Dr. Dawn Kwan, PhD
She/Her
CA License PSY36877
Clinical Background
Dr. Dawn Kwan is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma-related concerns, behavioral challenges, adjustment difficulties, and life transitions.
Dr. Kwan completed her internship and fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), where she received extensive training in a multidisciplinary academic medical center serving children, adolescents, and young adults. Her clinical experience includes individual and family therapy and leading parent groups focused on emotional and behavioral management. She also has worked with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and trauma.
At CHLA, she worked closely with systems involved in a child’s care, including schools, regional centers, and medical and mental health providers such as psychiatrists, developmental-behavioral pediatricians, and occupational therapists. Working alongside professionals across disciplines helped her develop the skills to understand clients from multiple perspectives and coordinate care to address their diverse needs.
Approach to Therapy
Dr. Kwan’s approach is grounded in evidence-based and compassionate care, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) serving as a primary framework. She tailors treatment to each client’s needs, strengths, and goals and believes in understanding the “why” before initiating change.
She strives to meet clients where they are and work with what they bring into the therapy room, helping them build practical skills and make changes that feel meaningful and relevant. Dr. Kwan considers the broader context of clients’ lives and partners with families, schools, and other providers to provide comprehensive care.
Across her training, Dr. Kwan has worked with diverse clients and families in a range of settings. She is committed to culturally informed care, recognizing how culture, identity, family values, and lived experience shape each person’s relationship to mental health.
Areas of Focus
Dr. Kwan has a professional interest in anxiety, OCD, and trauma-related concerns. She especially enjoys exposure-based work and helping clients gradually approach what feels difficult, build confidence, and develop a greater sense of agency. She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and has additional training in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, OCD, behavioral concerns, and eating disorders.
Outside of Work
Dr. Kwan enjoys hiking, surfing, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with family, friends, and dogs.
Foreign Language Proficiency:
- Korean – professional fluency
Education:
- B.A. in Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Korea University
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa