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

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.

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

At A Glance

  • Experience: 5 years of practice
  • Languages: English, 中文 (普通话)
  • Rate: $180 - 180/session

Reach out to Helen