This month, the Mental Health Training Program (MHTP) is pleased to spotlight one of our incredible training directors and supervisors in the Northern California region, Joanne Lam, Psy.D. (she/her). Dr. Lam has been a key member in the launch of a new training program, the MHTP PAU program, which will provide training for beginner practicum students. Dr. Lam has found it exciting and rewarding to be developing a training program from the ground up. In addition to supervising, Dr. Lam is an instructor for the didactic regional seminar series and member of the CBT for postpartum mood and anxiety group, a product of a collaboration between OBGYN and MHTP.
Training has always been a big part of Dr. Lam’s professional identity. She values the opportunity to connect and support others in supervisory roles and enjoys mentorship and teaching. Supervising has allowed her to learn and grow from students and other supervisors, contributing to her mentality of lifelong learning. Dr. Lam enjoys being part of a team that shapes the future of mental health, especially at a systemic level.
Becoming a female Asian American psychologist has allowed Dr. Lam to become introspective of her own identities and discuss cultural humility in supervision. Growing up, Dr. Lam did not see many mental health providers that looked like her. She is passionate about representing her identities and promoting integrative, patient-centered care. Dr. Lam recognizes the value in collaboration in communication between healthcare professionals to optimize outcomes for patients, reduce stigma, and enhance accessibility. Her passion for collaborative care has led her to pursue a certification in perinatal mental health to work with birthing individuals and other healthcare providers.
Dr. Lam’s favorite part of her job is that “every day is different.” She appreciates the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, be constantly learning, and give back to the community. Over the years, Dr. Lam has realized the importance of self-care and boundaries. She believes being in the mental health field can be either draining or rewarding, depending on the maintenance of provider well-being. And part of her well-being is spending her free time eating and cooking! Dr. Lam states, “food is my love language!”
On behalf of the MHTP, thank you Dr. Lam for your contributions to our trainees, supervisors, patients, and communities!
Contributed by: Micaela Birt, PsyD. & Chelsea Vilinskas, PsyD.
