Online Anxiety Therapy for Teens and Adults in California
Anxiety can feel like your mind and body are working against you, or your teen's. You may understand, logically, that the worry isn't helping, and still not be able to switch it off. That doesn't mean you're failing. Anxiety follows its own rules, and therapy can help you understand and work with them.
Everyday worry or clinical anxiety?
Worry is a normal part of life. It usually fits the situation and fades when the situation passes. Clinical anxiety tends to be more persistent and harder to control, and it can interfere with sleep, school, work, relationships, or daily routines. Understanding which one you're dealing with is the first step in choosing the right kind of support.
Why anxiety exists
Anxiety isn't a flaw. It's a built-in alarm system. From a neurobiological view, the brain's threat-detection circuits are designed to prepare you for danger, sometimes before you've had time to think. From a social psychology view, anxiety also helps us navigate belonging, judgment, and uncertainty in our relationships. Sometimes the alarm goes off too often or too loudly. Therapy helps you understand what your alarm is responding to, and how to respond differently.
How I can help
I use psychotherapy designed for anxiety-related concerns, including exposure therapy, in which you gradually and safely face the situations or sensations you've been avoiding, at a pace you help set. My approach focuses on accepting your emotions as part of you, not just trying to control them.
I offer therapy in Mandarin or English, so you can express yourself in the language that feels most natural. With 15 years of experience as a therapist, I work with teens (13 and above) and adults across California, entirely online.
What to expect
- Secure video sessions from wherever you're comfortable
- A free 15-minute consultation to see if we're a good fit
- Sliding-scale options available
Frequently asked questions
Do I have anxiety?
Only a licensed professional can assess that. Common signs include worry that feels hard to stop, physical tension, restlessness, trouble sleeping, or avoiding things because of fear. A consultation can help you sort out what you're experiencing.
Why can't I stop feeling anxious, even though I know it's not helpful?
Anxiety runs partly below the level of logical thought. Your brain's alarm system reacts faster than reasoning does, so knowing something is "irrational" often doesn't turn the feeling off. Therapy works with both the thoughts and the body's response.
Why do I have anxiety?
There's rarely one cause. Genetics, temperament, life experiences, stress, and environment can all play a part. Understanding your own pattern is part of the work we'd do together.
Do you offer therapy in Mandarin?
Yes. Sessions are available in Mandarin, English, or a mix of both.
Anxiety often overlaps with trauma, so see my trauma therapy page. It can also affect relationships; see couples therapy. Learn how I use CBT and DBT skills.