About Us

Meet Our Team

Dr. Candice Powell joined Mind HK as Chief Executive Officer in September 2022. She is trained as a clinical psychologist at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Before joining Mind HK, she worked at New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, one of Hong Kong’s largest community mental health NGOs, for 13 years. She is an honorary lecturer at The University of Hong Kong and a fellow of The Hong Kong Psychological Society, vice-chair of the Division of Clinical Psychology of HKPS, and a training officer of the Association of Contextual and Behavioural Science (Hong Kong Chapter). She is an awardee of Hong Kong Professional Elite Ladies Selection 2022.

Candice is diversely trained in evidence-based psychological intervention. Apart from being a practitioner, she is also a rigorous researcher and widely published in academic journals and presented her study findings at local and international conferences. She has developed innovative intervention programmes for improving people’s mental health and well-being. She introduced Mindful Parenting, digitised Unified Protocol for emotional disorders, and established a stepped-care psychological service in Hong Kong. She hopes everyone with emotional distress can easily access quality psychological services.

Carol has been at Mind HK since 2017, where she has led the organisation’s communications strategy, campaigns, digital content, and external relations, prior to stepping into the role of Deputy CEO in January 2022.
Carol previously supported public health development and communication programmes for the United Nation and a number of health-focused NGOs and digital health start-ups in Boston, New York, and Geneva. She holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Medical Humanities, a Master of Public Health, and a Master of Counselling. Outside of Mind HK, she is a mental health counsellor for adolescents and young adults, a member of the Laureus Model City Hong Kong Steering Committee, a mentor for Resolve’s 2022-2023 Fellowship, and a member of the Global Shapers Hong Kong hub. She is passionate about everything public health, storytelling, and changing attitudes toward mental health.

Charlotte joined Mind HK as Acting Chief Development Officer in September 2023.

At Mind HK she looks after all things related to development, fostering strong partnerships with all stakeholders interested in the mental health conversation. Charlotte brings international experience in journalism, social enterprise, and the nonprofit sector, in a variety of roles including communications, fundraising, marketing and volunteer management.

As an English Literature graduate, she has a strong belief that real life stories and lived experience leadership are the most effective way to create change. She is a former Fellow of Year Here, a pioneering UK based social innovation and leadership programme.

She would love to hear from you: [email protected]

Min joined Mind HK in January 2022. She holds a MBA degree, and over 14 years professional experience including extensive work within the operations field.

She started to work in the HK charity sector from 2020, and is proud to be able to apply her experience and knowledge on helping start up to build a solid foundation for further development.

Pinky joined Mind HK as a volunteer in 2019 and moved from volunteer to Content Advisor and Advisor in 2021 and 2023 respectively. As someone born and raised in Hong Kong, Pinky understands why so many people in Hong Kong have high stress. Long term stress puts our health, both physical and mental, at risk. It is essential that we know how to take good care of our mind and body. She is passionate about helping people to improve their life quality and happiness with her experience as a business executive and a health educator, especially those who are draining with mental health challenges.
Pinky is grateful to have the opportunity to be part of the Mind HK team. She is a qualified mental health first aid instructor and has provided online and in person training on various issues relating to mental health to schools, corporations and the public. She is also a part-time lecturer teaching master’s degree courses relating to sport and health at Hong Kong Baptist University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Pinky got a PhD (Department of Sports, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University), MPsyMed (Psychosis Studies) (Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong), MSc (Exercise Science) (Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong), MBA (Brunel University, UK) and BA (Political Science) (University of South Florida, US).

Florence joined Mind HK in Dec 2021 as the Finance Manager. She worked as an Accountant in a multi-national moving company over 20 years before joining Mind HK. She hopes to use her knowledge and experience to let Mind HK’s accounting policy become more perfect and systematic.

Mia brings her versatile expertise to the role of Acting Office Manager at Mind HK, having joined the team in 2024. With four years of comprehensive experience spanning HR, administration, and office operations, Mia is poised to enhance the organisation’s efficiency and daily functioning. She is committed to contributing to the mental health landscape in Hong Kong, leveraging her skills to support Mind HK’s mission and amplify its impact within the community. Eager to grow alongside the organisation, Mia looks forward to playing a vital role in fostering positive change and well-being for all.

Before joining the team in 2024, Clara has worked at various marketing agencies for 10 years, with a solid foundation in event and project management, client servicing and publicity, with a mixed clientele from the public to private sectors. In particular, she worked with the government on the mental health public education and promotion initiative, Shall We Talk, which further consolidated her dedication in improving mental health in the city and reducing stigma towards help-seeking and mental illnesses . She hopes to reach people who are not aware of mental health to begin the self-awareness journey with the collective efforts from Mind Hong Kong.

She is a firm believer in “deal with your mood before dealing with things” and mental health should be the priority in oneself, a family, a workplace and in a community. Say hi to Clara via [email protected] .

Henry learned about Mind HK during the Mental Health Conference 2017, and joined the Mind HK team, as he wishes to improve the mental health condition in Hong Kong through education and awareness works.

Henry obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Bath and worked as an Honorary Assistant Psychologist at a local hospital in the United Kingdom before coming back to his hometown. His previous work focused on conducting assessments and light intensity rehabilitations for individuals with various backgrounds. During work, he realised that there are huge differences in mental health attitudes and knowledge between the HK and UK community. The stigma has a significant impact on a person’s experience and recovery.

Therefore, Henry joined Mind HK aiming to improve the current situation and contribute through education and awareness work. He is a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and delivers mental health training and workshops.. He believes that reducing stigma and improving awareness are the first steps to improve support in Hong Kong, and he also wishes to collaborate and work with different like-minded parties to facilitate such change.

Matthew has been with Mind HK since September 2021. Growing up in Australia, his passion and interest has always been within the realms of mental health and disability. From attaining a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science as well as Masters in Autism Studies to working in various NGOs, he has always dedicated his time and effort to supporting individuals with varying capabilities.

Matthew has officially moved back to Hong Kong over three years ago and has since completed an International and Public NGO Management course. Noticing the difference in mental health attitudes and available support of both places, Matthew is now committed to raising awareness of mental health issues in Hong Kong as well as advocating for equal opportunities.

Nicole is a registered social worker in Hong Kong with a Master’s degree in Social Work at HKU. Having experienced first-hand how mental health problems have impacted both patients and carers, she is driven to dedicate herself in the field aiming to combat stigma and raise awareness of mental health in the local community.

Nicole joined Mind HK in late 2020 where she has led youth mental health programmes and is now managing diverse training programmes and operations for the Training Team. She is also a trainer herself with certified Mental Health First Aid instructor (both Standard and Youth version) qualifications. Prior to joining Mind HK, she has experience working with vulnerable families and children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and mental health challenges.

Odile has been involved with Mind HK since 2016, and was on the team that officially launched the charity at the 2017 Hong Kong Mental Health Conference. Odile is the lead clinical advisor for the Anti-Stigma Project, and a trainer. She was involved in the planning of the 2017 and 2020 Hong Kong Mental Health Conferences.
Odile is a Paediatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in child and adolescent care. Her commitment to serving marginalised communities lead her to work on the improvement of mental health care, and working with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence as well as vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth. In Hong Kong she has focused her efforts on mental health and nursing education. Odile is currently also a Child & Adolescent Teaching Fellow at the HK Polytechnic University School of Nursing, as well as an Honorary Nurse Consultant at the Hong Kong’s Children’s Hospital. Her extensive experience has allowed her to cultivate a strong focus in paediatric care, with a unique exposure to child and adolescent mental health.

She/her

Vicki graduated with a Masters in Social Work with a strong background and passion in mental health and psychology stemming from her Bachelors in Psychology.

With over five years of experience in mental health initiatives and supporting people with their mental health in both Vancouver and Edinburgh, Vicki hopes to bring her experience to Mind HK and help destigmatize mental health in Hong Kong. She hopes to normalize the conversation around mental health and the need for mental health support in the bustling city of Hong Kong where the conversation surrounding mental health can be a taboo topic. Prior to joining Mind HK, Vicki worked to support UNHCR and refugees as they are another one of Hong Kong’s most stigmatized population groups.

Vicki is an outdoor enthusiast and an advocate for spending quality time in nature. In her personal time, she is a keen marathoner, occasionally ultramarathoner, hiker and an avid climber.

Dr. Jacqueline Wu joined Mind HK as a Clinical Advisor in June 2024. She is a U.K. trained clinical psychologist who has had extensive clinical experience working in the mental health field both in HK and U.K. Jacqueline holds a Master’s degree in Early Interventions in Psychosis from King’s College London and a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Newcastle University. Jacqueline works with both adults and young people, and has a particular interest in working with complex mental health conditions, such as trauma, psychosis, attachment difficulties, anxiety disorders, low mood, self-harm, OCD, neurodevelopmental conditions and others. Her therapeutic approach is informed by a range of evidence-based interventions such as systemic approaches, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy. Her area of research interest was related ways to improve psychological interventions for LGBTQ+ individuals. 

 

Having been raised in HK, she has always noticed the need for more compassion and understanding in individuals with mental health difficulties which is not always easy in a culture where mental health was often stigmatised. It has always been her mission to not just support those in need but also raise mental health awareness in HK to create an inclusive environment where people feel safe to seek help and engage in discussions about mental health. Jacqueline strongly believes early intervention is critical and is motivated to support people in optimising their strengths and potential in order to improve their outcomes. Therefore, Jacqueline joined Mind HK as she is committed to bring these values to her work at the organisation.

Michelle joined Mind HK in April 2022. She attained a degree in Media Arts and an advanced certificate in Psychology in Hong Kong, with a special interest in community arts, psychotherapy and mindfulness. Prior to joining Mind HK, Michelle worked for various corporates and NGOs, and she brings over 8 years of experience in delivering local and overseas project management, development and fundraising campaigns.
Michelle previously worked for a local NGO as a Programme Manager to design and deliver a wide range of social inclusion programmes with people with different disabilities. Outside of Hong Kong, she also provided volunteer services in Germany, Cambodia and Thailand. She is committed to giving back to society, and excited to support Mind HK for mental health development in Hong Kong.

With her interest in people development, Samantha began her career in the field of Education and Psychology. Before joining Mind HK, Samantha worked for corporations and the public sector to manage educational and research programmes, serving children, youth and teachers. She is passionate about designing and delivering experiential programmes.

Samantha further pursued a Master’s degree in Psychology with an interest in mental health, inclusion and diversity. She celebrates individuality and wishes everyone can live the life they envision. By joining the Youth Engagement Team in Mind HK, she is committed to serving the youth in Hong Kong and building the school environment with mental health awareness.

Cham joined Mind HK in April 2024. With 9 years of experience in the Media and Communications field, she firmly believes in the transformative power of effective communication to cultivate a more diverse society. Through this interconnectedness, she envisions the promotion of connection, understanding, and empathy. Driven by her passion, she aims to utilise her skills to promote mental health in Hong Kong, while also challenging the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.

Dr. Jeffy C. Y. Ho, a seasoned clinical psychologist (HCPC & HKPC Reg), serves as the Clinical Advisor for the Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT) Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner(PWP) programme at Mind HK since May 2023. His career began in Hong Kong as a counsellor before expanding his knowledge at the esteemed Anna Freud Centre earning MSc in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology, followed by His Doctor in Clinical Psychology at University College London (UCL). Deepening his professional expertise, he underwent psychoanalysis at the renowned Institute of Psychoanalysis, London.

Jeffy’s primary focus lies in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and child development, integrating third wave CBT therapies such as ACT, and Systemic & Existential thinking into his practice. Despite mainly working with adults, his deep understanding of child development and mental health makes him a strong advocate for early intervention and a stepped care model.

Working trans-diagnostically, Jeffy specialises in addressing relational issues and complex psychological difficulties. His broad clinical experience encompasses institutions like the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) program, Tavistock and Portman Clinic, Royal London Hospital Renal Department, Community Mental Health Team, and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, reflecting his diverse clinical and research backgrounds.

Offering services in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, Jeffy provides culturally sensitive care to his diverse clientele. His comprehensive offerings range from individual therapy to family interventions and collaborative healthcare, underscoring his dedication to holistic patient care. In essence, Jeffy is committed to applying psychological theories and practices to improve his clients’ lives and foster emotional health and personal growth.

