Helen Chao, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California

Helen Chao (she/her)

LCSW
Accepting Clients

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

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California

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
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Buddhism

At A Glance

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

Info

Email Helen
Website

Reach out to Helen