Dr. Yun Chen

I am a bilingual licensed clinical psychologist. I grew up in Shanghai and trained in the U.S., including at the University of Michigan, UNC–Chapel Hill, and Montefiore/Albert Einstein. These experiences shaped how I understand culture, language, identity, family, and belonging in mental health. I specialize in working with adults and couples facing anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, chronic pain, life transitions, and relationship distress. My work is evidence-based and integrative, with a strong foundation in ACT and CBT. With couples, I draw from cognitive behavioral couple therapy and emotionally focused therapy to help partners strengthen connection, communication, and trust.

I believe life arrives as a package. When we open it, we find things we welcome and things we never would have chosen. Sometimes life feels generous; other times, without our permission, it changes through loss, illness, trauma, disappointment, or uncertainty. My approach is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: learning how to make room for painful experiences while continuing to move toward what matters. Therapy with me is not about pretending pain is not there. It is about learning how to carry what hurts, respond with courage and wisdom, and build a life with more meaning, connection, and purpose.

In the first session, I take time to understand your story: what brings you in, what you have been carrying, what has helped or not helped before, and what you hope will be different. I also pay attention to the cultural, relational, and life context that shapes your experience. My goal is to help you build the skills, clarity, and confidence to move forward on your own. Early in treatment, I may take a more active role in setting direction and building a foundation. Over time, I invite you to become more of the “captain of the ship,” while I step back and walk alongside you.