Dr. James Chavers, CA Psychologist 32025

Dr. James Chavers is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in California with nine years of professional experience. He earned both a master’s degree and a doctorate in clinical psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara and holds a California psychologist license - CA Psychologist 32025, indicating his state licensure (license number 32025).

Throughout his career he has trained and worked in locked settings (jails and prisons), community health clinics, and colleges and universities. His work has included supporting older adults living with HIV, people coping with addiction and long-term health conditions, inmates preparing to transition out of locked settings, and students ages 18 through 50-plus managing the stresses of college life.

Dr. Chavers collaborates with clients on a wide range of concerns, including relationship struggles, substance use, family and gender matters, sexuality, sexual assault, mood disorders, and trauma. He draws from multiple evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Motivational Interviewing, and client-centered therapy to tailor care to each person’s needs.

Grounded in humanistic philosophy, Dr. Chavers believes every person deserves respect and that individuals are the experts on their own lives. His role is to support, offer thoughtful suggestions, and provide succor when needed. He likens finding the right counselor to meeting a dependable friend who accepts you and challenges you when necessary. He uses he/him pronouns and welcomes the opportunity to offer support.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Dr. James Chavers uses several complementary approaches to support clients online. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take meaningful action even when difficult thoughts or feelings arise - it can be useful for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathetic listening and unconditional respect, creating space for clients to explore their experiences and build self-understanding, which often helps with relationship issues, self-esteem, and identity questions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, offering practical skills for managing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Chavers works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods fit best based on the client’s goals, preferences, and the challenges they bring. Together they adjust strategies over time to match progress and changing needs.

Online therapy with Dr. Chavers is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options increase flexibility and accessibility, allowing clients to schedule sessions around work, caregiving, or other commitments and to continue care even when in-person visits are difficult.