Skip to main content
Headway
Headshot of Jai Thao, LICENSED_PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Jai Thao

Psychologist
2 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Stress management, Anger management, Trauma
  • Individual therapy, Couples therapy, Family therapy

Great to meet you!

Hi, I’m a licensed psychologist, and I’m really glad you’re here. Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, and my goal is to make that process feel as comfortable, safe, and supportive as possible.

I work with adults who may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply seeking a better understanding of themselves. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, stress, depression, life transitions, or relationship challenges, we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. I strive to create a space where you can show up as you are—without judgment—and feel genuinely heard and understood.

I identify as an Asian American first-generation individual who migrated to the United States as a child, and this lived experience informs my culturally responsive and flexible approach. My background also includes working in healthcare settings with individuals from diverse walks of life. I have experience in psychological assessment and enjoy helping clients make sense of their experiences in a clear, meaningful, and empowering way.

In therapy, I draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, while always tailoring the work to fit your unique needs—not the other way around. I believe therapy should feel practical and relevant, offering tools you can apply in your everyday life.

Above all, I view therapy as a collaborative process. You are the expert in your own life, and I’m here to support you, offer guidance, and help you move toward the kind of life you want to live.

My approach to therapy

I take a collaborative and flexible approach to therapy, and I try to meet each person where they are. Therapy, to me, is a shared process—we work together to better understand what you’re going through and find practical ways to help you feel more grounded and in control.

In sessions, I’m warm, straightforward, and engaged. I want you to feel comfortable being open, while also knowing I’ll gently challenge you when it feels important for your growth. I try to strike a balance between really hearing and validating your experience, and offering tools or perspectives that you can actually use in your day-to-day life.

I primarily draw from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based techniques. This means we’ll look at how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are connected, and work on building skills to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and shift patterns that may be keeping you stuck. I also incorporate a trauma-informed and culturally responsive lens, recognizing how your background and experiences shape who you are.

Depending on your needs, our work might focus on developing coping skills, improving relationships, processing difficult experiences, or gaining deeper self-understanding.

Above all, my goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered. Therapy with me is not one-size-fits-all—I’ll meet you where you are and support you in moving toward meaningful and lasting change.

What you can expect from me

In our first session, we’ll focus on getting to know each other and understanding what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask some questions about your current concerns, background, and what you’re hoping to get out of our work together—at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

We’ll also begin identifying your goals and what support might look like moving forward. My aim is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and at ease, while giving you a clear sense of how I can help.

About me

  • I identify as
    Asian, Man
  • My style is
    Holistic, Open Minded, Solution Oriented

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    2 years of experience
  • Training
    EdD (Doctor of Education) at University of the Pacific, M. Ed at CSU Stanislaus
  • License type
    CP (Clinical Psychologist) (California)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield of California, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania - Virtual National Network, Providence Health Plan

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Stress management, Anger management, Trauma
  • More specialties
    Family issues, Cultural & ethnic issues, Grief or loss, Men's issues, Relationship issues, Identity issues, PTSD
  • Therapy methods
    Behavior Modification, Jungian, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Strength-Based, Brief Dynamic, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic, Gestalt, Psychoanalytic, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Couples Therapy, Structural Family, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), Motivational Interviewing, Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Behavioral Activation (BA), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Behavior Management
  • Care types
    Individual therapy, Couples therapy, Family therapy
  • Ages served
    Seniors, Adults
  • Languages
    English, Hmong