Dr. James Chavers , CA Psychologist 32025

Dr. James Chavers is a California-licensed clinical psychologist (CA Psychologist 32025) with nine years of professional experience. He earned both his master's degree and doctorate in clinical psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara and has worked across a range of settings including locked facilities such as jails and prisons, community health clinics, and colleges and universities.

Over the course of his career he has supported older adults living with HIV, individuals managing addiction and long-term health conditions, people preparing to transition out of locked settings, and students aged roughly 18 to 50-plus navigating the challenges of academic and early adult life. He has collaborated with patients on concerns related to relationships, substance use, family dynamics, gender and sexuality, sexual assault, mood disorders, and trauma among other issues.

Dr. Chavers draws on a blend of evidence-informed methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Motivational Interviewing, and Client-Centered Therapy. Grounded in humanistic principles, he approaches each person with respect and the belief that people are experts in their own lives. He seeks to support and guide clients with honesty and compassion, offering practical insight while standing alongside them through change. He welcomes the opportunity to bring those experiences to his therapeutic work.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Therapy

Dr. James Chavers integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients notice difficult thoughts and feelings without being driven by them, then build a values-guided life. ACT can be useful for stress, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. He also uses Client-Centered Therapy, a humanistic approach that emphasizes empathy, unconditional respect, and collaboration so clients can explore their own solutions and build self-direction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another core approach he employs, focusing on identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Chavers works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and he adjusts the plan over time based on what is most helpful.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can be conducted by video call or phone, and support can also be provided through live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, access care from different locations within the same state, and maintain continuity of support when life circumstances change, all while working with licensed professionals and therapists who tailor treatment to individual needs.