Meet Jessica Lan | Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Lan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, how do you think about risk?
I have a couple of life mottos, and one of them is: you gotta risk it to get the biscuit. For me, taking risks has always been about stepping into uncertainty to create something meaningful and aligned with my values. Starting my own practice was a big risk: leaving the security of established systems, building a client base from scratch, and taking on all the responsibilities of running a business, but it allowed me to create a space where I can provide care that feels authentic, culturally sensitive, and client-centered.

Since starting my own business, I’ve taken more risks than ever before, and those risks have opened doors I never could have imagined: new opportunities, collaborations, and ways to grow both personally and professionally. At the same time, I recognize that the ability to take risks is a privilege, and I approach it with gratitude. Whether it’s pursuing career opportunities, trying new approaches in my work, or advocating for communities I care about, taking risks continues to create experiences and impact that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

What should our readers know about your business?
Lan Family Therapy is a mental health private practice rooted in community, culture, and strength. We provide online therapy to adults, couples, and families throughout California. As a licensed therapist, I often support adults and young adults with life transitions, stress and burnout, anxiety, depression, and the general feeling of being stuck. I most often work with college students, working professionals, first-generation Asian and Latino clients, and interracial couples. As a first-generation Asian American, I specialize in working with the Asian American experience, where many of my clients struggle with challenges such as the pressure to meet expectations, overwhelm and burnout, conflicted identity, self-doubt and imposter syndrome, chronic stress and anxiety, generational and cultural conflict, difficulty setting boundaries, emotional suppression or disconnection, and feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns. What sets my practice apart is the ability to hold space for both personal growth and cultural identity, creating a place where clients feel validated, understood, and empowered.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the worst people can say is “no” and rejection from strangers isn’t the end of the world. Reaching out and being vulnerable, even without expecting anything in return, has often led to unexpected opportunities. I’ve also seen that it’s possible to build a business grounded in purpose and community while still caring for yourself and staying true to your values. Since starting my practice, I’ve been more vulnerable than ever, and that openness has led to new opportunities, meaningful collaborations, and growth both personally and professionally.

All of my personal and professional experiences have shaped not just my business, but the heart behind why I do this work. What I want the world to know about my story and my practice is that cultural representation in mental health matters. Growing up, I didn’t always see mental health openly discussed in my community, and that silence often made struggles feel heavier. Now, I want people to know that it’s possible to take up space, prioritize self-care, and seek support while still honoring our culture and heritage. I believe therapy doesn’t have to separate us from our roots, our cultural heritage can and should be part of the healing process. There is room for both caring for ourselves and holding onto the values, traditions, and strengths that shape us. For me, this work isn’t just a career, it’s deeply personal. Every session is a chance to help someone feel seen in a way I once wished for myself and that I now see is so needed. My practice is about creating spaces where people feel validated, empowered, and supported to navigate life fully and confidently, while I continue to build a business that reflects my values, my purpose, and my love for the community I serve.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a Bay Area transplant, I end up playing tour guide a lot, and these are some of my go-to spots organized by area. My love for the San Gabriel Valley knows no bounds, it’s full of amazing eats and hidden gems. I always make sure to grab noodles at Northern Cafe, hotpot at Xiaolongkan, banh mi at Saigon Bakery, or a classic Taiwanese breakfast at Four Seas or Yi Mei. Brunch at Millie’s or Heirloom Cafe is always a treat, and dumplings at Mama Lu’s are non-negotiable. On the weekends, I love checking out estate sales in San Marino or South Pasadena, wandering Garfield Park or Lacy Park, grabbing a smoothie at Erewhon in Pasadena, or strolling through Santa Anita Mall for shopping and some of the best mall eats. I also never miss a visit to Blossom Market Hall for a medley of bites or the Huntington Library if you’re into plants and beautiful landscapes.

For a beach day, Manhattan Beach is my favorite. I love relaxing by the water, strolling along Highland Avenue for coffee, and popping into the Manhattan Beach Library. Over in Venice, no matter what we see or do, we always end up at Versailles on Venice Blvd for a bite.

Koreatown is another must-visit. I never skip KBBQ at Hae Jang Chon, a stroll through Koreatown Plaza, or some relaxation at Wi Spa.

In East LA and Montebello, the food scene is unbeatable. Street tacos at Tacos California on Atlantic and Pomona, churros from the stands along Pomona near King Taco, or seafood at El Dorado Express are all favorites. I also love grabbing ube crinkle cookies and brownies at ButterLab or ending the night with DJ, drinks, and good food at Blvd Market.

Finally, a metro day in DTLA is always fun. Start at Grand Central Market for lunch, wander through Olvera Street, have dinner in Little Tokyo or the Arts District, and then rent scooters to explore Chinatown and LA Historic Park.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a big shoutout to my husband and parents. Their encouragement and support have been invaluable throughout my journey, especially as I’ve taken on the challenges of starting my own business. I’m naturally a perfectionist, so I hold very high expectations for myself, and running a business has come with its share of highs and lows. Navigating that learning curve has been much easier with their guidance in keeping my high expectations in check, along with their positive affirmations and unwavering belief in me. Their support has allowed me to take risks, keep growing, and stay aligned with my values while building something meaningful.

Website: https://lanfamilytherapy.com

Instagram: @lanfamilytherapy