To answer everyone’s first question:
The dog in the above picture is not Dr. Arthur’s dog. His dog is right next to the this question and her name is Pepper (6 month old puppy)! Unfortunately, she is not trained as a service dog and will not be in your session.
Considering Psychotherapy? Start with a Free Consultation
If you’re on the fence about seeking therapy, have questions about mental health services, or are curious about psychotherapy and counseling for anxiety, depression, or substance abuse, Dr. Arthur Chen offers a free, no-obligation phone or text consultation. This is a pressure-free way to get your questions answered and see if Dr. Chen’s approach is the right fit for you. It’s an informal chat to help you understand his personality and therapeutic style, without establishing a formal doctor-patient relationship or creating official records. Reach out today to explore how therapy can help you.
Focused, Effective Therapy for Anxiety, Depression, and Mental Health Issues
Dr. Arthur Chen specializes in evidence-based psychotherapy for a range of emotional challenges. His clinical experience is deeply rooted in treating anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, and substance abuse, with a strong emphasis on exposure-based and cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT).
Beyond addressing specific diagnoses, Dr. Chen also focuses on developing self-esteem, fostering positive body image, enhancing assertiveness, and building confidence in both adults and teenagers. He integrates practical social skills and emotional regulation skills into sessions to maximize your therapeutic gains and equip you with lasting tools for well-being.
Unlike approaches that insist on lengthy commitments, Dr. Chen believes effective therapy doesn’t always need to last for months or years. Many problems and challenging situations can see significant improvement within 60-90 days. After your symptoms have diminished, he’ll collaborate with you to decide if “digging deeper” into the origins of a problem is necessary or desired for your unique journey.
Psychotherapy: A Sign of Strength, Not Weakness
It’s common to feel that you should handle everything on your own, but seeking mental health support is a powerful act of self-care, not a sign of weakness. People who reach out for psychotherapy or counseling are actively investing in their long-term well-being and demonstrating immense courage.
In your work with Dr. Chen, you’ll explore and identify your inherent strengths and abilities, then learn how to maximize them to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. This collaborative approach empowers you to build resilience and foster lasting personal growth.
The Unique Value of Professional Psychotherapy
You might wonder, “What’s the difference between talking to a psychologist and talking to a friend or family member?” The key distinction lies in professional training, unbiased guidance, and evidence-based strategies. As a licensed psychologist, Dr. Chen provides:
- Unbiased Perspective: Unlike friends or family, a therapist offers a neutral, objective viewpoint.
- Research-Based Guidance: You’ll receive scientifically supported techniques and insights to help with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and other concerns.
- New Skills and Perspectives: Learn practical skills and gain fresh insights to approach your situation in new, healthier ways.
- Non-Judgmental Listening: Experience a safe space where you can share openly without fear of judgment.
- Complete Confidentiality: Your sessions are entirely confidential, ensuring your privacy and peace of mind.
- Focused Support: Unlike informal conversations that can sometimes lead to avoidance once you feel better, therapy provides consistent, structured support to help you through difficult times without creating future social complications.
Medication vs. Psychotherapy: A Holistic Approach
While medication can be effective for managing certain mental health symptoms, it rarely solves underlying issues on its own. For many individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, or substance abuse, the most effective path to healing combines medication with psychotherapy or counseling. Research consistently shows that talk therapy and medication working together yield the best outcomes for most people.
Dr. Chen’s therapy is designed to help you explore and unpack the root causes of your problems, build upon your existing strengths, and develop sustainable coping mechanisms. This integrated approach empowers you to achieve your personal, professional, and relationship goals more effectively. If you are working with a prescribing physician, Dr. Chen will gladly coordinate your care to ensure a comprehensive and cohesive treatment plan.
Your Personalized Therapy Journey
“How does therapy work? What will I do in sessions?” These are common questions, and the answer is simple: Your therapy experience will be unique to you. Dr. Chen understands that each person brings different issues and goals to therapy.
He doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, Dr. Chen custom-tailors a therapeutic plan specifically designed for your individual needs and goals. Throughout the process, your feedback is crucial and is continuously integrated into your treatment plan, ensuring that your therapy is always relevant and effective.
How Long Will Therapy Take? Focused on Your Goals
“How long will it take to feel better?” The duration of therapy is highly individual, as everyone’s circumstances are unique. However, Dr. Chen operates with the belief that not every client requires “long-term” therapy. His approach is goal-oriented, designed to help you achieve your desired outcomes efficiently. For a deeper understanding of Dr. Chen’s flexible approach to the duration of therapy, he encourages you to explore his philosophy during your free consultation, click here.