Community Highlights: Meet Jessica Lan of Lan Family Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Lan.

Hi Jessica, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always known I wanted to work in community work, counseling, and mental health, but the path to where I am today was shaped by a mix of burnout, purpose, and community. I started my career in community mental health and school mental health, where I saw firsthand how broken systems can make it hard to truly support both clients and clinicians. There was a huge burnout rate, and I realized I wanted to find a way to keep doing what I love, helping people, without compromising my own health or my values.

That’s what led me to start my own practice, Lan Family Therapy, which is now based here in Los Angeles County. My work is rooted in community, culture, and strength. I provide online therapy to adults, couples, and families across California, and I specialize in working with young adults, students, and working professionals, especially those navigating the Asian American experience. Many of my clients deal with things like the pressure to meet expectations, perfectionism, cultural and generational conflict, or just that feeling of being “stuck.”

Starting my own practice has given me the flexibility to do the work in a way that feels authentic, to slow down, connect deeply, and hold space for cultural identity as part of the healing process. It’s been full of learning curves and risks, but also so much growth and gratitude. Along the way, I’ve also built community outside of therapy, like hosting in-person gatherings for Asian therapists in the greater LA area, which has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. A lot of the challenges I’ve faced have been internal, wanting things to be perfect, setting high expectations for myself, and feeling discouraged when I don’t meet them. As a recovering perfectionist and overachiever, I’ve had to remind myself that progress matters more than perfection and that growth takes time.

In many ways, I’ve had to practice what I preach to my clients, giving myself grace, setting boundaries, and remembering that I’m human too. Building a business has pushed me to be more compassionate with myself and to trust that things can still be meaningful and impactful even when they’re not perfect.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Lan Family Therapy?
Lan Family Therapy is a mental health private practice rooted in community, culture, and strength. I provide online therapy to adults, couples, and families throughout California, with a focus on young adults and working professionals. My specialty is working with individuals navigating the Asian American experience, including those who balance cultural expectations, perfectionism, and the pressure to succeed while trying to stay connected to themselves.

Many of my clients struggle with things like burnout, stress, anxiety, self-doubt, and generational or cultural conflict. What sets my practice apart is my ability to hold space for both personal growth and cultural identity. I believe therapy should be a space where people feel seen, validated, and empowered, not one-size-fits-all or disconnected from who you are and where you come from.

I’m most proud that my practice reflects my values. It’s built around purpose, representation, and genuine care for the community. Beyond therapy, I also host the only in-person gathering for Asian therapists in the greater Los Angeles area, creating connection and community among professionals who often work in isolation.

At the heart of it, I want people to know that cultural representation in mental health matters and that it’s possible to care for yourself while still honoring your heritage and values.

How do you think about happiness?
A lot of things make me happy, but I’ve realized that at the heart of all of them is connection. Connecting with my family, friends, community, colleagues, clients, and even nature. It all fills me in different ways. Whether it’s sharing a meal, having a deep conversation, or just being outdoors and feeling grounded, those moments remind me why I do what I do. Connection gives meaning to everything else.

Pricing:

• Individual $150
• Couples $200
• Family Sessions $250
• Reduced Fee Slots Available

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lanfamilytherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lanfamilytherapy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lanfamilytherapy
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanfamilytherapy/