David Dao

(he/him)

LMFT, 20 years of experience
Open-minded
Warm
Authentic
VirtualAvailable

Greetings! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. I graduated from San Francisco State University with an M.S. in Counseling Psychology. I am certified by the Cognitive Behavioral Institute to offer ERPT (Exposure Response Prevention Therapy for OCD). I have over 25 years of experience working with a very diverse range of folks (women, men, the LGBTQ community, those living with HIV,People of Color, those dealing with substance use issues). I enjoy working with people who are seeking a caring, compassionate, understanding person who listens and offers a hand up while they battle back against depression and anxiety. I also enjoy supporting people who are struggling with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and employ a powerful tool (Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy) that is clinically shown to greatly reduce OCD symptoms.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

The first session is about getting to know about you. I've been a therapist but also a client, and I know that the first session can be a bit anxiety inducing! In our first session(s), I will ask about who you are--what you are struggling with, your challenges and strengths, your hopes for therapy and also your fears. In essence, getting to know you and your therapy goals. As a therapist, I am an active listener, compassionate, patient, collaborative and eager to share tools that I believe will really help.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I am a thoughtful, compassionate and understanding listener. I have years of experience working with a wide range of people, which has helped me expand my ability to effectively share clinically effective tools that help people live their best lives.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

An ideal client is someone who is motivated to make positive changes in their life and open to and eager to engage in the therapy work. I am also ideally suited to work with people who are experiencing anxiety (excessive worry, rumination), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and those struggling with depression (feeling suicidal, having feelings of worthlessness, not taking enjoyment in activities, lethargy).

Other specialties

I identify as

Man

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I find that CBT is excellent at supporting clients relieve anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)

I am certified by the Cognitive Behavioral Institute to provide Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. This powerful and clinically effective treatment is considered a "Gold Standard" treatment for people struggling with OCD.

, 49 ratings

3 ratings with written reviews

December 3, 2025

David was very kind and friendly. Had a very warm and calming approach.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with David

April 29, 2025

David is the best! Finally I have a therapist that understands me and my OCD and can help me with actual ways to reduce my compulsions. I have really improved since working with him. Very happy

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 23 with David

March 21, 2025

I'm looking forward in working with David in my therapy needs.

Verified client, age 45-54
Review shared after session 1 with David