With extensive experience in the NGO sector, Kate has worked with both adults and youth, focusing on community engagement and well-being. She is passionate about developing inclusive programs that promote resilience and mental health among diverse populations.
Kate believes in the power of collaboration and strives to create a supportive environment for individuals facing mental health challenges. Committed to continuous learning, she is eager to make a meaningful contribution to the mental health field in Hong Kong.

Dr. Melissa Chan is a UK trained Clinical Psychologist, who has worked in the field of mental health taking up clinical and research roles in the community and academic settings for ten years. Melissa considers herself as a research practitioner as she participated in lots of innovative research projects in HKU prior to her role as a clinician. She is also experienced in treating people with symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders, using primarily cognitive behavioural approaches such as CBT, ACT, Compassion Focused Therapy. She also draws emotion focused techniques from EFT and schema therapy.
Melissa joined Mind HK as a Clinical Advisor in April 2024, as she is passionate in promoting mental health awareness and doing preventive work in Hong Kong. Born and bred in Hong Kong, Melissa understands the immense stress people experience studying and working in HK. She is a strong believer in the need for more self-care and self-compassion for each individual, and she hopes to join like minded individuals in Mind HK to promote a more compassionate culture in our society.

Opal joined Mind HK as a Clinical Advisor in September 2023. She is a locally trained counselling psychologist who has rich experience and insight in the challenges that young adults in Hong Kong face nowadays, for example, depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, traumas, helplessness and hopelessness, interpersonal issues and personal growth.
She mainly uses ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), in combination of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), SFBT (Solution-focused Brief Therapy) in a client centered approach, to facilitate emotionally challenged individuals to regain psychological flexibility and resilience, at the same time clarify their values to can make meaningful changes in life to change one’s own conditions. In addition, she also had solid experience in supporting parents to process and gain clarity in parenting related stress, identify ineffective parenting styles and make adjustments accordingly, in order to support children’s healthy development.
In addition, Opal is also a qualified mindfulness facilitator in curriculums including Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Finding Peace in a Frantic World, Paws B and .b programs.

Rachel joined Mind HK in March 2021 and serves as the Youth Wellbeing Practitioner Programme Service Coordinator, where she assists with stakeholder engagement, budgeting and overall project management. Rachel brings over four years of experience managing international and local projects in both the private and public sector in Hong Kong, with her previous job as an Assistant Program Manager at a local NGO. Having seen the impact that untreated mental health issues can have on friends and family, Rachel is committed to raising awareness of mental health issues and creating more conversation to help destigmatize mental health issues.

What is iACT Service?

Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT®) is one of the services from Mind HK. Trained Wellbeing Practitioners will offer initial assessment and early intervention for people dealing with mild to moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other emotional difficulties.

 

The service includes 6-8 sessions of low-intensity psychological support, the flexibility of the service allows individuals to receive free and timely support when needed.

If you’re aged between 18 – 65 and are facing some emotional challenges, we would like to invite you to take an online assessment for us to gain a better understanding of your current emotional struggle.

 

If you’re eligible, we’ll get you connected with a Wellbeing Practitioner within two weeks to sort out the next steps.

The service runs for about 3 months and includes 6-8 support sessions, tailored to your needs.

 

We encourage you to attend all sessions and actively practice the tips and exercises provided by your Wellbeing Practitioner.

We take your privacy seriously. Your chats with the Wellbeing Practitioner are confidential.

 

We won’t share any of your info unless you’ve provided consent or if there are risks detected.

This programme isn’t suitable for people facing emergencies, major setbacks, or those diagnosed with serious or complex mental health conditions.

 

If you’re having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, this programme might not meet your needs, so please seek help right away. You can check out Mind HK’s “Find Help Now” page for immediate information and services.

Most of our Wellbeing Practitioners have backgrounds in psychology or counselling and are passionate about mental health. They’ve gone through about 140 hours of intensive training and completed at least 120 hours of supervised clinical practice over 9 months to ensure the quality of service.

 

They’re trained by accredited local experts in the mental health field, including clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, counsellors, and psychiatrists. Plus, we regularly check how effective our services are. All service outputs and performances are subject to consistent monitoring.

Who is suitable for participating in this programme?

This programme welcomes anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 who may be feeling lost or facing emotional difficulties. Please note that this programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions.

This programme is not suitable for individuals diagnosed with severe or complex mental health conditions, but suitable for those who experience mild to severe moderate anxiety, mild to moderate depression, or other emotional challenges. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

After signing up, our Wellbeing Practitioner will contact you within two weeks to schedule a convenient time for a 45-minute conversation, either via video or phone call, according to your preference. During the conversation, the Wellbeing Practitioner will understand your current situation and help you gain a better understanding of your emotional state based on the questionnaire you filled out during application. Additionally, they will provide recommendations for appropriate community resources based on your needs, helping you take an important first step in taking care of your mental health.

Although the intervention procedure is mostly standardised, Wellbeing Practitioners will work flexibly with clients to address individual presenting problems and unique characteristics.

Our Wellbeing Practitioners are trained to support people who experience mild to moderate mental health difficulties primarily. This programme is not suitable for the situations mentioned above. If you are currently experiencing a major setback or even having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please visit the “Find Help Now” page on our Mind HK’s website for immediate information and services.

Your conversations with the Wellbeing Practitioner are absolutely confidential. Any information about you will not be shared with anyone without your consent unless you or others are at immediate risk or the Wellbeing Practitioner has reason to believe that you may be in imminent danger.
Supervisors will monitor trainees’ development throughout the placement to ensure that they are meeting the required level of competency to pass the training course at the end of the placement.

Yes, it is necessary to book an appointment in advance by filling out the form. Additionally, you can select one of the five stores yourself. We will allocate clients to different Wellbeing Practitioners based on their chosen location.

Before having the conversation, we will ask you to fill out a basic questionnaire for preliminary screening assessment. This screening process aims to ensure that the training received by the Wellbeing Practitioners is sufficient to meet the needs of the individuals receiving the service. If it is determined after the screening assessment that the service is not suitable for you, Mind HK will provide alternative recommendations to ensure your safety and support.

