Hi, I’m Brigitte.

I’m a mixed-race, Thai-Asian American who was raised by a single immigrant mother in Paramount, California. Growing up as a minority with limited family support, I became deeply interested in identity formation and the importance of finding a community that extends beyond mere proximity. In college, connecting with other Asian Americans helped me find a home away from home, an experience that led me to pursue Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Asian American Studies at UC Santa Barbara.

My commitment to Asian American advocacy and mental health led me to the Mental Health America of Los Angeles Jumpstart Fellowship, where I was certified as a Mental Health Rehabilitation Specialist and immersed in the Recovery Model. These experiences in community mental health fueled my passion for the field and inspired me to earn my Master’s in Social Work from Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Today, as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I draw on this diverse background to support my clients. I specialize in working with teens and adults navigating depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and the challenges of life transitions.

Working With Me

I will meet you with a warm and welcoming space to be yourself -free from judgement and everyday expectations. Together, we will develop and practice mindfulness, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation skills, so that you can navigate hardship, heal from trauma, and manage life’s challenges. I integrate Dialectical Behavior Therapy core skills, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and person-centered skills to help you find solutions that work for your life. I will always aim to honor your space by leading you on a reflective journey, being genuine, and listening actively, while reminding you of your strengths and the progress you make along the way.

Depression & Anxiety

Are you a new parent struggling with the transition to parenthood? A caregiver mourning a previous expectation of life? A person struggling to fit in? An adolescent figuring out how to express yourself? Although it doesn’t feel so common, depression and anxiety is a common symptom of transition and trauma that impacts everyone in unique ways. In therapy, we will work together to process past and current thoughts and events that shaped your life and learn the skills needed to self-regulate, heal, and move towards a life that feels more in your control.

Low Self-Esteem

People often confuse depression with low self-esteem and oftentimes, they co-exist. However, the difference is that depression is an overall mood disorder that can impact the body, energy, and feelings, while low self-esteem revolves around what you think about yourself. A person with depression can go in and out of depression, but low self-esteem can be a persistent trait that can snowball into severe depression, self-harm, and self-catastrophizing. In therapy, we will pay particular attention to the development of your self-esteem and will work collaboratively to disprove your inner critic.

Life Transitions

Life transitions—whether planned or unexpected—can often leave us feeling untethered, anxious, and out of control. In our sessions, we will create a safe, non-judgmental space to process the reality of your current shift, acknowledging both the losses and the growth inherent in this change. My goal is to walk alongside you as we reflect on your unique path, empowering you to move through this period of uncertainty and regain a sense of agency over your future.

Moving from overwhelmed to empowered takes time. Take the first step here.

Registered California Board of Behavioral Sciences Number: Brigitte Ly, LCSW 77077