Dr. James Chavers

Dr. James Chavers is a clinical psychologist based in California who earned both his master’s degree and his doctorate in clinical psychology from Antioch University Santa Barbara. He brings nine years of professional training and practice to his work with diverse populations.

Throughout his career he has worked and trained in locked settings such as jails and prisons, in community health clinics, and within colleges and universities. His experience includes supporting older adults living with HIV, people coping with addiction and life-course illnesses, inmates of all genders preparing to transition out of locked settings, and students aged roughly 18 to 50-plus who are navigating the challenges of college life.

Dr. Chavers collaborates with patients on a wide range of concerns, including relationship difficulties, substance use, family conflict, issues related to gender and sexuality, sexual assault, mood disorders, and trauma. He draws from several evidence-informed approaches in therapy, 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 believes each person deserves respect and compassion and that individuals are the experts on their own lives. His role as a therapist is to support, offer suggestions, and provide succor when needed. Finding the right counselor, he explains, is much like finding a close friend - someone who accepts you, gently calls you out when necessary, listens closely, offers perspective, and stands beside you as you move through difficulties. He considers himself fortunate to have had such people in his life and would like to extend that support to others.

Dr. Chavers practices as a licensed psychologist in California, which indicates he has completed the required education and supervised training to provide clinical care - his practice is registered under license PSY32025.