For adults who are suitable for this service, all Wellbeing Practitioners have received training on how to identify and respond to safety and risk issues. If you have any concerns about the support process, the Wellbeing Practitioners have appropriate measures in place and will develop response plans based on the urgency of the situation. They can also access support from clinical practitioners from Mind HK or participating organisations.

What private training does Mind HK provide?

Mind HK provides 4 themes of mental health training, including: Supporting Self, Supporting Others, Family Wellbeing and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion).

 

Check out the brochure here for more information.

Mind HK provides a wide range of standardised mental health training, which can be tailored to different circumstances. Chat with our team to explore more

Our trainers come from a diverse, accredited pool of clinically experienced professionals. Check out our trainers’ biographies here.

Yes, the Mental Health First Aid class of Mind HK is internationally accredited by the MHFA International. The content and certification is delivered by trainers certified from the Mental Health Association of Hong Kong. You can find out our trainers accreditation here.

We are here to support your mental health education journey! Reach out to us and chat with our team.

Meet Our Team


Dr. Candice Powell joined Mind HK as Chief Executive Officer in September 2022. She is trained as a clinical psychologist at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Before joining Mind HK, she worked at New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, one of Hong Kong’s largest community mental health NGOs, for 13 years. She is an honorary lecturer at The University of Hong Kong and a fellow of The Hong Kong Psychological Society, vice-chair of the Division of Clinical Psychology of HKPS, and a training officer of the Association of Contextual and Behavioural Science (Hong Kong Chapter). She is an awardee of Hong Kong Professional Elite Ladies Selection 2022.

Candice is diversely trained in evidence-based psychological intervention. Apart from being a practitioner, she is also a rigorous researcher and widely published in academic journals and presented her study findings at local and international conferences. She has developed innovative intervention programmes for improving people’s mental health and well-being. She introduced Mindful Parenting, digitised Unified Protocol for emotional disorders, and established a stepped-care psychological service in Hong Kong. She hopes everyone with emotional distress can easily access quality psychological services.

Carol has been at Mind HK since 2017, where she has led the organisation’s communications strategy, campaigns, digital content, and external relations, prior to stepping into the role of Deputy CEO in January 2022.
Carol previously supported public health development and communication programmes for the United Nation and a number of health-focused NGOs and digital health start-ups in Boston, New York, and Geneva. She holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Medical Humanities, a Master of Public Health, and a Master of Counselling. Outside of Mind HK, she is a mental health counsellor for adolescents and young adults, a member of the Laureus Model City Hong Kong Steering Committee, a mentor for Resolve’s 2022-2023 Fellowship, and a member of the Global Shapers Hong Kong hub. She is passionate about everything public health, storytelling, and changing attitudes toward mental health.

Charlotte joined Mind HK as Acting Chief Development Officer in September 2023.

At Mind HK she looks after all things related to development, fostering strong partnerships with all stakeholders interested in the mental health conversation. Charlotte brings international experience in journalism, social enterprise, and the nonprofit sector, in a variety of roles including communications, fundraising, marketing and volunteer management.

As an English Literature graduate, she has a strong belief that real life stories and lived experience leadership are the most effective way to create change. She is a former Fellow of Year Here, a pioneering UK based social innovation and leadership programme.

She would love to hear from you: [email protected]

Min joined Mind HK in January 2022. She holds a MBA degree, and over 14 years professional experience including extensive work within the operations field.

She started to work in the HK charity sector from 2020, and is proud to be able to apply her experience and knowledge on helping start up to build a solid foundation for further development.

Pinky joined Mind HK as a volunteer in 2019 and moved from volunteer to Content Advisor and Advisor in 2021 and 2023 respectively. As someone born and raised in Hong Kong, Pinky understands why so many people in Hong Kong have high stress. Long term stress puts our health, both physical and mental, at risk. It is essential that we know how to take good care of our mind and body. She is passionate about helping people to improve their life quality and happiness with her experience as a business executive and a health educator, especially those who are draining with mental health challenges.
Pinky is grateful to have the opportunity to be part of the Mind HK team. She is a qualified mental health first aid instructor and has provided online and in person training on various issues relating to mental health to schools, corporations and the public. She is also a part-time lecturer teaching master’s degree courses relating to sport and health at Hong Kong Baptist University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Pinky got a PhD (Department of Sports, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University), MPsyMed (Psychosis Studies) (Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong), MSc (Exercise Science) (Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong), MBA (Brunel University, UK) and BA (Political Science) (University of South Florida, US).

Florence joined Mind HK in Dec 2021 as the Finance Manager. She worked as an Accountant in a multi-national moving company over 20 years before joining Mind HK. She hopes to use her knowledge and experience to let Mind HK’s accounting policy become more perfect and systematic.

Mia brings her versatile expertise to the role of Acting Office Manager at Mind HK, having joined the team in 2024. With four years of comprehensive experience spanning HR, administration, and office operations, Mia is poised to enhance the organisation’s efficiency and daily functioning. She is committed to contributing to the mental health landscape in Hong Kong, leveraging her skills to support Mind HK’s mission and amplify its impact within the community. Eager to grow alongside the organisation, Mia looks forward to playing a vital role in fostering positive change and well-being for all.

Before joining the team in 2024, Clara has worked at various marketing agencies for 10 years, with a solid foundation in event and project management, client servicing and publicity, with a mixed clientele from the public to private sectors. In particular, she worked with the government on the mental health public education and promotion initiative, Shall We Talk, which further consolidated her dedication in improving mental health in the city and reducing stigma towards help-seeking and mental illnesses . She hopes to reach people who are not aware of mental health to begin the self-awareness journey with the collective efforts from Mind Hong Kong.

She is a firm believer in “deal with your mood before dealing with things” and mental health should be the priority in oneself, a family, a workplace and in a community. Say hi to Clara via [email protected] .

Henry learned about Mind HK during the Mental Health Conference 2017, and joined the Mind HK team, as he wishes to improve the mental health condition in Hong Kong through education and awareness works.

Henry obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Bath and worked as an Honorary Assistant Psychologist at a local hospital in the United Kingdom before coming back to his hometown. His previous work focused on conducting assessments and light intensity rehabilitations for individuals with various backgrounds. During work, he realised that there are huge differences in mental health attitudes and knowledge between the HK and UK community. The stigma has a significant impact on a person’s experience and recovery.

