Meet Christina Seowoo Lee, Licensed Psychologist in New York
My story
Hi! I’m Christina (she/her), and my Korean name is Seowoo —pronounced “suh-ooh”.
I identify as an Asian American and third culture kid. I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up moving back and forth between South Korea and the United States. I’ve lived in five states (New York, Massachusetts, California, Hawaii, and Indiana) and am now based in Brooklyn, New York.
Growing up across cultures naturally made me curious about how people come to be who they are. My upbringing has deeply shaped who I am as a person and therapist, and it allows me to connect with people from many walks of life.
Outside of work, I like to read, write, touch grass, watch the sunset, practice the ukulele, and spend time with my 8-year-old dog Jelly. I look forward to getting to know you!
My practice
In my nine years of clinical practice, I’ve worked in hospital, community, school, and jail settings with adults, adolescents, couples, and families. I have a special passion for working with people of color (BIPOC), immigrants, LGBTQ+ communities, international students, and anyone with marginalized or “in-between” identities. I am bilingual and offer therapy in both English and Korean.
Nalu means wave in Hawaiian, and it also carries the meaning of to reflect or to ponder. I chose it because it captures the therapy process—movement within stillness, a reminder that nothing is fixed, and the quiet space we create that allows us to pause, reflect, and grow.
Together, we can learn to flow with life’s currents rather than push against them. Nalu is also a small tribute to my time in Hawaiʻi, a place that became part of how I understand presence and connection.
Education
New York University | PhD, Clinical/Counseling Psychology
Harvard University | EdM, Prevention Science and Practice
Wellesley College | BA, Psychology
Experience
Maimonides Medical Center, Adult Outpatient Service (Staff Psychologist)
Center for Cognitive and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (Fellowship)
Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center
NYC Health+Hospitals, Correctional Health Services, Rikers Island | Program for Accelerated Clinical Effectiveness (PACE)
NYC Health+Hospitals, Jacobi Hospital | Adult Inpatient Psychiatry, Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
Mount Sinai Morningside | Comprehensive Adolescent Rehabilitation and Education Service (CARES)
Research
My doctoral research explored how psychological and cultural factors influence mental health in racial/ethnic minorities, with a focus on suicide and self-harm. To learn more, you can find a list of my publications on my Google Scholar profile.