Christopher Lum
Compassionate, culturally attuned therapy for life transitions Mindfulness and self compassion CBT and ACT skills Addictions grief depression
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About
Christopher Lum, LCSW, is a California-based therapist with 15 years of experience supporting people through complex life transitions, emotional overwhelm, and the many ways culture and identity can shape mental health. Growing up between cultural worlds and learning firsthand how expectations, belonging, and family pressures can collide, he developed an early understanding of how layered identity can feel - especially for those navigating multiple communities and roles at once.
His path into mental health work was shaped by a commitment to serving Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and other marginalized groups. During his training, he pursued hands-on opportunities that included community health outreach with AADAP, research related to AAPI depression and perfectionism, and CBT-based social skills work with veterans living with dual diagnoses. A pivotal influence from the social work field helped clarify his dedication to multilevel, culturally responsive support.
After earning his MSW, Christopher worked with veterans experiencing homelessness and with individuals in psychiatric inpatient settings. He now serves as a medical social worker in emergency and outpatient settings at the VA and Kaiser, frequently helping older adults and their families navigate dialysis, caregiving strain, end-of-life concerns, and placement decisions. Alongside this work, he remains focused on creating healing, culturally attuned spaces for AAPI and BIPOC clients.
Christopher’s approach is informed by mindfulness and loving-kindness practices, as well as lived experience with mental health challenges, depression, social anxiety, addiction, and the pressures tied to “model minority” expectations, including conflicts around sexuality and gender expectations in AAPI communities. He aims to offer therapy that is compassionate and grounded, where clients can explore grief, depression, addictions, compassion fatigue, family-of-origin dynamics, and identity with care and clarity. His work draws on mindfulness, self-compassion, CBT, ACT, and cultural humility, with the belief that growth is possible when support fits the person.
His path into mental health work was shaped by a commitment to serving Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and other marginalized groups. During his training, he pursued hands-on opportunities that included community health outreach with AADAP, research related to AAPI depression and perfectionism, and CBT-based social skills work with veterans living with dual diagnoses. A pivotal influence from the social work field helped clarify his dedication to multilevel, culturally responsive support.
After earning his MSW, Christopher worked with veterans experiencing homelessness and with individuals in psychiatric inpatient settings. He now serves as a medical social worker in emergency and outpatient settings at the VA and Kaiser, frequently helping older adults and their families navigate dialysis, caregiving strain, end-of-life concerns, and placement decisions. Alongside this work, he remains focused on creating healing, culturally attuned spaces for AAPI and BIPOC clients.
Christopher’s approach is informed by mindfulness and loving-kindness practices, as well as lived experience with mental health challenges, depression, social anxiety, addiction, and the pressures tied to “model minority” expectations, including conflicts around sexuality and gender expectations in AAPI communities. He aims to offer therapy that is compassionate and grounded, where clients can explore grief, depression, addictions, compassion fatigue, family-of-origin dynamics, and identity with care and clarity. His work draws on mindfulness, self-compassion, CBT, ACT, and cultural humility, with the belief that growth is possible when support fits the person.
- Location:
- California, United States
- Years Experience:
- 15
- Gender:
- Male
- Languages Spoken:
- English
- Therapist of Color:
- Yes
- Communication Options:
- Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging
Specialties
Primary area of focus:Addictions, Grief, Depression, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue
Other areas of experience: Family of origin issues, Forgiveness, Isolation / loneliness, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Self-love
Credentials & Verification
- Credentials: CA LCSW 29237
- NPI Number: 1255654323
- License: LCSW (California)
Mindful, skills-based therapy that fits online life
Christopher Lum integrates evidence-based therapeutic techniques with a culturally attuned, practical style that can translate well to online care. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and building coping skills that support day-to-day functioning, which can be especially helpful for depression, anxiety, and feeling stuck during major life changes.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes noticing difficult thoughts and emotions without getting pulled into them, while reconnecting with values and taking meaningful steps forward. This approach can support people navigating grief, identity concerns, and the pressure to meet expectations. Mindfulness and self-compassion practices help clients relate to stress, guilt, shame, and inner criticism with more steadiness and care, which can be important for burnout and compassion fatigue.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Christopher collaborates with clients to clarify goals, preferences, and what has or has not helped before, then adjusts the pace and tools to better fit the person and the moment they are in.
Online therapy also offers flexible ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options can make it easier to stay consistent, fit therapy into a busy schedule, and access support even during demanding seasons of life.
How much experience does Christopher Lum have?
Christopher Lum has 15 years of experience providing therapy and social work support.
Is Christopher Lum a licensed therapist?
Yes. Christopher Lum is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), which means he is licensed to provide clinical mental health services. His license is CA LCSW 29237.
In which languages does Christopher Lum provide therapy?
Christopher Lum provides therapy in English.
Where is Christopher Lum located?
Christopher Lum is located in California.
How can I work with Christopher Lum as my therapist?
You can work with Christopher Lum through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, depending on what fits your needs and what is available.
Does Christopher Lum work with international clients?
No. Christopher Lum does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Christopher Lum cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.