Hi, I’m Yumi. I’m a psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW, LMSW-C) offering individual therapy for adults in New York (where I’ve spent most of my adulthood) and Michigan (where I grew up).

Growing up Asian American in mostly white spaces, I often felt like I didn't belong. I was a shy kid who didn't have the words to describe what I was experiencing. Over time — and through therapy — I came to understand myself better and embrace who I am.

That experience has shaped how I show up with others. I try to bring curiosity, openness, cultural humility, and an anti-racist lens to my work. Social work called to me because its core principles really resonated — especially the belief that every person has inherent dignity and worth.

With extensive experience in advocacy and public service in NYC, I’ve spent most of my professional life working to make policy, programs, and human services better, more trauma-informed, more accessible, and less oppressive for people facing various “-isms” tied to intersecting social identities. This work focused on mental health and evidence-based treatment; child welfare, family preservation, and child custody; juvenile justice reform; education and disability rights; services for the unhoused; and LGBTQIA+ / TGNBI advocacy.

Weathering the COVID-19 pandemic pushed me to reevaluate my values, priorities, and path. This reflection helped me pivot back to supporting people on a deeper level and on my own terms. It’s an honor to connect with people on their own journeys of healing, growth, and self-discovery.

I have a master’s degree in clinical social work, with a minor in law, from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan.