Community Mental Health Welcomes New Chair Kini Chang

We'd like to welcome to the community Kini Chang, the new Chair of the Community Mental Health Program.

Kini Chang was previously Assistant Clinical Professor and Director of the Counseling and Forensic Psychology Graduate Program at Holy Names University in Oakland, CA. At Holy Names University, she had the opportunity to build a culturally and racially inclusive community of students, faculty, and leadership that embodied diversity and equity. She had the privilege of teaching and consulting for a number of higher education institutions. She comes from a liberation and social justice lens when working with trauma associated with systemic oppression, social inequity, community violence, abuse and attachment, juvenile justice reformation, and traumatic grief and loss. Her role as an educator, activist, and healer are guiding principles in her work in the community.

In addition to her role at the university, she has a private practice in Oakland, CA where she specializes in intergenerational and multigenerational familial trauma, transitional struggles and life challenges, anxiety and depression brought on by environmental and social impacts, multicultural and racial couple’s therapy, as well parent education and coaching on adolescent development and child rearing. As an advocate for quality holistic, innovative, and accessible healthcare for all, she is also a member of the UCSF Integrative Health and Medicine Committee to integrate holistic and nontraditional forms of wellness and medicine into our healthcare to offer alternatives and culturally accommodating services.

With 15+ years of experience working with teens, adults, and families, she is dedicated to the holistic healing of the mind, body, and soul. She is a native to the bay area, artist, dancer, avid traveler, and finds creative expression and storytelling as a platform for deep healing. Many people describe her as warm, understanding, and down to earth.