Bringing Therapy Lab to Washington State: Interview with Jean Kim, PhD - Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Washington, we’ve arrived!

Although Washington consistently ranks among the best for life expectancy, low unemployment, and personal wealth, the state's mental health statistics are abysmal. Rates of adult mental illness and suicidal ideation were among the highest in the country in 2021, and access to quality treatment is a problem. According to Mental Health America's latest numbers, 55% of those in need of treatment will not be able to find a therapist.

Therapy Lab is headed to Washington, where we're joined by Dr. Jean Kim, Washington-licensed, Seattle-based psychologist. While we can't fill all the need in this majestic state, we offer evidence-based therapy plans for Washington residents who can't find a local provider with availability. Dr. Kim offers special training in virtual therapy and is an expert in science-based approach to mental health concerns.

Dr. Kim shared with us about her unique approach to mental health treatment and why she’s excited about expanding mental health access in the beautiful state of Washington. Read the full interview below.

THE PERSON

What are your pronouns?

She/her/hers

Outside of your work as a psychologist, what are your interests?

Spending time with my dog, reading, exercising/hiking, bullet journaling, and trying new foods!

How do you take care of yourself?

Exercise, regular breaks, pursuing your passions, and spending time with loved ones are all important. I also give myself permission to have a “potato day,” where I don’t feel compelled to fill my day with productivity, and I enjoy simple things like watching TV and lounging around the house!

What’s the last book you recommended?

The last book I recommended is Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb.

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THE WORK

What inspired you to enter the field of mental health?

I love that the field requires a combination of science and creativity to help people better their health and their lives. I love that as a psychologist, I can see clients for therapy, do research to improve mental health services, and provide consultation regarding technologies that improve mental health care.

How would you describe your approach to therapy?

I would describe it as a flexible application of evidence-based approaches, with a big emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy.

What do you love most about working with clients?

I love listening to people’s stories and helping them to meet their personal goals.

How does science influence your work as a therapist?

Science is the foundation of my work as a therapist - it guides what treatment approaches I offer so that people have the best chance of continued success.


THE BIGGER PICTURE

What are you most passionate about within the mental health landscape?

I am most passionate about the intersection of social justice and mental health. One of the main reasons I specialized in telehealth was my hope that we can use technology to increase access to care for those who are traditionally underserved.

What do you wish more people knew about therapy?

I wish more people approached therapy as prevention, as opposed to something you seek only when something is “really wrong” after years of suffering mosty alone. I wish mental health was treated like physical health.

How do you see mental health care changing over the next 5-10 years?

I would guess that the pandemic has contributed to the further explosion of telehealth, which I think is a great thing for increasing access to high quality care in a convenient way!

Interested in booking a session with Jean? Schedule a consultation with a Care Coordinator to get started.