How I Got Here
I grew up between worlds—mixed in ways that didn't have a name where I came from. Different cultures, races, faiths. None of it mapped neatly onto what I saw around me.
I learned early how to translate—not just language, but emotion, expectation, and all the unspoken rules beneath the surface. I got good at keeping the peace—not realizing I was disappearing in the process at mistaking silence for safety. For years, I thought that feeling of watching from the edges was just my story. My particular brand of not-belonging.
But the more I listened to others, the more I realized: so many of us feel this way. The high achievers. The caretakers. The ones who perform belonging rather than feel it. And I started asking—not what's wrong with me, but who benefits when so many of us feel like outsiders? Once I saw it, I couldn't unsee it. The problem was never us.
When I became a psychotherapist, it wasn't because I was drawn to people's pain—it was because I recognized their strength. The quiet kind that hides beneath perfectionism and holding everything together. I saw how cultural harm, intergenerational trauma, and systemic pressure show up disguised as anxiety, burnout, or never feeling enough.
That's where my work lives—whether I'm with clients, training therapists, or writing my newsletter: The Quietly Complex. I help people name what's been invisible and move from surviving to actually living.
I don't do this to fix anyone. I do it to help people remember what was never broken. And if any of this resonates, I want you to know: you're not alone.
AWARDS
My contributions to the field have been honoured with awards in psychotherapy, education, and community impact.
Media Award
Mental Health America for I Need To Ask You Something a Lemonada Media Production
2024
Outstanding Practitioner Award
Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International
2023
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
George Washington University’s (GWU) Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD)
2022
Kitty Cole Human Rights Award
The Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD), a division of the American Counseling Association (ACA)
2022
Ohana Award
The Association of Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ), a division of the American Counseling Association (ACA)
2021
Robert H. Rencken Emerging Professional Leader Award
The American Counseling Association
2020
Samuel H. Johnson Distinguished Service Award
The Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD)
2019
Faculty Service Award
Marymount University’s School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Education
2019
Counselor of the Year
The Virginia Counselors Association (VCA)
2019
Exemplary Diversity Leadership Award
The Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD)
2018
Humanitarian and Caring Person of the Year Award
The Prince William Regional Counselors Association’s (PWRCA), a chapter of VCA
2018
Outstanding Student of the Year for Scholarship
Nominated by Counseling Department faculty, Marymount University
2017
Outstanding Doctoral Student Award
European Branch of the American Counseling Association (EB-ACA)
2016
Pete Warren Graduate Student Fellow
Virginia Counselors Association Foundation (VCAF)
2016
ABOUT
Meet Dr. Monica
An award-winning psychotherapist and educator
Most of my work is shaped by a question I believe defines our time:
What becomes possible when we choose to accept one another across our divides?
I bridge clinical practice with systemic change—helping therapists, organizations, and communities hold space for cultural complexity with both confidence and care.
My work is grounded in a simple belief: belonging is the foundation of everything—and it starts when we find the courage to talk across our differences. The tools that help us get there shouldn't live only in therapy offices. They belong in workplaces, communities, and everyday conversations. That principle shapes every training, workshop, and consultation I lead.
Before founding my private practice in Washington, D.C., I spent years as a professor in graduate counseling programs. I continue that work today—mentoring emerging clinicians, supervising pre-licensed therapists, and leading a team dedicated to equity-driven, relationship-centered care.
Beyond the therapy room, I partner with nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, and mission-driven teams to expand mental health access through strategy, storytelling, and grant development. I currently serve as a partner and subject-matter advisor to The Jed Foundation, The AAKOMA Project, and Project Healthy Minds, helping shape products, media, and curriculum that advance culturally responsive care for young people.
From 2022 to 2024, I had the honor of advising Pivotal Ventures' Adolescent Mental Health Portfolio, supporting the development of a grant for the Decolonizing Wealth Project's Youth Mental Health Fund—a $20 million initiative launched in 2025 to expand access to culturally responsive care for youth navigating intersecting identities and systemic challenges.
Wherever the work takes me, the aim stays the same: real belonging unlocks real opportunity. I'm here to help people experience both.
Belonging isn’t just emotional—it’s biological. We’re wired for connection. But when we spend years performing it instead of feeling it, our minds and bodies bear the cost. That’s why identity work matters—not to help us fit in, but to help us stop abandoning ourselves to do it.
Stop trying to earn your place, and rest in the truth that you already belong
REVIEWS
Sharing some feedback from my clients
Monica became my clinical supervisor in early 2022, and it has proven time and time again that knowing her is one of the best decisions I’ve made in my clinical journey. She challenges clinicians to grow into the best versions of ourselves. Even after earning my independent license, Monica remains my first call whenever I need guidance or clarity on a clinical or career decision. When I doubted myself before opening my private practice, she was the one who reminded me that I’m not only capable but worthy of building something of my own. She’s also realistic about the business side of being a therapist, which makes her support both comforting and practical. In short, she is invaluable. I’m endlessly grateful to have her in my corner.
