Good News Mental Health with Dr. Uejin Kim, MD

Have you always been the "strong one"? Maybe people praised you for being mature, responsible, or independent—but underneath that strength, you've spent years feeling responsible for everyone else's emotions, problems, and wellbeing. In this episode, Dr. Uejin Kim, Christian psychiatrist, explains parentification —a childhood pattern where children begin carrying responsibilities that were never m...

If you were the “responsible one”… the dependable one… the one who held everything together—this episode is for you. In this deeply honest conversation, Dr. Uejin Kim sits down with Evita Moran, LMSW, to unpack the hidden cost of growing up too early—and how that shapes high-achieving adults who look successful on the outside but feel exhausted inside. We explore parentification, burnout, identity...

You’re the dependable one. The strong one. The one everyone leans on. But inside? You’re exhausted — and wondering who fills your cup. In this episode, Dr. Uejin Kim reframes the story of Martha through the lens of parentification, anxiety, over-functioning, and unhealed childhood roles. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the “responsible one” identity — constantly scanning for needs, proving your worth...

If you’re a high achiever who keeps reaching for alcohol, THC, or other substances just to calm your brain—this video is not about judgment. It’s about understanding. For many high-achieving adults with a parentified childhood, substance use doesn’t begin as rebellion. It begins as relief . Growing up in chaos, unpredictability, or emotional neglect trains the nervous system to stay hyper-vigilant...

Do you succeed—but feel strangely empty afterward? Do you struggle to rest, celebrate, or slow down without guilt? If you grew up as a parentified child, this episode explains why. Many high achievers were the “glue” in their families—absorbing stress, preventing crises, and keeping everyone else safe. That unseen work often goes unrecognized, even though it took enormous strength. In this episode...

Do you get intense anxiety right before or right after big moments—speaking, exams, leadership decisions, or even relationships—while performing just fine during them? If you’re a high achiever with a parentified childhood, this video explains why. Many high-functioning adults learned early: “I’m only safe when I’m useful.” That belief doesn’t disappear with success—it shows up as performance anxi...

What if the very thing you’ve been hiding—your pain, your story, your “not enough”—is actually the talent God wants to multiply? In this deeply personal and unscripted episode of the Good News Mental Health Podcast, Dr. Uejin Kim—child & adolescent psychiatrist—reflects on the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25) through a mental-health and trauma-informed lens. She explores how fear, compariso...

Are you exhausted from trying to “fix” everyone else while secretly falling apart inside? In this Good News Mental Health episode, Dr. Uejin Kim sits down with Megan Babcock, Board-Certified Nurse Coach and trauma transformation coach, to talk about faith, emotional healing, abuse, “toxic” relationships, and what God actually says about your story. Megan shares her journey through: A domestic viol...

In this deeply personal episode, I share my 2025 healing testimony — a year of surrender, full circle moments, cultural reconciliation, and learning that consistency beats perfection every time. As a Christian psychiatrist, immigrant, oldest daughter, and recovering hyper-responsible high achiever… this year forced me to confront old wounds, release control, and rediscover my superpower: 👉 Findin...

What happens when your faith and your anxiety feel tangled together? In this episode of Good News Mental Health, Dr. Uejin Kim, a Christian child psychiatrist, talks with Luke Mayeux, LPC — founder of Integratus Counseling — about how OCD, scrupulosity, and men’s emotional health intersect with spiritual formation and healing. Luke shares his journey from Catholic seminary to becoming a counselor,...

In a world where political division feels louder than ever, how do we stay resilient, grounded, and true to our values? In this episode, Dr. Kim, a Christian psychiatrist, and Brissa dive deep into themes of vulnerability, political identity, humility, and emotional resilience. Together, they explore: The courage it takes to admit when you’re wrong Why emotional fragility is so common in today’s c...

What does success really mean—and how can we pursue it without losing ourselves in comparison? In this uplifting and candid conversation, Dr. Uejin Kim sits down with sisters Laura Lara and Krista Pasquale to talk about success, faith, family, and resilience. From growing up on the west side of San Antonio to careers in talent acquisition and mental health, Laura and Krista share their unique pers...

