About
Dr. Victoria Liou-Johnson
As a multi-ethnic, cis-womxn of color, I understand how the complexities of identity in today's world can cause confusion and stress, especially if one did not grow up in their parents' home culture (aka, "Third Culture Kid"). As an Indigenous person, I also understand the aspects of feeling disconnected from culture and history due to colonization and/or oppression. As a trauma-informed, clinician rooted in cultural sensitivity and cultural respect, I try to understand all aspects of your life ( biopsychosocial aspects) that may be affecting you and causing you distress. Sometimes stressful factors may be biological or hereditary, sometimes they may be due to other people, or sometimes they may be due to things happening in your life that are out of your control. More often than not, it's a combination of all of these things. Sometimes, certain conditions or symptoms may require medical interventions and together, we will discuss when medical referral may be appropriate.
I also feel strongly that factors including upbringing and cultural beliefs shape how we see ourselves in the world and affects how we deal with challenges that come our way. After all, we are products of our life experiences and we only know the things we've seen or have been taught. I will work collaboratively with you to help you have a better understanding of yourself, how influences in your life have shaped the way you interact with the world, and to figure out ways to help you decrease the distress so that you can get back to living your life to the fullest according to your values.
My background includes human and animal medical work, neuropsychology (behavior affected by neurological issues), geropsychology (or specialization in working with older adults), and extensive trauma training. I have worked in large university medical centers, community medical clinics, managed health care systems, community mental health clinics, schools, and the Veterans Administration. I have worked with a wide range of ages from the youngest elementary school children to the "oldest" older adults, dealing with a wide variety of conditions.
I often tell patients and clients that the most important aspect of seeking therapy is finding a good fit. Approximately one-third of effectiveness of therapy is due to fit with the provider! I will not be offended if you do not feel I am a good fit for you, nor should any other therapist or psychologist be offended. However, what I do hope is that you will be ready and willing to ask yourself some potentially difficult questions during your therapy, whether with me or someone else. Once the hard work begins, you will likely find yourself challenged, but I will be there to support you along the way. I sincerely hope we will be able to work together to help you reach your goals and look forward to meeting you soon.
Makapu'u Lighthouse View, Photo by VLJ
Abbreviated Curriculum Vitae
Victoria Liou-Johnson, PhD, MS
HI PSY1759 || AZ PSY5022 || WA TE 61472771
Experience
2023 - present
Executive Director - Hawai'i Behavioral Health Connection
Hawai'i
Education
University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA
BA Modern Literature
2022 - present
Affiliated Scholar- Clinical Excellence Research Center, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, CA
2021 - Present
Adjunct Professor - Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, CA
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PhD and MS Clinical Psychology Programs
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Courses: Intellectual Assessment, Affective Bases of Behavior, Biological Bases of Behavior, Evidence Based Approaches, Cross-Cultural Issues, Adult Development and Aging
2018 - Present
Licensed Clinical Psychologist - Telehealth Private Practice
Hawai'i & Arizona
2019 - 2020
Primary Care Psychologist - Waimanalo Health Center
Waimanalo, HI
Thesis: Eleanor of Aquitane and Marie of Champagne: Patronesses of England and France
Notre Dame de Namur University
Belmont, CA
MS Clinical Psychology + Clinical Gerontology
Thesis: Attitudes Toward Geriatric Medicine from Primary Care Providers
Pacific Graduate School of Psychology
Palo Alto University
Palo Alto, CA
MS Clinical Psychology
PhD Clinical Psychology + Clinical Neuropsychology
Dissertation: The Association of Computer Usage with Cognitive Function in Older Adults
2017 - 2018
Postdoctoral Resident - VA Pacific Islands
Honolulu, HI
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Traumatic Stress and Recovery Program (PTSD Clinic)
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Community Living Center
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Neuropsychology Service
2016 - 2017
Predoctoral Intern - University of Colorado School of Medicine
Aurora & Denver, CO
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Integrated Primary Care @ AF Williams Family Medicine Clinic
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Neuropsychology Service
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Center for Dependency, Addiction, and Rehabilitation (CeDAR)
2015 - 2016
Neuropsychology Extern - University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
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Memory & Aging Center, Dept of Neurology
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Epilepsy Clinic, Dept of Neurosurgery
2014 - 2015
Neuropsychology Extern - Kaiser Permanente
Redwood City, CA
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Neuropsychology Service
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Adult ADHD Clinic
