Jacky Kim

Greetings, my name is Jacky Jaeok Kim, and my Korean name translates to “pearl of wisdom” in my native tongue. I’m also a first-generation Korean immigrant, a proud dog mom, an insatiable polymath, a person of many facets with a lifetime’s worth of stories under my belt. As a formerly undocumented Dreamer and survivor of sexual assault, I carry a deep understanding of resilience and hope with me in everything I do.

I am a LCSW in Oregon (pending LICSW in Washington) with 11 years of experience in the mental health field and community-based work. My journey began advocating for the civil rights and safety of individuals in the criminal justice system with Orleans Public Defenders. From there, I expanded my work to serve diverse populations in juvenile justice, education, hospital systems and more.

A formative experience in my career was a summer spent fly-fishing and working alongside grizzlies in Katmai National Park, where I was in complete reverence to Mother Nature and the remoteness of the Alaskan wilderness. This eventually led me to the Yukon-Kuskokwim region of Western Alaska upon receiving my MSW, where I worked as an itinerant social worker among the Yup’ik population. This experience deepened my respect for the indigenous way of life and reinforced my life’s commitment to providing meaningful, excellent patient care and therapy in rural settings.

Over the years, my experiences working with people from all walks of life have cultivated my ability to connect with others on a deeply empathetic level. I view life’s challenges through a multidimensional lens, appreciating the complexity of each person’s story.

My therapeutic approach is psychodynamic, integrating evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - paired with somatic awareness practices when appropriate. I specialize in navigating through life’s challenges - including anxiety, depression, interpersonal struggles dealing with problems in the workplace, academics, family dynamics, cultural or religious identity, intergenerational trauma and more.

I am committed to supporting you in a way that honors your unique identity and lived experience as a culturally-responsive clinician. I look forward to walking alongside you on your healing journey while offering a space of acceptance and shared commitment to growth and change.

Education:
BA - UC San Diego
MSW - Southern University of New Orleans, LA ​