How we started
In 1978, a handful of Asian American mental health professionals from various local Asian American churches began meeting regularly to offer support and consultation to pastors on how to counsel and manage church members with more serious and complex emotional and interpersonal problems. What evolved from these meetings was a vision to create a professional counseling service to serve the members of these churches and the larger community. By 1986, through the generous funding of the American Baptist Churches USA, local Asian American churches, and private donations, the Asian American Christian Counseling Service (AACCS) incorporated and opened its doors as a non-denominational, 501(c)3 non-profit agency.
Since its inception, AACCS has been uniquely positioned to offer programs and services sensitive to the cultural concerns of its clientele as well as issues of faith derived from their religious beliefs. With offices in Alhambra, Torrance, Cerritos, Culver City, and Covina, we have steadfastly maintained counseling services that are affordable and accessible thanks to the on-going financial support of local churches, grants, private donors, and the community at large who support our annual fundraising efforts.
We are unique because
- We honor the ways that Christian faith intersects with Asian American culture and identity.
- We recognize the vital role and influence of religious authority and affiliation in ethnic communities.
- We appreciate the natural care giving that occurs in faith communities.
- We understand the need for pastors, church leadership, and others in the Asian American Christian community to have a trusted place to refer and consult when complex problems arise.
What we believe
AACCS therapists work with AACCS as a special calling to serve the Asian American Christian community and the community at large. Our corporate statement of faith states:
As professional Christian counselors and therapists, employed or contracted by AACCS, we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, our Lord and Savior. We believe that through faith in Christ’s death and resurrection, we have been given new and eternal life. We believe the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God, and is the trustworthy and authoritative rule of faith and practice.
As Christian therapists, we have the highest regard for each person who comes to AACCS for service. This regard recognizes that faith experiences are diverse and the expression of faith is complex. For this reason, Scripture and prayer are offered only with informed consent. This practice is consistent with our commitment to the highest standards of professional and ethical practice as well as with the values and principles of our Christian faith which respects each person’s right to self-determination.
While our roots and focus are with the Asian American Christian community, AACCS is committed to a policy of non-discrimination. We provide services to people of all religions, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, social-economic status, education, political affiliation and creed.
Our Board of Directors
AACCS is governed by an active and dedicated Board Directors who oversee the mission and purpose of the organization. They are
Rev. Cory Ishida, Chairperson
Harry Liu, JD, Secretary
Mindy Ying, Treasurer
Rev. Kuo-Liang Lin
Georgia Cha
Arlene Michiko Yee, LCSW
Migum Gweon, LMFT