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Group and Individual Psychotherapy
Research
2021 - 2024
Advanced Fellowship
Polytrauma Department
VA Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems
VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Palo Alto, CA
2016 - 2019
Research Associate
Center for Dependency, Addiction, and Rehabilitation (CeDAR)
Department of Family Medicine
University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO
2015 - 2016
Gero-neuropsychological Research Assistant
Memory and Aging Center (MAC)
Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC)
University of California, San Francisco, CA
2014 - 2017
Geropsychology Research Assistant
Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC)
VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
2014 - 2015
Conversation Partner
VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
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Research Project: Treatment for Social Competence in Veterans and Civilians with TBI
Certifications
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EAGALA Certified Therapist
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EMDR Basic Training
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National Register of Health Service Psychologists Credential
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Tobacco Treatment Specialist Certification (University of Massachusetts)
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Baby & Me Tobacco Free Facilitator Certification
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National training and Veterans Affairs Provider status in Cognitive Processing Therapy
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National training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia
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Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) trained
Awards
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2022 – 2023 Palo Alto University Outstanding Contingent Faculty Award
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2022 APA/National Register Early Career Award
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2017 National Register Early Career Scholarship
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2015 PsiChi Lifetime Membership Award
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2014 PAU APASA Travel Award
Select Publications
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS
Kennedy, E., Liebel, S.W., Lindsey, H.M., Vadlamani, S., Lei, P., Adamson, M.M.,…Liou-Johnson, V.,… Dennis, E.L. (2024) Verbal Learning and Memory Deficits Across Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Insights from an ENIGMA Mega Analysis. Brain Sciences, 14(7),669. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14070669
Vasic, S., Xia, B., Dini, M. E., Klyce, D. W., Tyler, C. M., Juengst, S. B., Liou-Johnson, V.... & Perrin, P. B. (2024). Community Participation Trajectories over the 5 Years after Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Veterans: A US Veterans Affairs Model Systems Study. Trauma Care, 4(2), 174-188. doi: 10.3390/traumacare4020014
Liou-Johnson, V., Narayan, A., Odama, U., & Shah, N.R. (2024). A Person-Centered Approach to Kidney Care, NEJM Catalyst, 5(1), CAT.23.0376. https://doi.org/10.1056/CAT.23.0376
Sultana, T., Hasan, M.A., Kang, X., Liou-Johnson, V., Adamson, M.M., & Razi, A. (2023). Neural mechanisms of emotional health in traumatic brain injury patients undergoing rTMS treatment. Molecular Psychiatry, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-023-02159-z
Liou-Johnson, V., Merced, K., Klyce, D. W., Agtarap, S., Finn, J. A., Chung, J. S., Campbell, T., Harris, O. A., & Perrin, P. B. (2023). Exploring racial/ethnic disparities in rehabilitation outcomes after TBI: A veterans affairs model systems study. NeuroRehabilitation,1-12. https://doi.org/10.3233/NRE-220225
Silva M.A., Gonzalez A.V., Tang X., Carnahan N.D., Klyce D.W., Liou-Johnson V., Martin, A., Moberg, J., Dreer, L.E. (2023). Examining the relationship between sleep apnea diagnosis and suicide risk in Veterans with traumatic brain injury: A VA TBI Model Systems study. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 10-1097. doi: 10.1097/HTR.0000000000000856
Beaudreau, S. A., Van Moorleghem, K., Dodd, S. M., Liou-Johnson, V., Suresh, M., & Gould, C. E. (2020). Satisfaction with a Vacuum Constriction Device for Erectile Dysfunction among Middle-Aged and Older Veterans. Clinical Gerontologist, 1-9.
Gould, C. E., Spira, A. P., Liou-Johnson, V., Cassidy-Eagle, E., Kawai, M., Mashal, N., O’Hara, R.,* & Beaudreau, S. A.* (2017, April). Association of anxiety symptom clusters with sleep quality and daytime sleepiness. The Journals of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences.
BOOK CHAPTERS
Liou-Johnson, V. & Johnson, B. (2020). Paroxetine Use with Older Adults. In C. Lepkowsky (Ed.), The Pharmacological Guide to Paroxetine. New York, Nova Science Publishers.
Liou-Johnson, V., Mills, B., Van Moorleghem, K., & O’Hara, R. (2016). Ageing, Inequalities, and Health. In N. A. Pachana (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Geropsychology. Heidelberg: Springer.
Borish, S., Holt, H., Liou-Johnson, V., & Kramer, J. H. (2016). Encephalopathy. In N. A. Pachana (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Geropsychology. Heidelberg: Springer. Liou-Johnson, Victoria 7
La, D., Van Moorleghem, K., & Liou-Johnson, V. (2016). Psychological and Personality Testing. In N. A. Pachana (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Geropsychology. Heidelberg: Springer.