Influential Woman · Psychotherapy and Mental Health Treatment

Kelly Wu

Psychotherapist in Private Practice, Kelly Wu, LCSW

Los Angeles, CA

4Awards received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Substance Use Counseling Certificate Degree UCLA Extension Degree Bachelor's Degree in Psychology Degree Southern New Hampshire University (Summa Cum Laude) Degree Master's Degree in Social Work Degree USC (Dean's List) Degree Completed 2021 Cert LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) Cert CADC-2 Cert CADC-3

Her Story

About Kelly

My path in this field started on the front lines of care, working directly with clients in early recovery and learning, in real time, what it means to support someone through meaningful change. What began as an entry-level role quickly became a long-term commitment to this work. I continued my education, stepping into roles in case management and substance use counseling, and eventually earning my Master’s in Social Work to deepen my clinical training.

Over the years, I’ve moved through both clinical and leadership positions, including program director and executive director, before stepping into my current role as Chief Operating Officer at Psychological Care and Healing. I’ve been with the organization for over two years, and in my current role, I focus on the bigger picture—how programs are built, how teams function, and how we can continue to evolve care in a way that truly meets people where they are.

At the same time, I’ve always stayed connected to the clinical side of the work. I maintain a private telehealth practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, where I work with adults navigating chronic pain, chronic dizziness, and other persistent symptoms and sensations, as well as trauma and substance use. My interest in this area became more personal after experiencing chronic pain myself, which shifted how I understand the connection between the mind, body, and nervous system.

At the core of everything I do is a desire to support people in a way that feels both practical and meaningful. Whether I’m working one-on-one with a client or helping shape a treatment program, I’m guided by the same intention: to create spaces where people feel understood, supported, and capable of real change.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Kelly

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to a genuine drive to support others in a meaningful and comprehensive way. In my role on the operations side of treatment, I focus on the bigger picture, ensuring that clients feel supported, that programs are functioning effectively, and that we continue to evolve alongside new research, modalities, and the changing needs of the people we serve.

At the same time, I value staying connected to the individual experience. Through my private practice, I am able to work one on one with clients, which keeps me grounded in the human side of this work.

Overall, I have always been motivated to continue developing my skills so I can support people on multiple levels, both within systems of care and through direct, personal connection.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I've ever received was to just be authentic and be a good person in this field. If you do the right thing, you'll always be successful.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would say believe in yourself and have confidence that you can do it. As somebody that worked full-time and went back to school while working full-time, doing school full-time, working sometimes 24 hours in a day with admissions, clinical crises and all of the things, I think it's really easy to get stuck in that belief that I can't do it, or this is too much. I would just say keep pushing and have faith and confidence in yourself.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I think as of today, the biggest challenge is navigating the disparities in terms of people being able to access good and effective treatment, and ensuring that people in need are getting access to the treatment that will be effective and supportive for them. Throughout my career and throughout my growth and development, challenges have shifted and changed, but currently this is what I see as the most significant challenge.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values most important to me are integrity, authenticity, and empathy. These guide both my professional work and my personal life.

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