Jason Wu, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Phone: 650-517-3213
Email: jasonwu87@gmail.com
My name is Jason Wu, Ph.D, and I am a licensed psychologist with clinical experience in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community clinics, prisons, and universities, meaning I’ve also had the opportunity to work with all walks of life, including technology company executives, individuals in the start-up world and other early career professionals, college students, working class individuals, individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, and men serving life sentences in a maximum security penitentiary.
I have been described by both my clients and colleagues as non-judgmental, warm, authentic, thoughtful, and compassionate – I’d like to think that’s true, but who am I to say? In any case, my approach to therapy (in a nutshell) is to help people develop self-acceptance versus self-loathing, practice self-compassion versus self-criticism, and create a purpose-driven life built around values they care about. In my personal and professional experience, the more we can accept ourselves (and all our “flaws”), the better we are able to make meaningful changes in our lives.
I work with all types of mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, identity development, or social phobia, but I also have some areas of specialty that carry personal meaning for me. As a first-generation college student from a working class background and refugee/immigrant parents, I got into some trouble as a teenager and young adult, particularly as a person of color in Los Angeles during a time of racial hostility and gang activity, and these experiences have shaped both my personal and professional identities in ways that I am now deeply grateful for.
In addition, these experiences not only helped me grow as a person, but they also led me to pursue specialized training in areas that I could relate to and that I am deeply passionate about working with, listed below (feel free to click on them for more information):
- Abusive or Narcissistic Parents/Childhood Trauma
- Men and Masculinity
- Substance Use and Addiction
- Trauma
- Self-Compassion
- Couples and Adult-Parent Relationships
- Cultural Issues
Having been on the other side of the phone, I know it’s hard, so I offer free phone consultations (650-517-3213) to get you started on your path – whether that’s with me, another therapist, or maybe some other avenue that I can help you figure out.
The truth is that healing can occur in many forms, and it doesn’t always have to come through traditional talk therapy, and that’s something I can try to help you with to the best of my ability.
Speaking of which, please feel free to check out my page on “Finding the Right Therapist” for some tips on how to find the right therapist for you.
And on a more personal level, I’m really into rock climbing, basketball, MMA, lifting, hiking, and pretty much anything else that gets me moving; I enjoy cooking when it’s not mandatory; I’m a diehard Laker fan (born and raised in L.A., though I very much respect the Warriors and love watching them play while I’m up here in the Bay, so please don’t hate); my favorite show is (or was) BoJack Horseman; and I have a dog and cat who coexist in a very tenuous manner. I’m also a new father who loves spending lots of time with my baby boy!
Clinical Experience
Santa Clara University
SF Stress and Anxiety Center
Chemical Dependency Services, Kaiser Permanente
San Jose State University
Walla Walla State Penitentiary
Psychology Clinic – Pullman, Washington
Washington State University
Credentials
License #29671, California Board of Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Counseling Psychology, Washington State University
Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) in Psychology, University of California, San Diego
Professional Affiliations
American Psychological Association
Asian American Psychological Association
Association for Contextual Behavioral Science
Psi Chi – National Honors Society in Psychology
Publications
J of All Trades: Psychologists in College Counseling Centers (2016). Lee, W., Wu, J., Shamriyeva, P., & Ma, R. The California Psychologist, Spring 2016.
Contributing Author
“AAPI Mental Health Experts on Coping with Anti-Asian Bias and Attacks” (2021). Macahilig, C. https://happify.com/hd/aapi-mental-health-experts-on-coping-with-anti-asian-bias-and-attacks/
“Anti-Asian Racism Takes Devastating Toll on Community” (2021). https://psychcentral.com/news/anti-asian-racism-mental-health-impact#statistics
“How to Be an Ally to the AAPI Community Amid the Rise of Anti-Asian Attacks” (2021). Macahilig, C. https://happify.com/hd/how-to-be-an-ally-to-the-aapi-community-amid-the-rise-of-anti-asian-attacks/
“How Racism Affects Your Adolescent” (2021). https://psychcentral.com/lib/racial-trauma-adolescents