Shiori Lange, LCSW

Responsibilities

In my role as a Clinician at the Simms/Mann UCLA Center for Integrative Oncology, I am dedicated to delivering comprehensive psychosocial assistance and supportive counseling to individuals, couples and families navigating the complexities of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. My primary objective is to enhance the support network for patients and their loved ones across the cancer journey. I aim to be an advocate and empower patients and their loved ones as I collaborate my work with their medical team. I am committed in cultivating a safe and comfortable space that fosters the growth of therapeutic alliances.

Simms/Mann Center Programming

Mindfulness Meditation

Training and Professional Experience

I received my B.A. in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona in 2004. I worked at Family Counseling Agency/Our Family Services, and served as a Program Assistant, Case Manager and Housing Specialist for Older and Disabled Adults in Pima County, AZ. I provided in-home psychosocial assessments and various benefits assistance. In 2008, I received an certification in Aging from Institute for Geriatric Social Work at Boston University, School of Social Work. In the same year, I was certified as an Elder Care Mediator. My interest for Geriatric Social Work continued to grow. I moved to CA in 2011 to start my Master in Social Work Program: Concentration in Older Adults at California State University, Long Beach. My Master’s thesis was a “Mindfulness Focused Grief Support Group for Older Adult Widows”.

In my formal graduate training, I interned for Pathways Volunteer Hospice (Lakewood, CA) and Beach Cities Health District (Redondo Beach, CA) as a Geriatric Social Work Education Consortium student intern.

Following the completion of my MSW degree in 2013, my journey let me to serve as a Community-Based Care Manager at Beach Cities Health District. I conducted in-home psychosocial assessments and delivered Behavioral Health counseling to the older and disabled adults within the community. My responsibilities extended to offering guidance to  Paramedics and Law Enforcement Officers, addressing the intricacies of geriatric psychosocial issues. I have developed and facilitated numerous support groups and workshops – centered around Grief, Caregiver, Mindfulness and Aging. I also provided supervision to GSWEC MSW and BSW student interns.

In 2019, I joined Optum as a Geriatric Medical Social Worker in Orange County. I was stationed at Leisure World Seal Beach Health Care Center, collaborating closely with Primary Care Physicians and Specialists. Within this framework, I lent my expertise to the Post-Discharge program, Palliative Care program, Behavioral Health program, adeptly connecting patients and their loved ones with vital resources. My dedication to nurturing well-being extended to developing and conducting additional support groups and workshops, spanning topics like Mindfulness, Greif, Stress Reduction, Pain Management, and Anxiety & Depression management.

My experience in Palliative Care has cultivated a deep sense of purpose, fueling my passion for meaningful engagement with oncology patients and their loved ones. This journey illuminated the diverse interpretations of quality of life, particularly during challenging life phases. With a heart full of gratitude, I arrived at the Simms/Mann Center in 2023, where I continue to channel my passion and commitment.

Personal Interests

I was born and raised in a small town, Saga, Japan where my early aspirations of experiencing the diverse cultures in the U.S took root. My journey led me through intricate immigration and educational landscapes, overcoming challenges of being an international student along the way. Gratitude fills me for the extraordinary individuals who illuminated my path and guided me to the present.  Cherishing each instant of human connection, I am captivated by the diverse tapestry of individual vales and strengths.

In addition to my passion for clinical service, I enjoy exercising at Orangetheory, exploring local farmer’s markets, listening to audiobooks and treasured moments with cats, family and friends.