For Dr Ong Mian Li, the path to becoming a Clinical Psychologist specialising in children and adolescents wasn’t linear—but it was deeply personal.
Now based at Core Collective and with over 13 years of clinical experience, Dr Ong has come a long way from the days of struggling through school as a neurodivergent underachiever. Today, his journey spans global institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, numerous universities, and hospitals, and now into private practice, where his work is deeply rooted in compassion, community, and candour.
Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Mian Li is a recognised voice in media and corporate spaces. As founder of Lightfull Psychology, he’s featured in outlets like Channel NewsAsia and Mediacorp (Channel 8), sharing expertise on topics ranging from male victims of sexual crimes to why our brains fixate on unfinished tasks. He’s also a guest on podcasts such as Singapore Global Network and Med Talk Singapore, and has delivered corporate workshops for organisations including Lego, Prudential, EtonHouse, Ng Teng Fong Hospital, and Leet Capital @ PhillipCapital, speaking on workplace burnout and mental well-being. Through these platforms, he continues to advocate for accessible, community-focused mental health.
Photo credits: Mediacorp Channel 8
A Personal Story of Struggle, Strength, and Self-Discovery
Dr Ong's path began in unexpected places—first as a company medic during National Service, stationed across various regions overseas. It was there, in the high-pressure environment of the military, that a question first began to take root: Why do some people seem to thrive under stress and adversity, while others break?
This curiosity would later be shaped by painful personal experiences—losing loved ones to suicide and, in some cases, being present to witness their final moments. These events sparked deep reflection on how even the closest-knit families can experience fractures too invisible for others to see. “People usually come with good intentions,” he shares, “but words can still hurt. Sometimes, they can even kill.”
These realisations became the foundation of his practice. To him, being a psychologist isn’t just about treatment—it’s about becoming the quiet candlelight in a room full of darkness. “Sometimes, you just need a bit of light to understand yourself. With that light, you can also begin to understand the darkness a little more.”
Bringing Humanity into the Therapy Room
Ask anyone who’s worked with Dr Ong, and they’ll likely say the same thing: what you see is what you get. No pretence, no jargon—just authenticity. “I try to bring my whole self into sessions. I’m a bit of a joker, honestly. Therapy doesn’t have to feel sterile. It can be serious and still have moments of fun and connection.” His personality shines not only through his therapy sessions but also through his many unique hobbies and interests. An avid long-distance runner, Dr Ong finds peace in nature. “Running is therapeutic. It teaches me that you can be broken, but still do difficult things.” After a near-death experience due to a serious infection in 2021, he was reminded of the importance of pacing oneself—of appreciating the small steps.
He also draws from his own experience as someone with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), turning challenges into creativity. Dr Ong enjoys the challenge of simplifying the fundamentals of financial management for individuals with ADHD, often using memorable tools like acronyms. For him, mental health should be “accessible, fun, and community-based.”
Finding Joy in the Unexpected
Dr Ong’s guilty pleasures? Bingeing comedies like The Office, Friends, and Young Sheldon. “Dealing with dark stuff all day, sometimes you just need a little levity. A reminder that even in the heaviest moments, lightness can exist.”
He’s also a former semi-amateur e-sports gamer. “Back in the Counter-Strike days,” he laughs, “before it was cool.” It’s a fun fact he occasionally shares with younger clients, surprising them and creating a deeper, more relatable connection.
Psychology with Purpose
Though his roots are in medicine, what brought Dr
Ong to private practice was the desire to be closer to community. Being around other wellness professionals and building something grounded in individualised care became the next chapter of his professional evolution. This is when Dr Ong kickstarted
Lightfull Psychology and Consulting at Core Collective, where he enjoys being surrounded by fellow fitness and wellness professionals. These cross-industry conversations often spark fresh perspectives that, unexpectedly, feed back into his own practice—broadening his understanding of people and the human experience in ways that purely clinical settings might not.
He believes wellness must be all-encompassing. “Sometimes, your best is 70%. And that’s okay. The trick is knowing when to give your 70% and understanding that showing up, even when it’s hard, is still progress.”
For him, maintaining balance comes down to three key things: awareness, balance, and connection. He makes it a point to check in with himself every evening: Am I feeling present? Am I too tired to engage? If the answer is yes, it’s a sign it’s time for rest before burnout takes root.
On Being an Entrepreneur in the Wellness Space
Running a private practice isn’t without its challenges—especially with ADHD, where administrative tasks and financial planning don’t come naturally. He speaks candidly about how hard it can be for neurodivergent individuals to manage money, resist novelty, and find systems that work for them.
But his message to fellow entrepreneurs is clear: don’t be afraid of failure. “Even if things don’t work out, you’ll still walk away with something—an insight, a lesson, a new path.” He’s also no stranger to self-doubt. “There are moments when you wonder if you’re doing the right thing. But then I remind myself—why did I start this in the first place?” Sometimes, the answer is to pivot, collaborate, or simply let go. “If what you’re doing no longer aligns with your values, if it can’t support your family, or if the process no longer brings joy—then maybe it’s time to make space for something new.”
A Bit of Light Can Go a Long Way
In many ways, Dr Mian Li Ong’s philosophy is simple yet profound: that a little bit of light—whether in therapy, community, or personal growth—can illuminate more than we can imagine.
Through his work, he offers that light to others. One session at a time, he helps individuals, families, and children not just to heal, but to hope. And in a world that often feels heavy, that alone is an extraordinary gift.
Featured Contributor:
Dr Ong Mian Li
Clinical Psychologist
Medical Psychology Fellow, Mayo Clinic
Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Dr Ong Mian Li is an internationally recognised clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience in the United States, Singapore, and beyond. Specialising in anxiety, mood disorders, and behavioural issues, Dr. Ong has made significant contributions to the field through both clinical practice and research.
With over 50 peer-reviewed publications, Dr Ong's work has profoundly impacted the understanding and treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, and psychological assessment. His research is widely respected and has influenced clinical practices worldwide.
As the founder of Lightfull Psychology and Consulting, Dr Ong continues to provide specialised mental health services, combining evidence-based approaches with a deep commitment to improving the well-being of his clients. Connect with Dr Ong Mian Li on his website, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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