ALWAYS WE HOPE

Someone else has the answer,
Some other place will be better,
Some other time it will all turn out.
This is it.
No one else has the answer.
No other place will be better,
and it has already turned out.

At the center of your being
You have the answer;
You know who you are
And you know what you want.

There is no need
To run outside
For better seeing.
Nor to peer from a window.
Rather abide at the center of your being;
For the more you leave it, the less you learn.
Search your heart and see
The way to do
Is to be.

~ Lao Tzu

Welcome!

Today you are one step closer to a new life based on clear vision and mindful intentions.

As a psychologist, my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is defined by your own courage and wisdom, not your history. While we can’t change difficult situations in your past, we can work together to better understand and resolve the present challenges in your life.

By applying versatile therapy approaches that are tailored for your unique needs and goals, we will unearth long-standing behavioral/relationship patterns or negative beliefs that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

In a respectful and supportive environment, and through open communication, we will form a partnership that empowers you to achieve your desired goals. I look forward to the honor and privilege of helping you develop an authentic self-mastery and experience a more joyful and purposeful life, one that you truly deserve!

Practice Areas

Dr. Chao provides individual, couples, and family counseling in the following areas:

  • Depression and Anxiety
  • Relationship Challenges
  • Immigrant Issues
  • Adjustment Disorder
  • Mindfulness Practice
  • Grief Counseling
  • Work and Career Issues
  • Burnout and Stress Management
  • Employment Assistance Program (EAP) Counseling
Learn More

Qualifications & Clinical Experience

Dr. Chao is a Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience in private practice and university counseling centers.
Fluent in both English and Mandarin Chinese, Dr. Chao has been providing psychotherapy and counseling services to individuals, couples, and families from different cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds as well as countries of origin to address a wide range of issues.
Dr. Chao received her bachelor’s degree in social work from National Taiwan University (Taipei) and her master’s degree in counseling and counselor education from Indiana University (Bloomington). She earned her doctoral degree (PhD) in counseling psychology in 1994 from the University of Southern California. In 1996, Dr. Chao received her California Clinical Psychologist License.
In addition to her private practice since 1994, Dr. Chao was also a staff psychologist at various universities’ Student Counseling Centers/Services, including the University of California, Riverside (1994-2006) and UCLA (2006-2011). She then served as a contract staff psychologist at the Student Counseling Services at California Lutheran University (2012-2013) and at Cal State Northridge (2014-2015).
Learn More