An Interview With Stephanie Greer
Expanding access through technology is enormous. We’ve seen telehealth and virtual platforms transform the way people get care. Take our Warm clinic, for example. It’s all about making mental health support and education more accessible. Imagine if we really leaned into these digital tools, especially for underserved communities, so people could get the care they need from wherever they are, without the barriers of distance or inconvenience.
The current state of the mental health system is a conversation that echoes in the halls of policy-making, the corners of social advocacy, and within the private struggles of individuals and families. As we continue to witness an unprecedented need for robust mental health support, the shortcomings of the existing system become more glaring. It is within this backdrop that we seek the insight of those who are at the forefront of behavioral health. In this interview series, we are talking to behavioral health leaders, policymakers, mental health practitioners, advocates, and reformers to share their perspectives on healing our broken mental health system. As a part of this interview series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dr Akira Olsen.
Dr. Olsen is a distinguished clinical psychologist and chief executive officer of WARM Education, Training & Consulting in Burlingame, California. She has been at the helm of her organization since 2024, providing comprehensive mental health education to the public, including specialized programs in education, consulting and speaking engagements for individuals, parents, educators and businesses. As such, Dr. Olsen focuses on addressing the impacts of trauma and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), specifically on prevention and solution development.
In addition to her role at WARM Education, Dr. Olsen has served as a clinical psychologist at LifeStance Health Inc. in San Francisco since 2023, providing virtual services. She has also been serving as a co-parenting family consultant and forensic psychologist for the San Mateo County Family Court Panel since 2016. Dr. Olsen’s expertise in educating and supporting youth, families, and businesses on the impact of trauma and ADHD is widely recognized.
Furthermore, Dr. Olsen has been the chief executive officer and clinical psychologist at Dr. Akira Olsen, Psychologist Inc. since 2010, providing in-person, virtual and forensic services. As a leading authority in mental health, she works with a diverse clientele, including youth and adults, to address challenges related to anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dr. Olsen is renowned for her innovative approach to mental wellness, particularly through social media platforms like Instagram, where she has developed programs to broaden mental health education. Her commitment extends to supervising graduate students at her clinic and providing comprehensive psychological services. Moreover, Dr. Olsen has been leading an LGBTQ group as part of her clients’ online community to boost their confidence and self-esteem.
Dr. Olsen’s earlier career included working as a clinical psychologist at Octave Health Group Inc. from 2021 to 2023. She also worked as a clinical faculty member and a clinical supervisor for doctoral students at Palo Alto University and the Stanford Consortium (PGSP) from 2019 to 2022. Additionally, she served as a clinical supervisor at StarVista from 2018 to 2019 and as a per diem psychologist at Stanford University School of Medicine during the same period. Among other noteworthy roles, Dr. Olsen excelled as a clinical psychologist, child and family therapist, community health educator and community organizer at the Homeless Children’s Network between 2007 and 2010 and gained valuable experience as a child and adolescent therapist and psychology intern at the Ann Martin Center from 2004 to 2008.
In preparation for her career in mental health, Dr. Olsen received a bachelor’s degree in cognitive psychology and human science from Keio University in 1993. Subsequently, she received a master’s degree in clinical psychology and east-west psychology and a Doctor of Psychology in clinical psychology and child and family psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies. Dr. Olsen is licensed by the Nevada State Board of Psychological Examiners, is a board-certified clinical psychologist in California and Nevada, and holds several other credentials, including acceptance commitment therapy certification.
Active in her professional community, Dr. Olsen is a member of the Society for Couple and Family Psychology, the American Psychological Association, the Nevada Psychological Association and the Asian American Psychological Association, among others.
Dr. Olsen’s dedication extends beyond her professional roles into civic engagement as a volunteer with the Burlingame School District. As an author, she has published several works, including “The Rise of an Anxious Society: Recognizing, Understanding and Treating Anxiety in Girls” in 2018 and “A Beginner’s Guide to Emotional Trauma: Navigating Healing and Resilience” in 2019.
In light of her contributions, Dr. Olsen has received such awards as being named one of the Top Five Online Mental Health Therapists by JustAnswer LLC in 2011.
Dr. Olsen plans to continue dedicating herself to meaningful projects, such as the WARM Mental Health Program, which focuses on young families’ mental health education and ADHD support. She is also committed to raising awareness about mental wellness through Instagram and expanding mental health programs for early infant mental health education and intervention for parents.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we start, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your background and your childhood backstory?
Thanks so much for having me! I’m Dr. Akira Olsen, and my passion has always been helping youth and families navigate the ups and downs of mental health, especially around ADHD and trauma. Growing up in Tokyo had a significant impact on me. The culture is rooted in traditional discipline, but a deep appreciation for creativity exists. I practiced Kendo, a form of Japanese fencing, and explored art, which shaped my belief in blending mindfulness and creativity into the healing process. Over the years, I’ve worked in all kinds of settings — community clinics, schools, and university counseling centers — which has helped me understand different communities’ diverse needs. Today, as the founder of WARM Education, Training & Consulting, I’m committed to using cutting-edge methods to support youth and families, especially those grappling with ADHD and trauma.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Sure! One of my favorite quotes is from Viktor Frankl: “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms — to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” This quote has stuck with me throughout my life and career. I faced my own struggles with anxiety when I was younger, and it taught me the power of choosing how to respond to adversity. It’s a reminder that even when things feel out of control, we always have that inner freedom to decide how to move forward. It’s also something I try to instill in my clients, empowering them to shape their path toward healing.
Let’s now shift to the central part of our discussion. It is often said that “the mental health system in America is broken.” What does that statement mean to you? From your perspective, what is “broken” today?