Therefore, Henry joined Mind HK aiming to improve the current situation and contribute through education and awareness work. He is a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and delivers mental health training and workshops.. He believes that reducing stigma and improving awareness are the first steps to improve support in Hong Kong, and he also wishes to collaborate and work with different like-minded parties to facilitate such change.

Matthew has been with Mind HK since September 2021. Growing up in Australia, his passion and interest has always been within the realms of mental health and disability. From attaining a Bachelor’s degree in Psychological Science as well as Masters in Autism Studies to working in various NGOs, he has always dedicated his time and effort to supporting individuals with varying capabilities.

Matthew has officially moved back to Hong Kong over three years ago and has since completed an International and Public NGO Management course. Noticing the difference in mental health attitudes and available support of both places, Matthew is now committed to raising awareness of mental health issues in Hong Kong as well as advocating for equal opportunities.

Nicole is a registered social worker in Hong Kong with a Master’s degree in Social Work at HKU. Having experienced first-hand how mental health problems have impacted both patients and carers, she is driven to dedicate herself in the field aiming to combat stigma and raise awareness of mental health in the local community.

Nicole joined Mind HK in late 2020 where she has led youth mental health programmes and is now managing diverse training programmes and operations for the Training Team. She is also a trainer herself with certified Mental Health First Aid instructor (both Standard and Youth version) qualifications. Prior to joining Mind HK, she has experience working with vulnerable families and children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and mental health challenges.

Odile has been involved with Mind HK since 2016, and was on the team that officially launched the charity at the 2017 Hong Kong Mental Health Conference. Odile is the lead clinical advisor for the Anti-Stigma Project, and a trainer. She was involved in the planning of the 2017 and 2020 Hong Kong Mental Health Conferences.
Odile is a Paediatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in child and adolescent care. Her commitment to serving marginalised communities lead her to work on the improvement of mental health care, and working with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence as well as vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth. In Hong Kong she has focused her efforts on mental health and nursing education. Odile is currently also a Child & Adolescent Teaching Fellow at the HK Polytechnic University School of Nursing, as well as an Honorary Nurse Consultant at the Hong Kong’s Children’s Hospital. Her extensive experience has allowed her to cultivate a strong focus in paediatric care, with a unique exposure to child and adolescent mental health.

She/her

Vicki graduated with a Masters in Social Work with a strong background and passion in mental health and psychology stemming from her Bachelors in Psychology.

With over five years of experience in mental health initiatives and supporting people with their mental health in both Vancouver and Edinburgh, Vicki hopes to bring her experience to Mind HK and help destigmatize mental health in Hong Kong. She hopes to normalize the conversation around mental health and the need for mental health support in the bustling city of Hong Kong where the conversation surrounding mental health can be a taboo topic. Prior to joining Mind HK, Vicki worked to support UNHCR and refugees as they are another one of Hong Kong’s most stigmatized population groups.

Vicki is an outdoor enthusiast and an advocate for spending quality time in nature. In her personal time, she is a keen marathoner, occasionally ultramarathoner, hiker and an avid climber.

Dr. Jacqueline Wu joined Mind HK as a Clinical Advisor in June 2024. She is a U.K. trained clinical psychologist who has had extensive clinical experience working in the mental health field both in HK and U.K. Jacqueline holds a Master’s degree in Early Interventions in Psychosis from King’s College London and a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Newcastle University. Jacqueline works with both adults and young people, and has a particular interest in working with complex mental health conditions, such as trauma, psychosis, attachment difficulties, anxiety disorders, low mood, self-harm, OCD, neurodevelopmental conditions and others. Her therapeutic approach is informed by a range of evidence-based interventions such as systemic approaches, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy. Her area of research interest was related ways to improve psychological interventions for LGBTQ+ individuals. 

 

Having been raised in HK, she has always noticed the need for more compassion and understanding in individuals with mental health difficulties which is not always easy in a culture where mental health was often stigmatised. It has always been her mission to not just support those in need but also raise mental health awareness in HK to create an inclusive environment where people feel safe to seek help and engage in discussions about mental health. Jacqueline strongly believes early intervention is critical and is motivated to support people in optimising their strengths and potential in order to improve their outcomes. Therefore, Jacqueline joined Mind HK as she is committed to bring these values to her work at the organisation.

Michelle joined Mind HK in April 2022. She attained a degree in Media Arts and an advanced certificate in Psychology in Hong Kong, with a special interest in community arts, psychotherapy and mindfulness. Prior to joining Mind HK, Michelle worked for various corporates and NGOs, and she brings over 8 years of experience in delivering local and overseas project management, development and fundraising campaigns.
Michelle previously worked for a local NGO as a Programme Manager to design and deliver a wide range of social inclusion programmes with people with different disabilities. Outside of Hong Kong, she also provided volunteer services in Germany, Cambodia and Thailand. She is committed to giving back to society, and excited to support Mind HK for mental health development in Hong Kong.

With her interest in people development, Samantha began her career in the field of Education and Psychology. Before joining Mind HK, Samantha worked for corporations and the public sector to manage educational and research programmes, serving children, youth and teachers. She is passionate about designing and delivering experiential programmes.

Samantha further pursued a Master’s degree in Psychology with an interest in mental health, inclusion and diversity. She celebrates individuality and wishes everyone can live the life they envision. By joining the Youth Engagement Team in Mind HK, she is committed to serving the youth in Hong Kong and building the school environment with mental health awareness.

Cham joined Mind HK in April 2024. With 9 years of experience in the Media and Communications field, she firmly believes in the transformative power of effective communication to cultivate a more diverse society. Through this interconnectedness, she envisions the promotion of connection, understanding, and empathy. Driven by her passion, she aims to utilise her skills to promote mental health in Hong Kong, while also challenging the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.

Dr. Jeffy C. Y. Ho, a seasoned clinical psychologist (HCPC & HKPC Reg), serves as the Clinical Advisor for the Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT) Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner(PWP) programme at Mind HK since May 2023. His career began in Hong Kong as a counsellor before expanding his knowledge at the esteemed Anna Freud Centre earning MSc in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology, followed by His Doctor in Clinical Psychology at University College London (UCL). Deepening his professional expertise, he underwent psychoanalysis at the renowned Institute of Psychoanalysis, London.