Join Christian psychiatrist, Dr. Uejin Kim, and Christian psychologist, Dr. Salazar, in a vulnerable, enriching conversation about neurodivergence, identity, and life purpose. Exploring faith through the lens of mental health, they discuss:⭐️ What it means to be neurodivergent in both clinical and spiritual contexts⭐️ How identity and diagnosis intersect with Christian purpose⭐️ Grace‑filled na...

In this episode, Dr. Uejin Kim and Brissa Ytuarte explore the complexities of mental health, focusing on themes of shame, guilt, expectations, and the importance of self-awareness. They discuss how past experiences shape our present behaviors and relationships, emphasizing the need for inner child healing and self-compassion. The conversation highlights the significance of letting go of control an...

In this emotionally-rich and faith-filled conversation, Dr. Kim and counselor Yvonne Thomas explore how core beliefs, spiritual identity, and grace intersect in mental health and personal transformation. From Yvonne’s journey out of religious legalism to discovering God’s unconditional love, to Dr. Kim’s moving analogy of being a burden yet infinitely loved—this episode is a call to deeper authent...

Join me as I discuss the theme of facing God after making significant mistakes, using the biblical story of David as a focal point. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our mistakes, understanding the consequences, and the personal nature of our relationship with God. Through David's story, he illustrates how God desires intimacy and trust rather than a transactional relationship based on d...

In this episode, Dr. Uejin Kim interviews Mr. Melli, a seasoned counselor and leader of the Celebrate Recovery Ministry at Community Bible Church in San Antonio. They discuss the importance of faith in recovery, the personal journey of overcoming struggles, and the role of community support in healing. Mr. Mellie shares his own experiences with addiction and recovery, emphasizing the significance...

In this conversation, Dr. Uejin Kim and Dr. Toni Cooper explore the intricate relationship between spirituality and mental health. They discuss how childhood experiences shape our understanding of God and ourselves, the impact of parenting on spiritual beliefs, and the importance of healing from trauma. Dr. Cooper shares her personal journey of finding faith amidst guilt and fear, while Dr. Kim em...

In this conversation, Dr. Uejin Kim and Brissa discuss launching their online course 'Be Still to Move Forward,' which focuses on the importance of being still in a fast-paced, productivity-driven society. They explore the challenges of finding inner peace, the cultural influences prioritizing busyness, and the impact of these pressures on mental health. The course aims to help individuals connect...

In the latest episode of Goodnews MentalHealth, Dr. Uejin Kim sits down with Alani Bankhead, a seasoned expert in human intelligence operations and a passionate advocate against human trafficking. They explore the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome, which affects over 70% of individuals, and how it can hinder personal and professional growth. Alani Bankhead is a career terrorist, spy, and human...

In this enlightening episode of the Good News Mental Health Podcast, host Dr. Uejin Kim sits down with Beatrice, a licensed family and marriage therapist from San Antonio, Texas, to explore the delicate intersection of mental health, family dynamics, and faith. Key topics covered in this episode include:Navigating mental health discussions within family and religious contextsThe importance of curi...

In this conversation, Ann Taylor McNiece and Dr. Uejin Kim explore the themes of healing, transformation, and the impact of church experiences on personal growth. They discuss the complexities of navigating church hurt, the importance of community, and the role of drama in relationships. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of love and connection within faith, providing insights into emotional...

Dr. Kim and Dr. Conboy discussed parenting challenges and personal growth, emphasizing the need for a balance between parental involvement and individual agency. They explored the impact of overly controlling or harsh parenting styles on adult children and the importance of learning to fail gracefully. The speakers also grappled with the challenges of balancing love and freedom in parenting and em...

6/22/2024Mental and Spiritual Health Seminar @Grace First Baptist Church, San Antonio, TXDr. Uejin Kim discusses the intersection of mental health and the Christian community, debunking common myths and emphasizing the importance of understanding mental health using different conceptual models. Dr. Kim explores the intricacies of the mind and brain, delving into the cognitive triad and biopsychoso...

In this episode, Dr. Inna Conboy and I have an open dialogue about the impossible standards of perfectionism in parentinghow social media expediated parenting burdenhow to embrace the concept of "Good enough mom"the benefits of not being perfecthow to find your "style" in parentingwhat to do when you mess up in your familyThis episode is a perfect example of the vulnerable human connection... whic...