UCA WAVES Youth Mental Health Collaborative

UCA WAVES Youth Mental Health Collaborative Wellness. Advocacy. Voices. Education. Support. An Asian American youth mental health collaborative.

UCA WAVES is a youth mental health collaborative that seeks to provide support particularly among Asian American families. Asian American youth often suffer “silently” with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Stigma against mental illness, social isolation, cultural expectations, identity issues, low mental health literacy, and lack of available fluent or culturally sensitive mental health professionals – these are only some of the barriers that stand in the way of getting help. In response, we as a collaborative community are here to stand together and work towards Wellness, Advocacy, Voices, Education, and Support (WAVES).

WAVES Corner: Naialie Gets Accepted Into Nursing School!🩻🩺Big congratulations to our very own Naialie Lor, WAVES’ Admini...
03/24/2026

WAVES Corner: Naialie Gets Accepted Into Nursing School!🩻🩺

Big congratulations to our very own Naialie Lor, WAVES’ Administrative Assistant, on her acceptance into the Bachelor of Science of Nursing program at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for Fall 2026!

Selected through an incredibly competitive admissions process, Naialie’s achievement reflects both her academic dedication and deep commitment to community health. At WAVES, she plays a key role in supporting internal operations and advancing youth mental health initiatives within the communities we serve. As a proud Hmong woman and daughter of refugee parents, her passion for culturally responsive care and breaking mental health stigma is deeply personal. We’re so excited to see her continue this journey and bring that same compassion and advocacy into her future as a nurse.

UNC is lucky to have you…and so are we! Congratulations, Naialie!🥹🩷

March is Women’s History Month, and in honor of that, we wanted to take a moment to spotlight some amazing women in the ...
03/18/2026

March is Women’s History Month, and in honor of that, we wanted to take a moment to spotlight some amazing women in the community, past and present. Similar to trying to choose just ten to highlight, it’s near impossible to sum up the impact and identities of these dynamic figures in just a few words…but we tried! Here’s ten incredible, diverse who have or continue to do incredible things:

⛸️ Alysa Liu ⛸️ A trailblazing figure skater and the first American woman to land a quadruple jump in competition, she has also been open about prioritizing her , stepping back from the sport on her own terms and advocating for balance, identity, and well-being beyond achievement. She recently won not one, but TWO gold medals in the !

🇺🇸 Patsy Mink 🇺🇸 A groundbreaking politician and the first woman of color elected to the U.S. , she co-authored and spent her career fighting for gender equity, education access, and .

👩🏾‍🚀 Kalpana Chawla 👩🏾‍🚀 An astronaut and engineer who became the first woman of Indian origin in space, her legacy continues to inspire future generations—especially young women—to pursue careers in and dream beyond boundaries.

📚 Celeste Ng 📚 A bestselling author whose work explores identity, family, and belonging, she uses storytelling to amplify Asian American voices and challenge stereotypes through deeply human narratives.

💜 Ai-jen Poo 💜 A nationally recognized labor organizer and activist who has dedicated her career to advocating for domestic workers and caregivers, pushing for dignity, protections, and systemic change.

🌺 Auli'i Cravalho 🌺 An actress and singer best known for voicing Moana, she has championed authentic representation, recently passing the baton to a new actress for the live-action adaptation. She uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ communities and Indigenous women.

🗳️ Tye Leung Schulze 🗳️ A pioneering figure who became the first Chinese American woman to vote in the U.S., she also worked as an immigration inspector, advocating for fairness and representation within a restrictive system.

🏛️ Amanda Nguyen 🏛️ A civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee who founded Rise, she has been instrumental in passing landmark for survivors’ rights while empowering others to turn pain into advocacy. Last year, she became the first Vietnamese and Southeast Asian woman to go to space!

🎙️ Michelle Li 🎙️ A and advocate who sparked a global conversation on cultural identity through her movement, creating space for dialogue, visibility, and pride in heritage. She co-founded The Very Asian Foundation and is featured in the film, Silent War!

🏳️‍⚧️ Geena Rocero 🏳️‍⚧️ A model, filmmaker, and advocate who uses her platform to uplift trans voices, challenge norms, and push for greater visibility, safety, and equality worldwide.

Looking to learn more about AAPI women and their hand in history? Check out this link from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum. !😊💚

📲 https://womenshistory.si.edu/topics/asian-pacific-american-women

Another Monday, another post exploring different therapeutic modalities! Today, we’re exploring  , a brain-based approac...
03/16/2026

Another Monday, another post exploring different therapeutic modalities! Today, we’re exploring , a brain-based approach that helps individuals learn to regulate their for improved mental and emotional well-being.