Jeffy’s primary focus lies in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and child development, integrating third wave CBT therapies such as ACT, and Systemic & Existential thinking into his practice. Despite mainly working with adults, his deep understanding of child development and mental health makes him a strong advocate for early intervention and a stepped care model.

Working trans-diagnostically, Jeffy specialises in addressing relational issues and complex psychological difficulties. His broad clinical experience encompasses institutions like the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) program, Tavistock and Portman Clinic, Royal London Hospital Renal Department, Community Mental Health Team, and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, reflecting his diverse clinical and research backgrounds.

Offering services in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, Jeffy provides culturally sensitive care to his diverse clientele. His comprehensive offerings range from individual therapy to family interventions and collaborative healthcare, underscoring his dedication to holistic patient care. In essence, Jeffy is committed to applying psychological theories and practices to improve his clients’ lives and foster emotional health and personal growth.

With extensive experience in the NGO sector, Kate has worked with both adults and youth, focusing on community engagement and well-being. She is passionate about developing inclusive programs that promote resilience and mental health among diverse populations.
Kate believes in the power of collaboration and strives to create a supportive environment for individuals facing mental health challenges. Committed to continuous learning, she is eager to make a meaningful contribution to the mental health field in Hong Kong.

Dr. Melissa Chan is a UK trained Clinical Psychologist, who has worked in the field of mental health taking up clinical and research roles in the community and academic settings for ten years. Melissa considers herself as a research practitioner as she participated in lots of innovative research projects in HKU prior to her role as a clinician. She is also experienced in treating people with symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders, using primarily cognitive behavioural approaches such as CBT, ACT, Compassion Focused Therapy. She also draws emotion focused techniques from EFT and schema therapy.
Melissa joined Mind HK as a Clinical Advisor in April 2024, as she is passionate in promoting mental health awareness and doing preventive work in Hong Kong. Born and bred in Hong Kong, Melissa understands the immense stress people experience studying and working in HK. She is a strong believer in the need for more self-care and self-compassion for each individual, and she hopes to join like minded individuals in Mind HK to promote a more compassionate culture in our society.

Opal joined Mind HK as a Clinical Advisor in September 2023. She is a locally trained counselling psychologist who has rich experience and insight in the challenges that young adults in Hong Kong face nowadays, for example, depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, traumas, helplessness and hopelessness, interpersonal issues and personal growth.
She mainly uses ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), in combination of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), SFBT (Solution-focused Brief Therapy) in a client centered approach, to facilitate emotionally challenged individuals to regain psychological flexibility and resilience, at the same time clarify their values to can make meaningful changes in life to change one’s own conditions. In addition, she also had solid experience in supporting parents to process and gain clarity in parenting related stress, identify ineffective parenting styles and make adjustments accordingly, in order to support children’s healthy development.
In addition, Opal is also a qualified mindfulness facilitator in curriculums including Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Finding Peace in a Frantic World, Paws B and .b programs.

Rachel joined Mind HK in March 2021 and serves as the Youth Wellbeing Practitioner Programme Service Coordinator, where she assists with stakeholder engagement, budgeting and overall project management. Rachel brings over four years of experience managing international and local projects in both the private and public sector in Hong Kong, with her previous job as an Assistant Program Manager at a local NGO. Having seen the impact that untreated mental health issues can have on friends and family, Rachel is committed to raising awareness of mental health issues and creating more conversation to help destigmatize mental health issues.

Dr. Candice Powell joined Mind HK as Chief Executive Officer in September 2022. She is trained as a clinical psychologist at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Before joining Mind HK, she worked at New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, one of Hong Kong’s largest community mental health NGOs, for 13 years. She is an honorary lecturer at The University of Hong Kong and a fellow of The Hong Kong Psychological Society, vice-chair of the Division of Clinical Psychology of HKPS, and a training officer of the Association of Contextual and Behavioural Science (Hong Kong Chapter). She is an awardee of Hong Kong Professional Elite Ladies Selection 2022.

Candice is diversely trained in evidence-based psychological intervention. Apart from being a practitioner, she is also a rigorous researcher and widely published in academic journals and presented her study findings at local and international conferences. She has developed innovative intervention programmes for improving people's mental health and well-being. She introduced Mindful Parenting, digitised Unified Protocol for emotional disorders, and established a stepped-care psychological service in Hong Kong. She hopes everyone with emotional distress can easily access quality psychological services.

Carol has been at Mind HK since 2017, where she has led the organisation’s communications strategy, campaigns, digital content, and external relations, prior to stepping into the role of Deputy CEO in January 2022.
Carol previously supported public health development and communication programmes for the United Nation and a number of health-focused NGOs and digital health start-ups in Boston, New York, and Geneva. She holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology and Medical Humanities, a Master of Public Health, and a Master of Counselling. Outside of Mind HK, she is a mental health counsellor for adolescents and young adults, a member of the Laureus Model City Hong Kong Steering Committee, a mentor for Resolve’s 2022-2023 Fellowship, and a member of the Global Shapers Hong Kong hub. She is passionate about everything public health, storytelling, and changing attitudes toward mental health.

Charlotte joined Mind HK as Acting Chief Development Officer in September 2023.

At Mind HK she looks after all things related to development, fostering strong partnerships with all stakeholders interested in the mental health conversation. Charlotte brings international experience in journalism, social enterprise, and the nonprofit sector, in a variety of roles including communications, fundraising, marketing and volunteer management.

As an English Literature graduate, she has a strong belief that real life stories and lived experience leadership are the most effective way to create change. She is a former Fellow of Year Here, a pioneering UK based social innovation and leadership programme.

She would love to hear from you: [email protected]

Min joined Mind HK in January 2022. She holds a MBA degree, and over 14 years professional experience including extensive work within the operations field.

She started to work in the HK charity sector from 2020, and is proud to be able to apply her experience and knowledge on helping start up to build a solid foundation for further development.

