Dr. Nathan Li

Are you carrying more than others can see? You may be adjusting to life changes, healing from trauma, balancing family expectations, or navigating cultural identity. If you're feeling overwhelmed, you don't have to face it alone.

I'm Nathan, founder of UCLight Therapy and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. I hold master's and doctorate degrees in social work from the University at Albany, State University of New York.

I provide culturally responsive, client-centered therapy in both English and Mandarin. I especially enjoy working with immigrants, children of immigrants, international students, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, life transitions, or chronic health conditions.

I have over 10 years of experience in teaching in higher education and conducting research on the mental health of Asian and Hispanic American communities. This work has given me a deeper appreciation for how culture, family, and life experiences influence emotional well-being, helping me better support clients from diverse backgrounds. Living with a significant medical condition has also deepened my understanding of grief, resilience, and hope, strengthening my commitment to creating a compassionate space where clients feel genuinely understood.

No matter where you come from or what you've been through, you deserve to feel understood, supported, and hopeful about your future. I'd be honored to walk alongside you.

I believe therapy is most effective when you feel safe, understood, and genuinely accepted. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to your unique needs, goals, and life experiences. Rather than telling you what to do, I work alongside you to better understand your experiences, recognize patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and build on your existing strengths.

In my practice, I draw from EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based approaches to help clients process trauma, regulate emotions, navigate life transitions, strengthen relationships, and build resilience. Every treatment plan is individualized because no two people or their stories are the same.

Whether you're working through trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, cultural adjustment, or major life transitions, my goal is to help you gain insight, develop practical skills, and create meaningful, lasting change. Therapy is not about becoming someone else, it's about helping you reconnect with your strengths and live a life that reflects your values.

Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel comfortable sharing at your own pace. There is no pressure to tell your whole story in one session.

During our first meeting, we'll talk about what brought you to therapy, the challenges you're currently facing, and what you hope will be different in your life. I'll also take time to learn about your background, strengths, relationships, and experiences so I can better understand your unique perspective.

Together, we'll begin identifying your goals and develop a treatment plan that feels meaningful, realistic, and personalized to your needs. Many clients leave the first session feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the path ahead.