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 became a cultural bridge before I had words for it, code-switching, brokering between worlds, carrying the weight of making everyone comfortable in spaces that weren't always built for me. I got good at keeping the peace, not realizing I was disappearing in the process and mistaking silence for safety.
For years, I thought that feeling of watching from the edges was just my story. The loneliness of existing in the in-between, fluent in multiple worlds but never fully claimed by any of them. I looked for myself in the stories around me and kept coming up empty. Feeling seen, understood, valued, accepted, these are just the different names we give to the same need: to know that we belong to something, and that something belongs to us.
More people are living without that than anyone wants to say out loud.
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 look away. 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, people-pleasing, and the performance of having it all together. I saw how cultural harm, intergenerational trauma, and the pressure to belong everywhere and nowhere shows up disguised as anxiety, burnout, or the persistent feeling of never being quite enough.
But I also knew this: we don't live in silos. The pain people carry into the therapy room didn't begin there, and it won't end there either. The work of belonging is interior and systemic at once. So I work not just with individuals, but with the therapists who hold them and the organizations that shape them, weaving cultural understanding into the places where people seek support, so that care can actually reach the people who need it most.
I don't do this to fix anyone. I do it to help people remember what was never broken.
I write about all of it over at The Quietly Complex.
AWARDS
My contributions to the field have been honoured with awards in psychotherapy, education, and community impact.
Innovation in Counseling Practice and Clinical Service
National Board of Certified Counselors
2026
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 differences?
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. I also founded Asian Therapists in Private Practice (ATPP), a community dedicated to supporting Asian mental health professionals building sustainable, identity-affirming practices.
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 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. In 2026, I was appointed to the Presidential Council for the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, the Executive Leadership Board of the Asian Mental Health Collective, and the Executive Board of Dare to Love More (DLM) Food and Resource Center.
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.
REVIEWS
Sharing some feedback from my clients
In March of 2026, we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Monica Band as a trainer and guide as we looked at deepening our work with immigrant, international, and undocumented students on campus. Before she even arrived in Blacksburg, she had already displayed a warmth, intentionality, and depth of insight that highlighted her passion for this work and the thoughtful ways she was considering bringing this message to our staff. The training itself felt both foundational and timely as we walked through theory and practice: Dr. Band presenting this loaded material captivatingly with willingness to sit with staff cases and questions. We can’t wait for Dr. Band to join us again in the future!
Justin Hawkersmith, M.S., NCC, LPC
Assistant Director of Clinical Services
Virginia Tech
Thomas E. Cook Counseling Center
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.