Pinky joined Mind HK as a volunteer in 2019 and moved from volunteer to Content Advisor and Advisor in 2021 and 2023 respectively. As someone born and raised in Hong Kong, Pinky understands why so many people in Hong Kong have high stress. Long term stress puts our health, both physical and mental, at risk. It is essential that we know how to take good care of our mind and body. She is passionate about helping people to improve their life quality and happiness with her experience as a business executive and a health educator, especially those who are draining with mental health challenges.
Pinky is grateful to have the opportunity to be part of the Mind HK team. She is a qualified mental health first aid instructor and has provided online and in person training on various issues relating to mental health to schools, corporations and the public. She is also a part-time lecturer teaching master’s degree courses relating to sport and health at Hong Kong Baptist University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Pinky got a PhD (Department of Sports, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University), MPsyMed (Psychosis Studies) (Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong), MSc (Exercise Science) (Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong), MBA (Brunel University, UK) and BA (Political Science) (University of South Florida, US).

Florence joined Mind HK in Dec 2021 as the Finance Manager. She worked as an Accountant in a multi-national moving company over 20 years before joining Mind HK. She hopes to use her knowledge and experience to let Mind HK's accounting policy become more perfect and systematic.

Mia brings her versatile expertise to the role of Acting Office Manager at Mind HK, having joined the team in 2024. With four years of comprehensive experience spanning HR, administration, and office operations, Mia is poised to enhance the organisation's efficiency and daily functioning. She is committed to contributing to the mental health landscape in Hong Kong, leveraging her skills to support Mind HK's mission and amplify its impact within the community. Eager to grow alongside the organisation, Mia looks forward to playing a vital role in fostering positive change and well-being for all.

Before joining the team in 2024, Clara has worked at various marketing agencies for 10 years, with a solid foundation in event and project management, client servicing and publicity, with a mixed clientele from the public to private sectors. In particular, she worked with the government on the mental health public education and promotion initiative, Shall We Talk, which further consolidated her dedication in improving mental health in the city and reducing stigma towards help-seeking and mental illnesses . She hopes to reach people who are not aware of mental health to begin the self-awareness journey with the collective efforts from Mind Hong Kong.

She is a firm believer in "deal with your mood before dealing with things" and mental health should be the priority in oneself, a family, a workplace and in a community. Say hi to Clara via [email protected] .

Henry learned about Mind HK during the Mental Health Conference 2017, and joined the Mind HK team, as he wishes to improve the mental health condition in Hong Kong through education and awareness works.

Henry obtained his Bachelor's degree in Psychology at the University of Bath and worked as an Honorary Assistant Psychologist at a local hospital in the United Kingdom before coming back to his hometown. His previous work focused on conducting assessments and light intensity rehabilitations for individuals with various backgrounds. During work, he realised that there are huge differences in mental health attitudes and knowledge between the HK and UK community. The stigma has a significant impact on a person's experience and recovery.

Therefore, Henry joined Mind HK aiming to improve the current situation and contribute through education and awareness work. He is a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and delivers mental health training and workshops.. He believes that reducing stigma and improving awareness are the first steps to improve support in Hong Kong, and he also wishes to collaborate and work with different like-minded parties to facilitate such change.

Matthew has been with Mind HK since September 2021. Growing up in Australia, his passion and interest has always been within the realms of mental health and disability. From attaining a Bachelor's degree in Psychological Science as well as Masters in Autism Studies to working in various NGOs, he has always dedicated his time and effort to supporting individuals with varying capabilities.

Matthew has officially moved back to Hong Kong over three years ago and has since completed an International and Public NGO Management course. Noticing the difference in mental health attitudes and available support of both places, Matthew is now committed to raising awareness of mental health issues in Hong Kong as well as advocating for equal opportunities.

Nicole is a registered social worker in Hong Kong with a Master’s degree in Social Work at HKU. Having experienced first-hand how mental health problems have impacted both patients and carers, she is driven to dedicate herself in the field aiming to combat stigma and raise awareness of mental health in the local community.

Nicole joined Mind HK in late 2020 where she has led youth mental health programmes and is now managing diverse training programmes and operations for the Training Team. She is also a trainer herself with certified Mental Health First Aid instructor (both Standard and Youth version) qualifications. Prior to joining Mind HK, she has experience working with vulnerable families and children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and mental health challenges.

Odile has been involved with Mind HK since 2016, and was on the team that officially launched the charity at the 2017 Hong Kong Mental Health Conference. Odile is the lead clinical advisor for the Anti-Stigma Project, and a trainer. She was involved in the planning of the 2017 and 2020 Hong Kong Mental Health Conferences.
Odile is a Paediatric Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of experience in child and adolescent care. Her commitment to serving marginalised communities lead her to work on the improvement of mental health care, and working with survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence as well as vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth. In Hong Kong she has focused her efforts on mental health and nursing education. Odile is currently also a Child & Adolescent Teaching Fellow at the HK Polytechnic University School of Nursing, as well as an Honorary Nurse Consultant at the Hong Kong’s Children’s Hospital. Her extensive experience has allowed her to cultivate a strong focus in paediatric care, with a unique exposure to child and adolescent mental health.

She/her

Vicki graduated with a Masters in Social Work with a strong background and passion in mental health and psychology stemming from her Bachelors in Psychology.

With over five years of experience in mental health initiatives and supporting people with their mental health in both Vancouver and Edinburgh, Vicki hopes to bring her experience to Mind HK and help destigmatize mental health in Hong Kong. She hopes to normalize the conversation around mental health and the need for mental health support in the bustling city of Hong Kong where the conversation surrounding mental health can be a taboo topic. Prior to joining Mind HK, Vicki worked to support UNHCR and refugees as they are another one of Hong Kong’s most stigmatized population groups.

Vicki is an outdoor enthusiast and an advocate for spending quality time in nature. In her personal time, she is a keen marathoner, occasionally ultramarathoner, hiker and an avid climber.

Dr. Jacqueline Wu joined Mind HK as a Clinical Advisor in June 2024. She is a U.K. trained clinical psychologist who has had extensive clinical experience working in the mental health field both in HK and U.K. Jacqueline holds a Master's degree in Early Interventions in Psychosis from King's College London and a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Newcastle University. Jacqueline works with both adults and young people, and has a particular interest in working with complex mental health conditions, such as trauma, psychosis, attachment difficulties, anxiety disorders, low mood, self-harm, OCD, neurodevelopmental conditions and others. Her therapeutic approach is informed by a range of evidence-based interventions such as systemic approaches, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy. Her area of research interest was related ways to improve psychological interventions for LGBTQ+ individuals. 

