Stella Ko
New to Grow
I’m Dr. Stella Ko, a licensed psychologist in California specializing in cross-cultural adjustment, identity development, LGBTQ+ concerns, stress management, and relationship concerns. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in helping clients understand themselves with compassion and clarity. As a bilingual psychologist fluent in Mandarin and English, I bring deep awareness to the experiences of immigrants, Asian and Asian American clients, first-generation professionals, and anyone navigating multiple cultural identities. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, from a multicultural, strengths-based lens. My style balances gentle exploration with practical skills, helping clients recognize patterns that no longer serve them while building emotional resilience and self-trust. Clients often come to me when they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or caught between competing expectations from family, culture, and personal values. In therapy, we’ll explore the layers beneath stress or self-doubt, connect with what truly matters to you, and make room for healing and growth. I aim to create a safe space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to move toward the life you want to build. If you are ready for meaningful, reflective, and supportive work, I’m here to walk alongside you.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we’ll focus on getting to know you and what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about your current concerns, your background, and what you hope to work on. There’s no pressure to share everything at once— we’ll move at your pace. We’ll also talk about what therapy might look like going forward and what approaches may fit your needs. My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling heard, supported, and with a better sense of how we can work together.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What stands out about my work is the blend of deep emotional exploration with practical, culturally informed tools. I help clients understand the “why” behind their patterns while also giving them concrete strategies to feel more grounded in daily life. My approach is warm, gentle, and collaborative, but also clear and direct when clients need support in seeing things from a new angle. Because I’m bilingual and have lived experience as an immigrant, I bring a strong multicultural lens. I’m especially attuned to the complexities of navigating multiple identities, family expectations, and cultural transitions. Clients often tell me they feel understood and validated, and that they find therapy helpful in exploring different perspectives or practicing new coping skills. I integrate CBT, ACT, DBT, and mindfulness to help clients move from self-criticism to self-compassion, and from feeling stuck to feeling aligned with their values. My work tends to be goal-driven and insight-oriented, helping clients create lasting shifts rather than quick fixes. Clients frequently share that they feel calmer, more self-aware, and more confident in making meaningful life decisions after working with me. My goal is to support genuine, sustainable growth—at a pace that feels safe, thoughtful, and empowering.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal clients are curious, reflective individuals who are navigating transitions, doubts, or identity questions and want a space to slow down, understand themselves more deeply, and feel emotionally grounded. Many of my clients hold multiple cultural identities, grew up in immigrant families, or are first-generation professionals balancing high expectations and a desire for authenticity.
Location
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected. In sessions, we work together to notice unhelpful thinking patterns, build healthier coping strategies, and practice new skills that support long-term change. I often integrate CBT to help clients manage anxiety, stress, perfectionism, and self-criticism, relationship issues, especially within cross-cultural or high-pressure environments.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients build psychological flexibility—learning to make space for difficult emotions while staying aligned with their values. ACT allows us to explore what truly matters to you, reduce the struggle with internal experiences, and take committed steps toward meaningful goals. This approach is especially helpful for clients navigating identity development, life transitions, career decisions, grief, family issues, and other stressful situations.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness is woven throughout my work to support clients in slowing down, grounding themselves, and building awareness of their internal experience. I guide clients through practical mindfulness exercises—such as breathing, grounding, and present-moment awareness—to reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and increase clarity. I also incorporate culturally sensitive mindfulness practices that honor each client’s background, comfort level, and preferences.