Emily Hsu, PhD
Palo Alto
Summary
Compassionate Clinical Psychologist experienced in private practice, community mental health, and hospital settings. Demonstrated expertise in psychological assessment and crisis interventions, complemented by proficiency in dialectical behavior therapy and trauma-informed care. Skilled in employing evidence-based treatment strategies for clients aged 6 to 99, fostering positive outcomes through strong empathy, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Committed to enhancing client and family well-being while continuing to develop innovative therapeutic approaches.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bilingual Clinical Psychologist
Children’s Health Council
Palo Alto
08.2016 - Current
- Performing psychological assessments with children and adolescents as part of an interdisciplinary team of providers. Referral questions include developmental disorders
- Delivering psychological consultations and parent sessions for families with Medi-Cal at the Community Clinic and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Spanish and English.
- Consulting with other professionals, agencies, and schools to discuss treatments, counseling resources and recommendations
- Assessing and collaboratively mitigating risk factors for suicide and self-harm behaviors among clients.
- Conducting educational and outreach programs for public audiences and school districts.
- Co-leading family therapy sessions alongside individual therapists using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques.
- Facilitating a monthly Learning Disabilities parenting group
- Assisting with client and parent advocacy through participation in IEP and 504 Plan meetings.
- Supervising psychology doctoral interns, postdoctoral residents, and unlicensed Medi-Cal clinicians for professional development.
Quality Control Evaluation Manager
Best Steps Diagnostic Department (Center for Social Dynamics)
Santa Clara
10.2015 - Current
- Performing quality checks for psychological assessments of children and adolescents at Best Steps Diagnostic Department.
- Referral questions include autism spectrum diagnoses, and differential diagnoses.
Behavioral Health Provider
Tri-City Health Center
Fremont
10.2016 - 05.2017
- Performed intake assessments and delivered individual therapy services in Spanish to adult patients referred from primary care department.
- Coordinated with psychiatrist in weekly meetings to enhance medication recommendations.
- Conducted educational presentations for parents at schools.
- Addressed referral questions related to mood, anxiety, and trauma disorders.
Assessment Technician
Paradox Psychological Services, Inc.
Carlsbad
03.2016 - 12.2016
- Administered scoring of psychological tests for child and adolescent demographics.
- Formulated referral questions focused on assessing autism spectrum disorder and distinguishing differential diagnoses.
Clinical Psychologist
LivWell Psychology Services
Saratoga
12.2015 - 03.2016
- Delivered counseling and behavior modification strategies to elderly residents.
- Performed dementia and mood screenings, conducted capacity evaluations, and engaged in consultations with care team to offer recommendations to treatment team.
Testing Technician
The Pratt Center
Los Altos
09.2014 - 10.2015
- Integrated results of psychological evaluations using standard assessment tools to inform diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
- Referral questions included developmental disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders.
Postdoctoral Resident
Kaiser Permanente Redwood City
Redwood City
09.2013 - 09.2014
- APA Accredited
- Delivered short-term psychotherapy to adults experiencing mood, anxiety, and personality disorders in a hospital environment.
- Conducted group therapy sessions aimed at addressing trauma, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms, anxiety management strategies, and bipolar disorder.
- Conducted comprehensive psychological evaluations for adults.
- Oversaw training and mentorship of neuropsychology practicum students.
- Conducted community education presentations on multicultural suicide assessment, a teaching project on Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and a program evaluation research project evaluating the efficacy of the Adult IOP program
Psychology Intern
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services
Culver City
09.2012 - 08.2013
- APA Accredited
- Facilitated crisis-oriented recovery services alongside long-term therapeutic interventions for Medi-Cal facing various psychological challenges in Spanish and in English.
- Co-facilitated the Seeking Safety group for individuals with trauma and substance use and the Survivors of Suicide Attempt group (SOSA) at the Suicide Prevention Center
- Engaged in DBT team consultation, training, and phone coaching.
- Performed bilingual psychological evaluations for adult patients.
- Delivered community education presentations on suicide prevention to various audiences.
- Gathered and analyzed data for a research project evaluating the efficacy of the DBT skills group.
- Mentored and supported progress of pre-doctoral psychology practicum students.
Psychology Practicum Trainee
Kurt & Barbara Gronowski Clinic, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology
Los Altos
06.2011 - 08.2012
- Conducted and evaluated psychological, psychoeducational, and neuropsychological assessments for adults.
- Addressed referral questions concerning learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, personality issues, mood disorders, and differential diagnoses.
