Tammy Que Phan Vuong, LCSW
I am a first-generation Chinese American immigrant, raised in San Francisco, and the first in my immediate family to attend college and graduate school. Because my own background mirrors many of the cultural and generational experiences of the individuals I serve, I am committed to providing a supportive environment for your growth. Welcome to this space and I am glad you are here.
Originally from Guangdong, China, I immigrated to San Francisco as a teenager with my family—an experience that deeply informs my clinical practice. Navigating the complexities of language barriers, acculturation, and the search for identity as a first-generation immigrant allows me to offer a unique level of empathy to my clients. My professional mission is rooted in the belief that exploring one’s 'true self' is a vital part of healing, a process I have personally navigated and now professionally facilitate for others.
As you might notice, my name is in Vietnamese. My parents were Chinese-Vietnamese refugees—often referred to as the 'boat people'—who were forced to relocate in the late 1970s and resettled in China where I was born and raised. My background as an immigrant and refugee, along with my life experiences, led me to choose social work as my career and passion. Today, I use that background to partner with my clients, offering a safe space to explore challenges and provide guidance through life's many transitions.
Why I Became a Therapist
I grew up in a low-income family, and when my parents experienced health issues, we received a lot of help from our community and the hospital. That was when I first became interested in the field of social work. Growing up, I was always the one helping with letter translations, filling out forms and applications, and acting as a translator for my parents. I believe this experience is what made me a patient person. I have been a social worker and counselor for many years, and becoming a therapist has been my goal since graduate school. I was passionate then, and I remain deeply passionate about the work I do as a therapist now. Today, I specialize in providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed therapy tailored to the unique experiences and needs of the Asian community.
I utilize a number of therapeutic approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family System (IFS), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness techniques, Social Justice Inform Therapy, Gottman Method Level 1 for couple/family therapy. I provide individualized care by adapting my therapeutic approach to the unique challenges, goals, and socio-cultural contexts of each client.
My Approach
Credentials & Education
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) #99848
• Master of Social Work with concentration on Health/Mental Health, San José State University
• Bachelor’s of Art in Social Work, San Francisco State University
A bit more about me
When I am not working, I like to travel, spend time with my loved ones, practice Yoga and Pilates. I love listening to music and singing.
I am currently a facilitator for the Cultural Humility Training for San Mateo County
I was a former Co-chair for the Chinese Health Initiative of San Mateo County