Samantha Cao

I am a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adults and couples. I specialize in helping people navigate medical concerns, sleep difficulties (including insomnia), digestive health and gut–brain interaction, anxiety, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I am especially passionate about supporting people coping with new or ongoing health conditions, relational distress, and the stress that comes with major life changes.

I have trained and worked in diverse medical and outpatient settings, including hospitals, academic medicine, and specialty clinics for sleep and digestive health. I draw on a wide range of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), and gut-directed hypnotherapy.

In addition to individual therapy, I offer relational therapy for couples who want to strengthen their connection and navigate challenges together. Whether you are working through communication struggles, coping with the impact of medical or mental health concerns, dealing with the aftermath of an affair, or adjusting to a major life transition, I help partners build resilience and deepen their understanding of one another. I also have experience supporting LGBTQIA+ couples, people in ethically non-monogamous relationships, and those with diverse identities and orientations. My approach creates a warm, non-judgmental space where couples can feel safe sharing openly so that together we can address the issues that matter most to you and your relationship. I believe that meaningful connections with others are essential for health and well-being, and that there are many coexisting truths. There is no single “right” way to be. In therapy, I bring authenticity, curiosity, and flexibility, creating space for honest dialogue and self-discovery. My goal is to help you heal, strengthen your relationship with yourself and others, and navigate challenges with greater independence.

I commend your bravery and strength for seeking support. If you’re ready to get started, I’d love to help you get the support you need to make meaningful change. In our initial session, we will discuss your needs and goals to ensure we are a good fit with one another. Typically, sessions begin weekly and then become more and more spaced out as you continue implement the coping skills you need to meaningfully live your daily life.