Psychology Practicum Trainee
La Familia Counseling Service
Hayward
07.2011 - 05.2012
- Delivered psychodynamic therapy and Brief Structural Family psychotherapy to Medi-Cal clients.
- Delivered crisis interventions to address immediate client needs.
- Collaborated on case reviews alongside a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers.
Psychology Practicum Trainee, Adult Program
Gardner Family Care Corporation – Centro De Bienestar
San Jose
09.2010 - 05.2011
- Tailored mental health approaches for homeless and court-mandated Medi-Cal adults with complex psychiatric needs using various treatment and case management strategies.
- Performed comprehensive mental health assessments
- Facilitated coordination among a diverse team of healthcare providers to maintain treatment compliance.
Psychological Trainee
Kurt and Barbara Gronowski Clinic, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology
Los Altos
06.2009 - 03.2010
- Delivered bilingual psychotherapy services to low-income clients with mood, anxiety, and personality disorders.
- Conducted intake assessments, created treatment plans, administered psychological evaluations
Home Intervention Specialist
Oakland Unified School District
Oakland
03.2007 - 09.2008
- Enhanced developmental outcomes using personalized approaches incorporating incidental teaching and pivotal response training (Individual Differences, Relationship Based model (DIR), Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children (TEACCH)
- Developed assignments tailored to IEP objectives.
- Enhanced interaction capabilities by utilizing Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).
- Collaborated in weekly meetings with licensed clinical psychologist and school intervention specialist.
Education Specialist
A Better Chance School
Richmond
11.2006 - 09.2007
- Utilized Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) techniques to enhance prosocial behavior development for students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged 6-15.
- Enhanced communication between students and staff through the use of picture schedules (PECS) and modified American Sign Language (ASL).
- Assessed intervention methods to determine effectiveness and areas for improvement.
Peer Advocate Intern
Lifelines Breast Cancer Services
San Francisco
06.2005 - 08.2006
- Delivered emotional support and in-home assistance to breast cancer clients in Spanish, English, and Mandarin Chinese.
- Engaged in outreach activities to enhance emotional and physical well-being among female clients diagnosed with breast cancer.
Psychology Student Intern
Hawaii State Hospital
Kaneohe
12.2005 - 01.2006
- Assessed interaction dynamics between staff and male patients in therapeutic group workshops to inform treatment interventions.
- Designed comprehensive historical background questionnaire for interviewing dementia patients.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary treatment team during weekly patient recovery plan reviews.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Clinical Psychology
Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (Palo Alto University)
Palo Alto, CA01.2013
Master of Science - Clinical Psychology
Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (Palo Alto University)
Palo Alto, CA01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology & Spanish
Mount Holyoke College
South Hadley, MA01.2006
Skills
- Psychological Evaluation
- Multilingual Therapy Expertise
- Risk assessment & crisis intervention
- Collaborative Family Counseling
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Client advocacy
- Public speaking
- Case management
- Multicultural competence
- Adult psychology
- Suicide risk assessment
- Attention to detail
- Written communication
Affiliations
- American Psychological Association, 2008-Present
- American Psychological Association, Division 45, Ethnic Minority Issues, 2009-Present
- Asian American Psychological Association, 2010-Present
- American Association of Suicidology, 2011-Present
Certification
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy Certification (Level A), Los Angeles, CA, 05/2013
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Culver City, CA, 05/2012
- Crisis-Oriented Recovery Services, Culver City, CA, 05/2012
- Professional Program in Neuropsychological Assessment, Berkeley, CA, 05/2012
Presentations
- Children's Health Council Voices of compassion podcast: Distress Tolerance for parents, 03/2025
- Children's Health Council Voices of compassion podcast: Healthy Relationships, 10/2024
- Children's Health Council Voices of compassion podcast: Parent Accommodation of Anxiety, 09/2024
- Palo Alto University (PAU) Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Alumni Panel, 05/2024
- Exploring Health Care: telehealth informational session with students in mental health, 03/2024
- Children's Health Council Voices of compassion podcast: Mental Health and the Asian American Community, 02/2024
- Children's Health Council Voices of compassion podcast: Preparing for Adolescence, 01/2024
- Children's Health Council Voices of compassion podcast: Demistificar la salud mental (Demystifying Mental Health), 01/2024
- Exploring Health Care: Panelists Q&A at Children's Health Council, 08/2023
- Self-Care for Mental Health Professionals, 03/2023
- Mindfulness for Teachers, 04/2022
- Being a Parent a Teacher and a Human (all at the same time), 05/2020
- Supporting Success for a Child on the Autism Spectrum, 09/2016
- Understanding Depression in Older Adults: Myths & Facts, 02/2016
- Interpersonal Psychotherapy, 04/2014
- Multicultural Suicide Risk Assessment, 03/2014
- Adult Suicide Presentation, 03/2013
- Transforming Multicultural Psychology: Engagement, Renewal, and Action Across Generations, 01/2013
- Assessment of Suicide Risk Behavior among Asian Americans, 2012
- Self-Perceived Help Among a Suicide Population in Asian Americans and Latinos, 12/2010
- Hidden Suicidal Ideation Among Asian Americans at an Outpatient Clinic, 05/2010
- Emotional Health and Coping Mechanisms of Asian American Parents of Children with Autism, 04/2009
Publications
A Validation Study of the Cultural Assessment of Suicide Risk Among Latino/a American Adults, Hsu, E, 2013
References
Available upon request
Research
- Ethnic Minority Mental Health Research Assistant, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (PAU), Palo Alto, CA, 09/2009-06/2013, Coded data, reviewed literature, conducted individual research project.
