Dr. Yumi Nakao is a Japanese psychiatrist (M.D.) who provides psychiatric practice in English. Providing psychiatric care in English involves more than speaking the language. It requires an understanding of patients’ cultural and racial backgrounds, the challenges of living as a foreigner in largely homogeneous society like Japan, visa-related issues, and the complexities of international relationships.

Dr. Yumi Nakao also conducts evaluations for U.S. veterans seeking compensation and pension for PTSD, mental disorders and traumatic brain injury, which has deepened her understanding of symptoms related to adjustment difficulties in new environments as well as PTSD.

In Japan, psychiatric care in English is largely limited to major cities. Dr. Nakao has treated many English-speaking patients who traveled long distances at an in-person clinic. Because psychiatric medications in Japan cannot be refilled, frequent visits placed a significant burden on patients.  To improve accessibility and convenience, she established an online psychiatric clinic.

Dr. Nakao prefers to minimize the use of potentially addictive medications whenever possible. If you’re interested, she can also prescribe Kampo (traditional Chinese herbal medicine).  

Education and Professional Certifications:

Board certified psychiatrist

Designated Psychiatrist under the Mental Health and Welfare Act

Certified Occupational Health Physician

B.A. in English Language and Literature, School of Education, Waseda University 

M.D., University of Miyazaki, School of Medicine