Helen Chao LCSW

(she/her)

Accepting Clients

Hello there! I'm an Oakland-based Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) therapist.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California

Free Initial Consultation

Request consultation

Free 15-minute call, no obligation.

Services

  • Individual
  • Group

About My Clients

I have a specific strength in working with emotion dysregulation (fear, anger, depression, dissociation) and complex PTSD. I work with all those who seek better mental health, and especially welcome those who identify as immigrant, BIPOC, and/or queer.

My Background and Approach

My work is trauma-informed and grounded in psychodynamic theory training, relational group work, and liberation psychology practice. I have additional training in DBT-Prolonged Exposure (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and limited training in Brainspotting (BSP) and accelerated experiential dynamic psychotherapy (AEDP).

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

Being trans-affirming and a strong ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as centering the impact of racism on mental health, is extremely important to me in my personal and professional life. I am proud of community mental health clinics and street medicine work with the homeless shaping me into the therapist I am today.

Techniques I Use

Specialties

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Other Techniques

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Addiction Counseling
  • Attachment Theory
  • Exposure Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dance / Movement Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Expressive Art Therapy
  • Family Therapy
  • Gottman Method Couples Therapy
  • Harm Reduction Therapy
  • Imago Relationship Therapy
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Relational Therapy
  • Solution Focused Brief Therapy
  • Trauma Therapy
  • Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB)
  • Brainspotting
  • Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)
  • Clinical Neuropsychology

Issues I Treat

Specialties

Personality Disorders Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Other Issues

  • Anger Issues
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment
  • Bipolar
  • Depression
  • Family Conflict
  • Historical/ Intergenerational Trauma
  • Immigration/Acculturation
  • LGBTQ-Friendly Therapists
  • Marriage Counseling
  • Personality Disorders
  • Polyamorous and Open Relationships
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Racial Identity
  • Self-Esteem
  • Self-Harm
  • Sexual Abuse or Assault
  • Spirituality
  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Women's Issues

Client Focus

Languages
English, 中文 (普通话)

Qualifications

License
LCSW, State of California · #109280
Years in practice
6 years

I offer online counseling in the following states:

I have experience with the following

  • Buddhism

Hours & Availability

New clients welcome
Currently accepting new clients
Telehealth
Available

At A Glance

  • Experience: 6 years of practice
  • Languages: English, 中文 (普通话)
  • Rate: $180 - 180/session

Reach out to Helen