- Research Assistant, Multicultural Suicide Research Center, Palo Alto, CA, 09/2009-06/2013, Assisted in developing and validating a newly developed suicide assessment tool.
- Group research project, Cognitive Methods, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, 09/2005-12/2005, Investigated the relationship between meta-comprehension skills and memory capability.
- Group research project, Research Methods, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, 01/2004-05/2005, Investigated the influence of sex-typed identity among female participants.
Activities
Ad Hoc reviewer, Psychological Science, American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, 2013-2016, Reviewed, edited, and provided feedback to authors to inform journal manuscript submissions.
Accomplishments
- 2012: National Psychologist Trainee Register (NPTR) Credentialing Scholarship
- 2011: Recipient, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (PAU) Dissertation Grant. $1,000
- 2010: Recipient, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (PAU) First Author Travel Award
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Full Professional
Teaching Experience
- Psychopathology and Psychodiagnosis II Teaching Assistant, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (PAU), Palo Alto, CA: 11/2010-1/2011
- Psychology Department Liaison, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA: 9/2005-5/2006
- Teaching Assistant, Introduction to Psychology, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA: 9/2005-12/2006
- Adult Literacy Tutor, Springfield Technical Community College, Springfield, MA: 2/2006
- Child Literacy Tutor, Indian Orchard Elementary School, Holyoke, MA: 1/2006
- Psychology Teaching Assistant, Gorse Child Study Center, South Hadley, MA: 1/2006
- College Volunteer, Girl’s Inc, Holyoke, CA: 3/2004-7/2005
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Behavioral Health Provider
Tri-City Health Center
10.2016 - 05.2017
Bilingual Clinical Psychologist
Children’s Health Council
08.2016 - Current
Assessment Technician
Paradox Psychological Services, Inc.
03.2016 - 12.2016
Clinical Psychologist
LivWell Psychology Services
12.2015 - 03.2016
Quality Control Evaluation Manager
Best Steps Diagnostic Department (Center for Social Dynamics)
10.2015 - Current
Testing Technician
The Pratt Center
09.2014 - 10.2015
Postdoctoral Resident
Kaiser Permanente Redwood City
09.2013 - 09.2014
Psychology Intern
Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services
09.2012 - 08.2013
Psychology Practicum Trainee
La Familia Counseling Service
07.2011 - 05.2012
Psychology Practicum Trainee
Kurt & Barbara Gronowski Clinic, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology
06.2011 - 08.2012
Psychology Practicum Trainee, Adult Program
Gardner Family Care Corporation – Centro De Bienestar
09.2010 - 05.2011
Psychological Trainee
Kurt and Barbara Gronowski Clinic, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology
06.2009 - 03.2010
Home Intervention Specialist
Oakland Unified School District
03.2007 - 09.2008
Education Specialist
A Better Chance School
11.2006 - 09.2007
Psychology Student Intern
Hawaii State Hospital
12.2005 - 01.2006
Peer Advocate Intern
Lifelines Breast Cancer Services
06.2005 - 08.2006
Doctor of Philosophy - Clinical Psychology
Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (Palo Alto University)
Master of Science - Clinical Psychology
Pacific Graduate School of Psychology (Palo Alto University)
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology & Spanish
Mount Holyoke College
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