Licensed to practice in California and accepts 7 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Life Transitions, Mood Disorders and 9 more.
(she/her)
Welcome! I'm Kelsey Chang-Kim, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and I am so happy you're here. I have been in the mental health therapy field for 5 years and also have experience in medical social work, special needs, and advocacy. Throughout our time together, I will tailor my approach to best fit you and your goals. Clients have described me as warm, validating, and insightful!
The first session's purpose is for you to see if I am the best fit for you! YOUR healing is what is important, and I don't take it personally if I'm not your best therapist match. Everyone is different, and I want you to leave the first session with a sense of how compatible we are! I will ask you questions to get to know you, what you're facing, and what you would like to work on. There is also opportunity for you to ask me questions about the process as well, especially if therapy is new to you!
My first and foremost priority is to help you feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable. I exude warmth, open-mindedness, non-judgment, and care from a genuine place. I see you, I hear you, and I am here to journey alongside you. Growth and healing is not linear and we will take things at your pace. I do also integrate humor and light-heartedness when appropriate to provide a balance to the intensity of what we're working through together. Laughter can be a great medicine!
I've worked with many diverse populations over the years but particularly enjoy working with young adults as they discover their truest selves and navigate the complexities of life and mental health! I work from a strengths-based, psychodynamic perspective covering topics such as core beliefs, values, and mindfulness. I also have a passion for women's mental health and love to help women navigate relationships, self-love, and healing.
Other specialties
I identify as
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT is a therapeutic approach that focuses on mindfulness, acceptance & distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is used to help combat unhelpful or negative thought patterns that are affecting one's behavior
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic therapeutic concepts help examine how your social context in the past, especially growing up, has contributed to what you're seeking help with today. Once we understand ourselves better, we are more equipped to find resolutions or relief in the here-and-now
Strength-Based
I use a Strength-based approach because I strongly believe that we all have the inner resources it takes to gain control over our thoughts and emotions- we just need to unlock the toolkit and put it into practice
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT is helpful for identifying deep feelings that we can be unaware exist within us. It encourages self-reflection and self-awareness and validation of emotions.