About Kristopher C. Kern, MSCP, PsyD
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I'm a multi-racial queer first generation (he/him/his) licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California (PSY34117). This is my second career (before this I was an educator and school administrator) and I continue to learn and find joy in supporting others through their journey in life. My partner and I are dog dads to two lovely Boxers (Koa and Mana) and we currently live in Las Vegas, NV (The 9th Hawaiian island). I am a Staff Psychologist at the VA Southern Nevada Health Care System within the Geriatrics clinic. In this role I support older adult Veterans and their families through various services (e.g., chronic medical diagnoses, memory concerns, anticipatory grief, ambiguous loss, and bereavement/death). Additionally, I am an adjunct faculty member at the undergrad and graduate school level, as giving back to the next generation of mental health providers is so important.
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What matters the most to me is constant learning and remaining true to my collectivist upbringing. There is so much out there to learn and there's an importance to hear others stories. Theories are great and science gives a foundation, yet it is so important to recognize the humanity behind someone's life (e.g., others are the expert in their life, it's my honor to bear witness to it). Having been born and raised on a small island, community was so key to my own successes. It has taught me to remain humble because others contributions are just as important as yours. For me the motto "To whom much is given, much is expected" resonates in my professional career. Social justice and advocacy remain key facets to my professional identity. Whether it be on a larger system wide policy change (e.g., Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Committee assignments) or a small recognition of how systems oppresses historically marginalized communities within the therapeutic space; ensuring that one's story is honored and heard is vital to my approach to care. These professional values transcend my work, finding ways to improve access to quality care (e.g., advocating to leadership to expand care) and giving space and voice to untold stories fill my professional and personal cup. I have been blessed with many opportunities and see these as keys to unlock doors for my family, for groups still facing oppressive systems that diminish their quality of life, and the communities I identify with.
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