Sophia Chang, Psy.D. (La Jolla and Hillcrest)

(She/Her/Hers) Licensed Psychologist

***HAS LIMITED OR NO OPENINGS. MAY NOT CURRENTLY BE TAKING NEW CLIENTS***

Hello, I am Dr. Sophia Chang and I am a licensed psychologist in San Diego, California. I also hold a professional license in marriage and family therapy. I am an experienced psychotherapist trained in providing evidence-based treatments for depression, anxiety, and other common psychological problems. The issues I focus in my clinical practice often include mood disorders, personality disorders, family and other interpersonal relationship problems, couple therapy (modality: Emotionally Focused Therapy), emotional regulation, infidelity, identity exploration and development, diversity and multicultural counseling, sexuality concerns, body image concerns, grief and loss, trauma, immigrant acculturation process, and group psychotherapy for adults.
 
My primary approach to treatment integrates the use of interpersonal and psychodynamic theory, and empirically supported treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I tailor my treatment based on the nature of each individual client’s presenting problem, client’s characteristics, and the best ways to achieve client’s goals in treatment. 
 
I strive to establish collaborative therapeutic relationships with each of my clients and help them develop insight and perspective as they work to deepen their relationships, adopt healthy habits, and improve their ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving. Based on a secure therapeutic alliance, I help clients identify obstacles to change, challenge them to grow past repetitive patterns, integrate their feelings and hidden aspects of self, learn ways to better manage fear and shame, take responsibility for developing personal integrity and healing from past wounds, and develop a more satisfying and functional relationship with oneself. Interpersonally I would describe myself as authentic, affectionate, warm, and perceptive.
 
One of my main specialty areas is working with couples who are struggling with ineffective interactive patterns, communication problems, attachment insecurity, emotional regulation, cultural differences, infidelity, impact from family of origin or past traumas, separation and divorce. I am experienced in working with LGBTQ+ and inter-racial couples which requires sensitivity to each partner’s unique cultural background, life experience, and sexuality. I am a seasoned marriage counselor in San Diego and have worked with numerous couples utilizing the Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) modality for more than a decade. 
 
I am one of the few Mandarin speaking psychologists in San Diego County. I enjoy working with individuals and couples from a wide range of other countries experiencing difficulties in adjusting to life in the U.S. I adopt a culturally consonant approach to working with individuals, couples and groups, tailoring clinical treatment to the unique characteristics and personality of each and every client.
 
I currently work with clients who are insured by UCSHIP, Cigna or Aetna, are able to pay cash or utilize their out-of-network insurance benefits.