About With Me

Psychotherapy for AAPI teens, adults, individuals, couples, and families from home

Who Are We?

We are a mental health care platform based in New York and California, dedicated to serving the Asian community across the United States. At WithMe, we specialize in comprehensive telehealth services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our mission is to enhance the accessibility of multilingual Asian mental health care, ensuring that each client receives culturally sensitive care in their preferred language.

We proudly serve a diverse clientele, including American-born Asians, Asian immigrants, Asian international students, and the broader Chinese community in the U.S.

Whether you are seeking support as an individual, a couple, or a family, WithMe is here to provide the specialized care you deserve.

Ready to take the first step towards healing?

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Clarice Fangzhou Hassan, LCSW

Man, what a lucky dog I am to be able to pursue my biggest dream with my best friend! I’m Clarice, a licensed clinical social worker in New York and California—forever, it feels like! Like many psychotherapists and (once young!) professionals, I’ve explored almost every opportunity this industry offers: starting at a nonprofit agency, working my way up from an intern therapist to a supervisor, and then launching my own private practice. By the second year, I even had a waiting list. After that, I welcomed my first two babies—my literal child, Scarlett, and my first group practice, Phronetic Psychotherapy LCSW PC. And now, I’m living my dream by launching With Me with my all-time most respected cofounder, my best friend, Qian!

The reason for starting With Me was simple: we wanted to make therapy access easy and welcoming for AAPI folks, especially those who prefer a language other than English. Right now, finding culturally responsive care is so challenging—take it from me! Every Mandarin-speaking therapist I know in NYC has a waiting list, myself included, and navigating insurance eligibility can feel impossible. Qian and I were inspired by the many great POC-focused practices, but none centered on immediate, accessible therapy for the AAPI community, so we decided to build it ourselves!

If you’ve found the support and healing you need with us, we’re SO happy for you; and if not, please do tell us—we’re so grateful for any feedback. We’re all on this journey together. Cheers!

Meet The Cofounders

Qian Zhang, LCSW

My passion for helping others led me to pursue a major in social work during college. As an exchange student in Taiwan, I gained firsthand insights into the development of social work there, which sparked my curiosity about how the field operates in the U.S. This curiosity ultimately brought me to Columbia University’s School of Social Work in New York City. New York’s deep commitment to public service provided fertile ground for my growth, and it was during my fieldwork that I discovered my true calling in psychotherapy. I was drawn to the opportunity to help others from a mental health perspective.

After graduating, I began my psychotherapy practice at a community mental health clinic in Brooklyn. Working with local residents taught me the profound importance of cultural competence in therapy—it became clear that understanding clients’ cultural backgrounds is essential to building trust and fostering healing.

A few years later, my family relocated to California, a state with a vibrant and growing Asian population similar to New York. There, I saw an increasing need for mental health support within the Asian community and noticed that many were unsure where to find culturally informed care. This realization inspired me to establish WithMe Psychotherapy in both New York and California as a platform to connect culturally competent Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) therapists with clients who share similar backgrounds. Our mission is to make therapy accessible, affordable, and uniquely attuned to the cultural needs of the Asian community.

Real stories from our clients

We hope you find healing and encouragement from their words. You are not alone.

“I feel more comfortable in my own skin.”

I came out to my family, and that did not go well! They blocked me, and my mother threatened to travel to the U.S. and shame me in front of my colleagues. I also joined a political talk show program that is not well-received where I come from, and I feel extremely lonely. I feel like I'm going crazy, and I believe no one can understand or help me. However, I was able to connect with a Chinese therapist who identifies as genderqueer, just like me, and I finally feel respected and heard.

—Zhan L

“I am able to sleep.”

As a new father to my son, I found myself overwhelmed with rage, anger, and stress when I couldn't control my son’s behavior. This made it difficult for me to sleep, and after working all day, I felt like I couldn't come home to rest. I realized that I was unable to enjoy my baby to the fullest. My therapist at With Me didn’t rush me into CBT-I but instead took the time to listen to my stories about growing up in Korea in a very competitive environment. I struggled to adapt and find a sense of safety. Learning to accept myself has truly made a significant difference.

—Edward K

"I lost my best friend, and I am forever grateful for WithMe's support."

I lost my best friend, PiPi, when he turned 14 last year. My mom called me with the news just as I was about to take my finals…I was heartbroken. I grew up with my dog, and this truly hit home. I do not know how to handle this loss. However, I was able to find a calming space with my therapist at WithMe, and I am forever grateful that I can speak Mandarin, my mother language, with my therapist during the most difficult time of my life.

