About Our Lab
The Culture and Mental Health Lab focuses on the integration of culture, mental health, and faith, and is co-directed by Eu Gene Chin and Carissa Dwiwardani. Studies in the lab include both basic and applied research to improve accessibility to mental health services for underserved communities.
Meet the Primary Investigators
Dr. Carissa Dwiwardani
Professor | Licensed Psychologist | Board Certified in Clinical Psychology
Dr. Eu Gene Chin
Associate Professor | Licensed Psychologist | Health Service Psychologist
Our Research Team
Priscilla Kwong
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Student
"I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from and with colleagues who are committed to making mental health access more accessible."
Justine Lo
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Student
"I find it meaningful to have open and genuine conversations about our identities, providing valuable space for reflection and growth. Through this process, we cultivate greater self-awareness as clinicians and enhance our ability to support our clients with increased cultural sensitivity."
Lydia Cho
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Student
"I really enjoy the collaborative and supportive nature of the Asian American practicum consultation lab. It’s been meaningful and formative to learn from others’ clinical experiences and discuss culturally responsive approaches to working with Asian and Asian American clients."
Nneka Bandele
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Student
"I enjoy being part of a collaborative environment that values cultural context and community voices in understanding mental health. Our lab encourages meaningful conversations about how race, faith, and social support intersect with wellbeing, which continually deepens my passion for this field."
Erica Lee
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Student
"What I enjoy most about the lab is the chance to learn alongside peers and mentors while contributing to work that pushes forward culturally attuned research and clinical care. The lab’s emphasis on honoring the depth and diversity of Asian and Asian American identities has been personally uplifting and impactful."
Kenric Tran
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Student
"Something that I enjoy about the lab is participating in meaningful discussions with peers about what it means to raise awareness and improve access to help-seeking among diverse populations."
Alyssa Jupiter
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Student
Annie Ou
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Student
Iris Yam
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Student
Chris Kim
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Student
Sydni Wong
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Student
Lydia Lai
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Student
Kelly Lee
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Student
Miri Ha
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Student
Elysse Eaton
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Student
Terence Chen
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Student
Our Alumni
Daniel Onoe, PhD
Graduated 2025
Currently At:
Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, Adjunct Professor
Jeffrey Yuen, PhD
Graduated 2025
Currently At:
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Postdoctoral Fellow
One key focus of the CMH Lab is our Asian American Mental Health Initiative (AAMHI). This initiative is designed to address the specific mental health needs of Asian American communities through specialized training, dedicated research, and community-oriented outreach.
The AAMHI aims to cultivate a new generation of mental health professionals who are proficient in providing culturally responsive care. Our work within this initiative includes providing advanced practicum consultation (RSPY668), co-hosting the 2026 Hybrid Conference on Mental Health and Ministry in collaboration with Princeton Theological Seminary , and conducting ongoing program evaluation and research activities.
Lab Life & Activities