Dawn-Marie Parker, LPC
In May 2025, I had the pleasure of inviting Dr. Monica P. Band to serve as our keynote speaker for our Chi Sigma Iota International Honor Society for Lehman College’s inaugural induction ceremony and graduation celebration.
The selection process was both thoughtful and collaborative—students played an active role in reviewing speaker options and ultimately voted to invite Dr. Band. They were drawn to her for her authenticity, culturally responsive approach, and ability to connect across generations.
Our program is made up of future counselors, and we were looking for someone who could speak meaningfully to their lived experiences and aspirations.
On the day of the event, Dr. Band delivered a thought-provoking keynote exploring life after graduation and the small, intentional acts of resistance we can take against the mental health industrial complex. She wove in themes of community healing, collective care, and lessons from her own journey. Her message resonated deeply—capturing the attention of students and family members alike, and leaving the audience with a renewed sense of purpose and connection.
Dr. Band was an outstanding choice, and I would confidently recommend her as a speaker for any audience seeking depth, relatability, and inspiration.
Dr. Anna Flores Locke
Latina Fertility Expert
Lecturer at Lehman College
In April 2025, I had the pleasure of inviting Dr. Monica P. Band to serve as a panelist at Heal Together, an in-person and livestreamed event designed to center healing, self-care, and wellness for individuals across all campuses. The event featured a day of curated experiences—blending movement, mindfulness, and cultural insight—to create an inclusive space for restoration and community-building.
Dr. Band participated from the outset, offering her insight during planning meetings and helping to craft thoughtful questions for our panelists. She was featured in our culminating panel event of the day, which focused on elevating non-Western and Indigenous healing practices. Her presence brought depth and authenticity to the conversation, and her reflections deeply resonated with attendees—leaving them with a lasting impression.
I would absolutely recommend working with Dr. Band again. Her ability to hold space, foster connection, and honor diverse traditions made her an invaluable part of the experience.
Dr. Shekila Melchior, NCC, LPC (VA), LPC-MHSP (TN)
Director of Strategic Initiatives, Partnerships and Outreach
George Mason University
In April 2025, I had the pleasure of inviting Dr. Monica Band to be our commencement speaker, and she brought thoughtful insights, warmth, and passionate professionalism to the space. Her message resonated so well with our audience and added real value to the ceremony. So appreciated!
Dr. Kevin Doyle
President and CEO of Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School
Working alongside Dr. Band has been one of the most rewarding and inspiring experiences both professionally and personally. I've had the privilege of being a colleague in practice and under the supervision of Dr. Band and I can honestly say she is one of the most compassionate, thoughtful and supportive professionals I've connected with. Beyond her depth of expertise, Monica intentionally engages with students, clients, and/or colleagues with the utmost respect and relentlessly advocates for their needs.
Her impact has a lasting effect that I've been grateful to experience! I strongly recommend partnering with her to anyone fortunate enough to cross paths with her!
Claudia Nguyen, PhD, LPC, NCC
Clinical Faculty at Georgetown University School of Medicine
In May 2025, I had the pleasure of inviting Dr. Monica P. Band to facilitate an engaging and reflective virtual event for Asian Mental Health Collective. The event was designed to center joy—especially in contrast to the often-dominant trauma narratives—and to kick off our fundraising efforts for our Healing from the Roots campaign. Dr. Band brought warmth, deep knowledge of trauma healing, and compassion for the complexities of centering joy despite the general uncertainty of these times.
Her message deeply resonated with our audience and many expressed that they left feeling energized and resourced to continue connecting in community. I would absolutely recommend working with her again in the future—her presence and facilitation elevated the entire experience.
Ayesha Meer
Executive Director at Asian Mental Health Collective
I first met Dr. Monica Band in 2022 at the inaugural Youth Mental Health Action Forum at the White House, hosted by MTV, Pinterest, and other social impact partners. From 2023 to 2025, we’ve had the privilege of working with her through Hopebound, where she designed and facilitated a multi-part professional development series for our clinical interns.
Her trainings covered everything from ethics, goal-setting, and clinical documentation to trauma-informed care, multicultural and social justice theories, and culturally responsive practice. Dr. Band was collaborative throughout the process, tailoring developmentally appropriate content for our graduate-level interns and creating a safe, engaging learning environment.
She has a rare ability to make complex topics accessible and empowering, blending deep clinical knowledge with empathy and authenticity. We would wholeheartedly recommend her as a trainer, consultant, and thought leader who truly embodies the values of equity, compassion, and cultural humility.