🧠 What is Neurofeedback? 🧠

Neurofeedback is a form of that uses real-time monitoring of brain activity to help individuals train their to function more efficiently. Using sensors placed on the scalp, clinicians measure brainwave activity through electroencephalography ( ). The information is then displayed through visual or auditory feedback, allowing the brain to learn how to shift toward healthier patterns.

Neurofeedback is often used to support individuals experiencing , , , depression, sleep difficulties, and stress-related challenges. Instead of focusing only on thoughts or behaviors, neurofeedback works directly with the brain’s electrical activity, helping it learn to self-regulate. Over time, the brain can become more flexible and balanced, which may lead to improvements in focus, , and overall functioning.

⚙️ How Neurofeedback Works ⚙️

During a , sensors are placed on the scalp to measure activity. The client then engages with a computer program—often watching a movie, playing a game, or viewing visual animations—that responds to their brain activity in real time.

When the brain produces healthier patterns, the program provides positive feedback (such as the movie continuing or the animation progressing). When brain activity moves away from the desired pattern, the feedback pauses. This process helps the brain gradually learn and reinforce more balanced activity patterns.

Over repeated sessions, the brain can begin to self-correct and maintain healthier patterns outside of training sessions. The goal is improved , which can support emotional stability, attention, sleep, and resilience to stress.

🤔 Where does Neurofeedback fall short? 🤔

While neurofeedback can be beneficial for many individuals, there are some important considerations:

‼️ Research is still evolving: Although promising, more large-scale research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness for certain conditions.

‼️ Time commitment: Neurofeedback often requires multiple

sessions over several weeks or months to see meaningful change.
‼️ Cost and accessibility: Sessions can be expensive and may not always be covered by insurance.

‼️ Provider expertise matters: Outcomes depend heavily on working with a trained and experienced neurofeedback practitioner.

Neurofeedback offers an innovative way to support the brain’s natural ability to change and adapt, helping individuals develop stronger regulation and over time. Interested in learning more about neurofeedback or finding a qualified provider? Check out this overview by Psychology Today by clicking on the link below!⬇️

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/neurofeedback

Join UCA WAVES at the Clinical Scholars Action Network (CSAN) 2026 Summit, "Advancing Health Equity: Fostering Resilienc...
03/12/2026

Join UCA WAVES at the Clinical Scholars Action Network (CSAN) 2026 Summit, "Advancing Health Equity: Fostering Resilience In A Changing Climate." Next week in New Orleans, leaders across public health, advocacy, and community care will confront disparities and build resilience in our communities.

As part of the program, the panel "Silent War: Asian American Reckonings with Mental Health" will explore stigma, discrimination, and the barriers many Asian Americans face in seeking care, using the film as a starting point for conversation and change.

Moderated by Victor Armstrong, Vice President at the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention (AFSP), the discussion features our Founding Executive Director, Dr. Jian (Lily) Chen, UCLA Semel Institute Child Psychiatry Fellow, Jennifer Tu, MD and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill student and CNA, Naialie Lor. Here's what you need to know:

☑️ When: March 22 | 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
☑️ Where: Loews New Orleans Hotel
☑️ Register: https://csactionnetwork.com/etn/csan-2026-summit/

If you've been looking to see the film, now's your chance. We hope to see you there!😊

Mark your calendar for Thursday, April 2nd! Thanks to our funders, we're offering FREE Mental Health First-Aid (MHFA) Tr...
03/09/2026

Mark your calendar for Thursday, April 2nd! Thanks to our funders, we're offering FREE Mental Health First-Aid (MHFA) Training at North Carolina Central University(NCCU). This session includes two hours of self-paced online pre-work, followed by in-person instruction. Here's everything you need to know:

🧠 When: 04.11.2026 | 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
🧠 Where: NCCU | Building & Room TBD
🧠 Registration: Click on the Link Below or Scan the Flier's QR code
🧠 Questions? Contact: coordinator@ucawaves.org

This training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis. But you don't want to wait—there's only nineteen seats available.

If you want to learn more, visit the "Education" tab on our website at ucawaves.org. Ready to register? Click on the link below. We hope to see you there!

📲https://nccu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7PadGvYwVEzqJoO?Q_CHL=qr

Made possible with the help of SAMHSA, NC Department of Health and Human Services and Blue Cross NC💚

Still feeling grateful after yesterday’s International Women’s Day gathering💜Over 60 women (and a few supportive male fr...
03/09/2026

Still feeling grateful after yesterday’s International Women’s Day gathering💜

Over 60 women (and a few supportive male friends!) came together for an afternoon of connection, laughter, meditation, games, and of course some amazing homemade pastries. It was such a special space to slow down, check in with ourselves, and spend time being grounded together.

