Therapy that honors your whole story
I'm Joy Bao, an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. I see clients at Ellie Mental Health in Monrovia, California, offering therapy in both English and Mandarin.
I became a therapist because I believe every person deserves to feel understood — in their own words, in their own language, and within the context of where they come from.
Growing up bicultural as a Chinese-American, I know firsthand how it feels to move between worlds: the quiet expectations of family, the pull of two cultures, and the search for a place where all of it can be held with care. That experience shapes how I sit with every client.
My work is warm and collaborative. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, solution-focused approaches, and strengths-based care — always grounded in compassion and respect for your cultural and personal experience.
My philosophy
You are not a problem to be fixed. You are a person to be understood. My role is to walk alongside you — to help you feel safe enough to be fully seen, and strong enough to move toward the life you want.
A little about me
Outside of the therapy room, I find calm near the ocean, in time with family, and in traveling to new places. I believe the same things that steady me — connection, curiosity, and rest — are quietly healing for all of us.
Professional disclosure
Joy Bao, AMFT
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
License
Prelicensed by the State of California · #157518
Supervision
Carolina Myrvold, LMFT · California #45940
Education
- CSU Fullerton — B.A. in Business Accounting
- Fuller Theological Seminary — M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy
Additional credentials
- Certificate from Prepare/Enrich
Ready to begin?
I see clients at Ellie Mental Health in Monrovia, California. Scheduling, insurance, and intake are all handled warmly by their team.