Meet Anna Yu Lee of Concierge Mental Health

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Yu Lee, the founder of Concierge Mental Health.
Concierge Mental Health is a Pasadena-based private practice which provides individual and group support to people facing a wide range of challenges and concerns related to mental, emotional, and spiritual health, growth, and development. This practice provides both direct services and individualized referrals to a curated network of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, support groups, and community-based resources.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Thank you for the question. As is the case with many people, my path has not always been smooth. I decided to transition into mental health over 15 years ago, when I was working as journalist. I got a masters in psychology, entered a PhD program in clinical psychology, and ended up failing two statistics courses, which caused me to leave the program. I struggled over the next ten years, working in counseling settings, teaching psychology at multiple universities, learning statistics, teaching the subject to university students and industry professionals, and ultimately earning a PhD with a concentration in biostatistics. In the meantime, I worked in a wide range of settings both domestically and internationally, with older adults, victims of domestic assault, K-12 and university students, and people struggling with addiction, homelessness, depression, anxiety, and relationship struggles. After receiving a doctorate in health promotion sciences, and while teaching in the marriage and therapy program at USC Rossier, I knew it was time to build my own practice, in which I would work as a consultant – not a therapist – to put my education, training, and knowledge of evidence-based practices to support individuals, couples, and groups in my community.

Today, faced with your question regarding the road I’m on, I look not only back, but also forward, at my daily walk with mental health providers, business owners, academic groups, and personal clients who seek meaning, purpose, connection in their personal lives, professional struggles, and relationships. Journeying with clients through struggles and conflicts inevitably involves potholes, roadblocks, and setbacks, so the road is never completely smooth. This said, I’m glad to be on it, as it gives me a sense of gratitude, meaning and purpose.

We’ve been impressed with Concierge Mental Health, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Thank you for asking. Our mission statement is, “connecting you with people who care,” which means that we provide tailored support and referrals for individual client needs. We also offer both short-term support and concierge monthly/quarterly support packages that include on-site availability and access to support over text and email in-between sessions.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes – the way to maintain hope in the face of ongoing disappointment, betrayal, and loss is through faith. The concept of faith has been variously described over the generations by countless philosophers, scholars, and ministers from different belief systems. In scientific studies on the workings of faith in medical and mental health settings, this construct is often referred to as, “confidence,” or “optimism.” The idea of confidence in the self is one often promoted by mental health advocates, and is indeed supported by many foundational writings, particularly ones from the field of humanistic psychology. There also exists science-based benefits to placing confidence in others, a greater power, or factors outside of the self; this type of confidence is not to be mistaken for blind trust, and the distinction must be carefully navigated. That was a long response to your question. To respond more simply and briefly to your question of whether I’ve learned anything, it’s just this: to have faith.

Pricing:

•  Initial consultation: $150/50 min
• Short-term packages (of 50-min pre-booked sessions): 6 sessions: $720 / 12 sessions: $1,440
• Concierge packages (Limited to 10 clients; includes on-site availability, access to support over text/email, and the option to add on time at $100/hr): Monthly (includes 4 pre-booked sessions): $600
• Quarterly (includes 12 pre-booked sessions): $1,800

Contact Info:

• Website: ConciergeMentalHealth.org
• Instagram: @AnnaYuLeePhD

Image Credits
Photos: Lyd & Mo Photography Studio IG: @realmocee @LydandMo