Events like this serve as a reminder that self-care isn’t just something we do alone—it can also happen in community, through shared moments, conversations, and support.

A huge thank you to our incredible StrongMinds Peer Support team for helping bring this gathering to life. Your leadership and creativity made the afternoon so meaningful. Thank you to everyone who came out!🥹🪷

We're excited to announce our partnership with Raj Day of Good! Stay tuned for more details about the upcoming event in ...
03/06/2026

We're excited to announce our partnership with Raj Day of Good! Stay tuned for more details about the upcoming event in April💜

📲 Register: http://tinyurl.com/RMDoG2026

Want to better understand your LGBTQ+ child and strengthen your relationship? Felt lost when they first came out and did...
03/03/2026

Want to better understand your LGBTQ+ child and strengthen your relationship? Felt lost when they first came out and didn’t know who to talk to? Our Rainbow Parents Peer Support Group offers a compassionate space to learn, ask questions, seek support, and connect with other families walking a similar path🏘️🏳️‍🌈

Our first meeting kicks off March 13th. Ready to register? Scan the QR code or click on the link below. Questions? Contact coordinator@ucawaves.org.

📲 https://form.jotform.com/251006709409151

Let’s grow together💜

UCA WAVES is excited to invite you to a Women’s Self-Care Gathering on March 8th!👩🏻👵🏽Do you often find yourself juggling...
03/03/2026

UCA WAVES is excited to invite you to a Women’s Self-Care Gathering on March 8th!👩🏻👵🏽

Do you often find yourself juggling between the demands of life and work? This International Women’s Day, give yourself a moment of complete relaxation. We warmly invite you to join us in a space filled with joy, connection, and love where you can...

💖 Reconnect with old and new friends
💖 Relax your mind and body through meditation
💖 Connect through delicious food and laughter
💖 Feel at ease and be your most authentic self

Ready to register? Scan the QR code to join the event group. Here's everything you need to know:

⏰ Time: March 8, 2:30 PM
🗺️ Location: Frontier RTP, 1st Floor, Room A | 800 Park Offices Dr, Durham, NC 27713

We hope to see you lovely ladies there!

Our monthly newsletter, The Breaker, hits inboxes soon! February may be the shortest month of the year, but it was jam-p...
03/02/2026

Our monthly newsletter, The Breaker, hits inboxes soon! February may be the shortest month of the year, but it was jam-packed for us. From Lunar New Year festivities to film screenings, it was truly four weeks to remember.

If you're not on our list, fear not: our website has links to all past editions😉 Better yet, sign up so you're always in the loop on all things WAVES. We are truly grateful for your support!

📬 Join the List: https://tinyurl.com/4rn7uw4e
⏰ Past Editions: https://ucawaves.org/blog-feed/

We’re grateful to be part of the The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Rural Conference...and the learning con...
02/28/2026

We’re grateful to be part of the The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Rural Conference...and the learning continues!

Each conversation has reinforced why -centered, culturally responsive work matters so deeply in rural health and ***deprevention.

We’re especially thankful for the powerful insights shared by Dr. Giselle Corbie on authentic and partnership-driven change. Her reflections on working alongside communities—not just within them—continue to challenge and inspire us.

Hearing from Dr. Jada L. Brooks was equally impactful. Her perspectives as both a researcher and community member highlighted the importance of deep listening and culturally grounded frameworks. As we strengthen our engagement with communities in su***de prevention, these insights are invaluable.

We’re also proud of Naialie, a WAVES young leader aspiring to become a rural nurse. Growing up in a Hmong family in rural North Carolina, she represents the future of compassionate, community-rooted care.

Always such an honor to be a part of gatherings like these!💜

WAVES Founder and Executive Director, Lily Chen, was invited to speak at an Ascend Foundation session yesterday focused ...
02/28/2026

WAVES Founder and Executive Director, Lily Chen, was invited to speak at an Ascend Foundation session yesterday focused on identity, , and mental health.

In the invitation, Ascend cited findings from its report identifying five top workplace stressors for professionals: work/life balance, invisibility, acculturative stress, regional and global concerns, and /personal health, noting in particular how invisibility and “identity fatigue” can weigh heavily on leaders navigating cultural expectations and pressure to conform.

During the session, Lily emphasized the importance of awareness and the impact of in shaping leadership experiences. She spoke about the responsibility leaders carry when straddling multiple identities and the importance of creating spaces where is not only accepted, but valued.

Our deepest gratitude to the Ascend Foundation for this amazing opportunity🧡

Address

PO BOX 852, 501 W WILLIAMS Street
Apex, NC
27502

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