That phrase hits home because it reflects the reality many families and individuals face. To me, it points to significant systemic issues — like limited access to care, a lack of resources, and the persistent stigma around mental health. Specifically, for children and families dealing with ADHD and trauma, the system is often inflexible and rigid to navigate. We also don’t have enough culturally competent providers, leaving families to figure things out on their own. Unfortunately, mental health care is too often treated as a secondary concern, which delays treatment and results in fragmented, inconsistent care.
What about any bright spots? Do you think there are any elements we get right in today’s world that we wouldn’t want to reverse unintentionally?
Absolutely, there are definitely some silver linings. One of the brightest spots is that we’re starting to see mental health get the recognition it deserves. There’s a lot more awareness and acceptance, especially among younger people. The stigma isn’t as strong as it once was, which is promising. Plus, digital tools like telehealth have made therapy more accessible than ever, reaching people who wouldn’t have had options before. I’m also thrilled to see mindfulness and holistic approaches becoming more mainstream — it’s a sign that we’re heading in the right direction.
In your opinion, what are the 5 most impactful things that could help heal the broken mental health system?
The mental health system desperately needs some serious reimagining. A few game-changers could really make a difference.
First, expanding access through technology is enormous. We’ve seen telehealth and virtual platforms transform the way people get care. Take our Warm clinic, for example. It’s all about making mental health support and education more accessible. Imagine if we really leaned into these digital tools, especially for underserved communities, so people could get the care they need from wherever they are, without the barriers of distance or inconvenience.
Next, we need to integrate holistic approaches into mainstream treatment. Therapy and medication are crucial, but they’re not the whole picture. A holistic approach means taking care of the whole person — mind, body, and lifestyle. Mindfulness, lifestyle changes, and practical life skills training are key for lasting well-being.
Another big one is culturally competent care. It’s not enough to just provide therapy; it has to be relevant and sensitive to each person’s cultural background. Mental health providers should be trained to appreciate and understand different traditions, values, and experiences. Therapy should feel personal and adaptable, not one-size-fits-all.
We also have to start early. Strengthening mental health education in schools is essential. Teaching emotional regulation, resilience, and coping skills to kids and teens sets them up for success. We want them to be prepared for the challenges of life, both at school and at home. It’s all about building a foundation of emotional well-being from a young age.
And lastly, it’s time we reframe how we think about mental health as a society. We need to give it the same priority as physical health. That means real investment from governments and organizations. When we don’t address mental health issues, the impact ripples out into every corner of society, so making it a top priority benefits everyone.
If all of the items on your list were magically implemented tomorrow, what change might we see worldwide? What are the signs (big and small) that would show us the system is being healed?
If all these changes came to life, we’d notice people feeling more empowered and resilient. You’d see less stigma around seeking help, more people getting care when they need it, and families equipped to handle challenges before they become crises. On a larger scale, we’d see improved workplace productivity, stronger relationships, and fewer mental health emergencies. Even minor signs, like a kid confidently handling their emotions or a parent feeling less isolated, would show real progress.
What is a project you or others are working on today that gives you hope? How can our readers learn more about this work?
I’m incredibly proud of our Warm virtual clinic. It’s tailored for youth with ADHD and their families, offering mental health education, holistic therapy, community support, and accessible resources. At WARM Education, Training & Consulting, we’re also focused on educating clinicians, families, and organizations about the impact of ADHD and trauma. If you’re interested, you can learn more on our website: www.drakira.com.
How do you see technology shaping the future of mental health care and its accessibility?
Technology is already a game-changer. Telehealth, apps, and online support groups have made mental health care more accessible, even for people in remote areas. As technology evolves, I think we’ll see even more personalized and on-demand options for care, where people can get help tailored to their needs. The critical part is making sure we use these tools ethically and thoughtfully to complement face-to-face care rather than replace it.
In your view, how do social factors like poverty, education, and culture affect mental health care and its effectiveness?
Social factors are enormous in determining mental health outcomes. Poverty can limit access to services, education gives people the skills to handle stress, and cultural norms affect how we seek and engage with treatment. To be effective, mental health care needs to address these realities and be equitable. Tailoring support to meet people where they are, no matter their background or circumstances, is essential.
In light of the growing mental health crisis among young people, what innovative approaches or interventions have proven most successful for children and adolescents?
Mindfulness-based programs, neurofeedback, play therapy, art therapy, and virtual therapy platforms are making a real difference. Our Warm platform, for instance, provides a mix of psychoeducation, treatment, and life skills training. It’s about empowering kids and teens to manage their challenges and giving them the confidence to thrive rather than just getting by.
We are blessed that some prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world or the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them. 🙂
I’d be honored to have lunch with Dr. Brené Brown. Her work on vulnerability, courage, and shame has completely changed how we talk about emotional well-being. I deeply admire her impact and how she’s brought these crucial conversations into the mainstream.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can follow my work through our website, www.drakira.com, and on social media, especially Instagram, at @drakira94111. Warm platform (www.warmlounge.com) is also a great place to check out if you’re navigating ADHD in your family. Thank you so much for your interest and for this opportunity to share!
Thank you for your time and thoughtful answers. I know many people will gain so much from hearing this.
About The Interviewer: Stephanie Greer, PhD is the Co-founder and CEO of Akin Mental Health — a company dedicated to guiding families on their journey supporting a loved one with mental health challenges like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and severe depression. Stephanie is passionate about this topic from her own personal experience growing up with a mother who struggled with bipolar 1 disorder and found a path forward to overcome the obstacles and live well. Stephanie’s professional experience includes a doctorate in neuroscience as well as design research roles at Hopelab and Apple. Stephanie brings this personal passion together with her world-class science and technology background to support families across the US in their personal journeys supporting loved ones with mental illness. To learn more about Akin Mental Health and join our community, visit us at akinmh.com.