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.
Fees & Policy
Insurance
In order to provide quality, individualized service, I am a fee-for-service provider. I am happy to provide a coded invoice for you to submit to your insurance, if you have a PPO with out of network benefits, or have a flex spending plan. I will not bill or contact your insurance company for payment.Payment Types Accepted
All payment must be received by credit card, cash, or check. A credit card must be kept on file to reserve appointments, and to charge in case of no-show.Rates & Fees
Applicable to in-office and teletherapy..Psychotherapy
- Initial consult: free
- individual : 55-60 minute: $250
- couples : 75min: $300Fees are subject to change.I do not communicate therapeutically over email or text for a number of reasons, foremost confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
Publications
Del Mar Times:
- Interdependence v. Codependence - SEP. 20, 2017
- Fighting the Good Fight: The Benefits of Conflict - AUG. 28, 2017
- Until Divorce Do Us Part? Busting Common Relationship Myths - JULY 25, 2017
- The Worrying Effect of Anxiety on Relationships - MAY 23, 2017
- Addicted to Busyness: Our Obsession with Full, Hectic Schedules - APRIL 20, 2017
- Talking to Your Kids About Terrorism - JUNE 20, 2017The Journal of Social Psychology:
- Explanatory Style, Family Expressiveness, and Self-Esteem Among Asian American and European American College Students - MAY 23, 1996