Break Through With a Breakthrough



What is it like to have me as a therapist?


I don’t take a cookie cutter approach with a fixed, rigid theoretical perspective. In other words, if the treatment doesn’t seem to be working after we’ve given it a chance, I’ll explore different perspectives with you. However, the work that I do with you is based on empirical evidence, not the latest fad or a personal agenda of mine. Because I am licensed in California I have accountability to you in terms of privacy, ethical treatment, and staying current in the field.I am empathetic up to a point. Guiding you how to establish boundaries is an important part of the work I will do with you. Thus I will encourage you to challenge yourself to strengthen your emotional core.Life is a constant process of revision, rebuilding, and moving forward. Besides my training and education, I’ve lived it. Therapy with me is a collaborative process delivered with professionalism, warmth and a sense of humor. As your therapist, I strive for you to feel challenged and engaged, yet accepted, understood and safe.


How to Start?


Simple: use the form at the bottom of the page to provide me with the best day & time to schedule a free consultation call.

Dr. Erika Kao, PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist


- M.A. and Ph.D. from The Ohio State University
- Awarded Dean’s Fellowship scholarship which fully funded graduate work
- B. A. in Honors Psychology cum Laude at University of Michigan.
- Awarded the Multicultural Initiative Scholarship for senior year thesis.
- Asian American cross-cultural psychology research is published in the Journal of Social Psychology and the Journal of Career Assessment.
- Internship in Health psychology and Neuropsychology at the Carl T. Hayden Veterans Administration Medical Center
- Postdoctoral training in Forensic Neuropsychology and Behavioral Health Psychology at Maricopa Integrated Health Behavioral Health Centers.
- Licensed psychologist since 2001, first in Phoenix, AZ and since 2005 in San Diego, CA.
- My theoretical perspective is Integrative, with emphasis on Attachment Theory and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.