4. Dr. Marinette Asuncion-Uy
Dr. Asuncion-Uy is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Florida. In her practice, she uses a holistic, collaborative, and strengths-based approach. Helping to destigmatize mental health among the Fil-Am community, she uses her platform to share Filipino-American mental health facts and reminders, and centers most of her posts on speaking to the titas and titos in the Fil-Am community. Dr. Asuncion-Uy’s Instagram could be helpful for those trying to communicate with older generations about mental health.
Website | IG: @the.brown.psych
5. Jennifer Villena, LMFT
Jennifer Villena is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in California. She has an integrative approach to therapy, focusing on mind-body, spirituality, creativity, and energy. Additionally, she uses yoga and expressive arts to support the process. Jennifer specializes in working with women, couples, teens, and those facing fertility issues. On her Instagram you can often find words of affirmations, check-ins, and much needed reminders to keep you present and grounded.
6. Katrina Niere, LMFT
Katrina Niere is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in California, and the founder of Mind Health Therapy. She specializes in working with those who struggle with trauma/intergenerational trauma, anxiety, self-worth, relationship issues, and Dissociative Identity Disorder. Katrina also strives to support AAPI 1st/2nd/3rd generation immigrant communities, as many of her Instagram posts are surrounding intergenerational trauma and cultural struggles for these communities. With a strong focus on family systems, her infographics help to understand complex topics such as parentification, generational differences between children and parents, and how to start breaking these trauma cycles.
Written By Jessa Gagarin
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