A Global Perspective on Psychological Healing
Dr. Akira D. Olsen is a licensed clinical psychologist, educator, and entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of science, culture, and human connection. Recognized as a 2024 Marquis Who’s Who Honoree, she has built a reputation for advancing trauma informed mental health care and expanding access to compassionate psychological support for individuals and families.
As the Founder and CEO of JOURNEY HEALTH and WARM Education, Dr. Olsen brings together evidence based psychological treatment with mindfulness, cultural awareness, and holistic healing practices. Her mission is simple but powerful: to help people find clarity, resilience, and lasting emotional well being in a world that often moves too quickly for reflection.
From Tokyo Roots to Global Practice
Fluent in both English and Japanese, Dr. Olsen’s bicultural background shapes the way she approaches mental health care. Growing up in Tokyo, she was exposed to traditional Eastern philosophies that emphasize balance, discipline, and mindfulness. Alongside her academic studies, she also pursued art and the practice of Japanese fencing, known as kendo, experiences that helped cultivate a deep respect for focus, self awareness, and personal growth.
These early influences continue to inform her work today, allowing her to blend Western psychological research with the thoughtful perspective of Eastern holistic traditions.
Two Decades of Clinical Experience
With more than twenty years of professional experience, Dr. Olsen has worked across a wide range of clinical environments including community mental health centers, medical institutions, schools, university counseling centers, and private practice settings.
Her work supports individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, ADHD, stress, and complex life transitions. Clients range from adolescents and families to professionals, creatives, and leaders seeking guidance during demanding stages of life.
Between 2018 and 2022, Dr. Olsen served as a clinical researcher at Stanford Medicine while also contributing as faculty and a clinical supervisor at Palo Alto University and the Stanford PGSP Consortium. She later served as a Board Member and Diversity Chair for the San Mateo County Psychological Association, where she helped promote inclusive and culturally responsive mental health practices.
Integrative Therapy for a Changing World
At the heart of Dr. Olsen’s work is a deeply integrative therapeutic approach. Rather than relying on a single framework, she combines multiple evidence based modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, EMDR, internal family systems, somatic therapy, and mindfulness based practices.
This integrative model allows her to tailor treatment to the unique needs of each client. The goal is not only symptom relief but long term growth, emotional insight, and meaningful transformation.
Expanding Mental Health Education
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Olsen is passionate about education and advocacy. Through WARM Education she offers training and consultation for clinicians, families, and organizations seeking to better understand trauma, ADHD, and culturally informed mental health care.
She is also a published author and educator who shares psychological insights with a global audience through workshops, online content, and social media. Her work has been featured on iHeartRadio, Fox, and Forbes news platforms, helping bring mental health conversations into the public space with clarity and compassion.
The Journey to Self: Practical Exercises for Building a Positive Relationship with Yourself and Transforming Your Mental Health is a guide to creating lasting emotional well-being through small, practical daily practices.
Blending Western psychology with Eastern mindfulness, Dr. Akira Olsen introduces simple exercises and “micro-routines” that help readers build self-awareness, self-compassion, and resilience.
The book shows that meaningful mental health transformation begins with strengthening the most important relationship in life the one you have with yourself.
A Mission Centered on Human Growth
For Dr. Akira D. Olsen, psychology is not only about treatment. It is about helping people reconnect with themselves, their values, and their sense of purpose. Through JOURNEY HEALTH and her broader educational initiatives, she continues to create spaces where individuals feel supported, understood, and empowered to grow.
In a time when mental health has become a global conversation, her work stands as a reminder that healing is not only possible but deeply human.
Connect with Dr. Akira D. Olsen
Dr. Akira D. Olsen, PsyD
CEO | Licensed Clinical Psychologist (California & Nevada)
🌐 Official Website
www.drakira.com
🏥 Journey to Self Clinic
https://journeytoself.clinic/
📍 Location
Burlingame, California
📞 Phone
(415) 317-6991
Follow Dr. Akira Online
📸 Instagram
instagram.com/drakira94111
🎵 TikTok
tiktok.com/@drakira94111
📘 Facebook
facebook.com/drakirao94111
💼 LinkedIn
linkedin.com/in/drakira
✍️ Medium Articles
medium.com/@akiraolsen
Book
📖 The Journey to Self
amzn.to/4j0g1ms