—Yidong Z

We specialize in culturally sensitive therapy with AAPI populations

Culturally sensitive therapy is essential for providing effective mental health care to AAPI populations. It addresses specific cultural challenges, reduces stigma, improves communication, and ultimately enhances therapeutic outcomes.

Effective Communication

We understand AAPI cultural nuances and communication styles. This helps us build trust and rapport with you faster, improving the effectiveness of our therapeutic process.

How does our culturally sensitive approach benefit you?

Cultural Relevance

We take your unique cultural backgrounds, values, and traditions seriously. Understanding or sharing your culture is essential for understanding your experiences and providing relevant support.

Address Unique Stressors

You may face specific stressors such as acculturation stress, intergenerational conflicts, and discrimination. Culturally sensitive therapy addresses these unique challenges more effectively.

Reduce Stigma

Our affirmative work reduce your stigma associated with mental health issues within AAPI communities. Many AAPI cultures have strong stigmas against mental illness-and we know how to work against it!

Therapeutic Outcomes

“Culturally adapted therapies improve treatment outcomes for ethnic minorities. For example, culturally sensitive interventions can lead to better engagement and adherence to treatment plans.”

Sue, S., Cheng, J. K. Y., Saad, L. M., & Rivera, D. P. (2012). Asian American mental health: A review of the literature. American Psychologist, 67(7), 532-544.

What evidence-based research supports our culturally sensitive clinical work with AAPI?

Intergenerational Conflicts

“Intergenerational conflicts are prevalent in AAPI families, contributing to mental health challenges. Culturally sensitive therapy helps in navigating these conflicts by understanding family dynamics and cultural expectations.”

Kim, B. S. K., & Omizo, M. M. (2009). Asian American intergenerational conflicts and its impact on mental health. Journal of Family Psychology, 23(3), 350-358.

Mental Health Disparities

“AAPI populations experience mental health issues at rates comparable to or higher than the general population, but they are less likely to seek treatment. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), AAPI individuals are less likely to use mental health services compared to other racial and ethnic groups.”

National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Asian American mental health

Cultural Adaptation

A meta-analysis published in "Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology" (2010) demonstrated that cultural adaptations in therapy improve effectiveness. Adaptations include understanding cultural values, integrating culturally relevant practices, and using appropriate communication styles.

Hwang, W.-C. (2009). The therapeutic relationship and its cultural context. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 16(4), 325-339.

Stigma and Barriers

“AAPI individuals often face barriers to mental health care, including stigma, cultural beliefs, and lack of culturally competent providers.”

Kim, B. S. K., & Chung, R. C.-Y. (2012). Asian American attitudes toward mental health services: A review and suggestions for future research. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 59(4), 611-618.

Acculturation Stress

“Acculturation stress, which affects many AAPI individuals, can significantly impact mental health. Culturally sensitive therapy can help address these stressors by acknowledging and integrating clients' cultural contexts.”

Nguyen, H. H., & Williams, M. T. (2015). Acculturation and mental health among Asian American immigrants. Asian American Journal of Psychology, 6(1), 45-54.

FAQs

Our primary service offering—virtual psychotherapy—provides support for teens and adults who need weekly or more frequent therapeutic sessions. We receive many self-referrals from individuals seeking to address mental health issues or life challenges from the convenience and comfort of their own homes; we also receive a lot of referrals from hospitals, IOP programs and psychiatric providers.
We accept major insurance providers, and offer a sliding scale for those who wishes to pay out-of-pocket. Your financial circumstances should never be a barrier to receiving care.
Yes, virtual mental healthcare has proven effective, with research showing comparable outcomes to in-person therapy. Studies indicate that online therapy can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, with a meta-analysis finding it as effective as face-to-face treatment for many conditions. According to a 2020 review published in Psychological Medicine, online interventions have similar efficacy rates and are well-received by patients for their convenience and accessibility. Furthermore, a 2021 survey by the American Psychological Association revealed that 78% of psychologists found telehealth to be a viable option for delivering quality care. These results underscore the effectiveness of virtual mental healthcare in supporting mental well-being.
Psychiatrists are accessible for medication management based on your location, through our affiliated medical providers. These services are delivered by psychiatrists and clinicians from independent practices, not directly by WithMe. However, we can coordinate with your psychiatrist or provide a range of referrals to meet your needs.