Culture and Mental Health Lab Logo

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

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Dr. Carissa Dwiwardani

Professor | Licensed Psychologist | Board Certified in Clinical Psychology

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Dr. Eu Gene Chin

Associate Professor | Licensed Psychologist | Health Service Psychologist

Our Research Team

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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."

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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."

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Alyssa Jupiter

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Student

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Annie Ou

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Student

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Iris Yam

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Student

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Chris Kim

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Student

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Sydni Wong

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Student

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Lydia Lai

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) Student

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Kelly Lee

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Student

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Miri Ha

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Student

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Elysse Eaton

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Student

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Terence Chen

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Student

Our Alumni

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Daniel Onoe, PhD

Graduated 2025

Currently At:

Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University, Adjunct Professor

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Jeffrey Yuen, PhD

Graduated 2025

Currently At:

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Postdoctoral Fellow

Asian American Mental Health Initiative

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.