 

Having been raised in HK, she has always noticed the need for more compassion and understanding in individuals with mental health difficulties which is not always easy in a culture where mental health was often stigmatised. It has always been her mission to not just support those in need but also raise mental health awareness in HK to create an inclusive environment where people feel safe to seek help and engage in discussions about mental health. Jacqueline strongly believes early intervention is critical and is motivated to support people in optimising their strengths and potential in order to improve their outcomes. Therefore, Jacqueline joined Mind HK as she is committed to bring these values to her work at the organisation.

Michelle joined Mind HK in April 2022. She attained a degree in Media Arts and an advanced certificate in Psychology in Hong Kong, with a special interest in community arts, psychotherapy and mindfulness. Prior to joining Mind HK, Michelle worked for various corporates and NGOs, and she brings over 8 years of experience in delivering local and overseas project management, development and fundraising campaigns.
Michelle previously worked for a local NGO as a Programme Manager to design and deliver a wide range of social inclusion programmes with people with different disabilities. Outside of Hong Kong, she also provided volunteer services in Germany, Cambodia and Thailand. She is committed to giving back to society, and excited to support Mind HK for mental health development in Hong Kong.

With her interest in people development, Samantha began her career in the field of Education and Psychology. Before joining Mind HK, Samantha worked for corporations and the public sector to manage educational and research programmes, serving children, youth and teachers. She is passionate about designing and delivering experiential programmes.

Samantha further pursued a Master's degree in Psychology with an interest in mental health, inclusion and diversity. She celebrates individuality and wishes everyone can live the life they envision. By joining the Youth Engagement Team in Mind HK, she is committed to serving the youth in Hong Kong and building the school environment with mental health awareness.

Cham joined Mind HK in April 2024. With 9 years of experience in the Media and Communications field, she firmly believes in the transformative power of effective communication to cultivate a more diverse society. Through this interconnectedness, she envisions the promotion of connection, understanding, and empathy. Driven by her passion, she aims to utilise her skills to promote mental health in Hong Kong, while also challenging the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.

Dr. Jeffy C. Y. Ho, a seasoned clinical psychologist (HCPC & HKPC Reg), serves as the Clinical Advisor for the Improving Access to Community Therapies (iACT) Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner(PWP) programme at Mind HK since May 2023. His career began in Hong Kong as a counsellor before expanding his knowledge at the esteemed Anna Freud Centre earning MSc in Psychoanalytic Developmental Psychology, followed by His Doctor in Clinical Psychology at University College London (UCL). Deepening his professional expertise, he underwent psychoanalysis at the renowned Institute of Psychoanalysis, London.

Jeffy's primary focus lies in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and child development, integrating third wave CBT therapies such as ACT, and Systemic & Existential thinking into his practice. Despite mainly working with adults, his deep understanding of child development and mental health makes him a strong advocate for early intervention and a stepped care model.

Working trans-diagnostically, Jeffy specialises in addressing relational issues and complex psychological difficulties. His broad clinical experience encompasses institutions like the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) program, Tavistock and Portman Clinic, Royal London Hospital Renal Department, Community Mental Health Team, and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, reflecting his diverse clinical and research backgrounds.

Offering services in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English, Jeffy provides culturally sensitive care to his diverse clientele. His comprehensive offerings range from individual therapy to family interventions and collaborative healthcare, underscoring his dedication to holistic patient care. In essence, Jeffy is committed to applying psychological theories and practices to improve his clients' lives and foster emotional health and personal growth.

With extensive experience in the NGO sector, Kate has worked with both adults and youth, focusing on community engagement and well-being. She is passionate about developing inclusive programs that promote resilience and mental health among diverse populations.
Kate believes in the power of collaboration and strives to create a supportive environment for individuals facing mental health challenges. Committed to continuous learning, she is eager to make a meaningful contribution to the mental health field in Hong Kong.

Dr. Melissa Chan is a UK trained Clinical Psychologist, who has worked in the field of mental health taking up clinical and research roles in the community and academic settings for ten years. Melissa considers herself as a research practitioner as she participated in lots of innovative research projects in HKU prior to her role as a clinician. She is also experienced in treating people with symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders, using primarily cognitive behavioural approaches such as CBT, ACT, Compassion Focused Therapy. She also draws emotion focused techniques from EFT and schema therapy.
Melissa joined Mind HK as a Clinical Advisor in April 2024, as she is passionate in promoting mental health awareness and doing preventive work in Hong Kong. Born and bred in Hong Kong, Melissa understands the immense stress people experience studying and working in HK. She is a strong believer in the need for more self-care and self-compassion for each individual, and she hopes to join like minded individuals in Mind HK to promote a more compassionate culture in our society.

Opal joined Mind HK as a Clinical Advisor in September 2023. She is a locally trained counselling psychologist who has rich experience and insight in the challenges that young adults in Hong Kong face nowadays, for example, depression, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, traumas, helplessness and hopelessness, interpersonal issues and personal growth.
She mainly uses ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), in combination of CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), SFBT (Solution-focused Brief Therapy) in a client centered approach, to facilitate emotionally challenged individuals to regain psychological flexibility and resilience, at the same time clarify their values to can make meaningful changes in life to change one’s own conditions. In addition, she also had solid experience in supporting parents to process and gain clarity in parenting related stress, identify ineffective parenting styles and make adjustments accordingly, in order to support children’s healthy development.
In addition, Opal is also a qualified mindfulness facilitator in curriculums including Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Finding Peace in a Frantic World, Paws B and .b programs.

Rachel joined Mind HK in March 2021 and serves as the Youth Wellbeing Practitioner Programme Service Coordinator, where she assists with stakeholder engagement, budgeting and overall project management. Rachel brings over four years of experience managing international and local projects in both the private and public sector in Hong Kong, with her previous job as an Assistant Program Manager at a local NGO. Having seen the impact that untreated mental health issues can have on friends and family, Rachel is committed to raising awareness of mental health issues and creating more conversation to help destigmatize mental health issues.