What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
4.50
Bedside manner
4.50
About Dr. Kelsey Gao
Focus areas
Childhood Trauma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counseling
Sexual Abuse Counseling
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Attachment-based
Psychodynamic
Emotionally Focused
Relational
Person-Centered
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. Kelsey Gao
Hi there! If you have experienced painful things in your life, such as trauma, abuse, or loss, and you feel like they still have a hold on you, I invite you to join me as we unravel it together. Experiencing things like this can make you question everything in your life, such as what you believe in or even who you are as a person. The things we have experienced throughout our life and the way we were raised have a major impact on the way we see the world, the things that are important to us, and the patterns we find ourselves stuck in. I believe all the different parts of our life are connected, and so coming in to work through even just one specific issue in therapy can positively impact other areas of your life.
I enjoy working with a variety of presenting concerns, but I'm most drawn to working with women who have experienced trauma, childhood abuse, sexual abuse, or domestic violence. Oftentimes, those who have endured these types of traumas end up struggling with things like setting boundaries and maintaining healthy relationships (with anyone; friends, family members, romantic partners, etc.). I’m also passionate about working with individuals who are religious or spiritual or who feel their religion or spirituality may have been affected by trauma. I also enjoy working with individuals who have severe and persistent mental illness, as we find that is often the result of relational trauma from early on in childhood. Lastly, I enjoy working with mothers to help navigate the identity shift as well as manage past childhood traumas that may come to the forefront as a result of having children.
I hold a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University, which has equipped me with the training and skills to support you through your healing journey.
In my free time, I enjoy going on a long walk with my dog while listening to an audiobook, crafting for the fun of it, and trying new restaurants around the city with my friends and family.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Therapy will be both challenging and rewarding, serious and fun, and heavy and manageable. It is a consistent time where you can sit down and take an honest inventory of things and are free to be your full, genuine and authentic self. To be able to express yourself without judgment opens the door to deep inner exploration and ultimately lasting change. Are you ready to take the first step?
What is your typical process for working with clients?
I take a psychodynamic approach to therapy while integrating aspects of person centered therapy, mindfulness, and somatic approaches. I also work from a systemic and culturally informed framework, which means I will take the WHOLE picture into consideration. We will explore together your upbringing, your culture, past relationships with others, and past hurts, in order to see the effect they might be having on you today. I will follow your lead with regards to what you would like to work on, but will still gently push and challenge you when needed.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
choose insurance
In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $235 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $210 for 60 minutes
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
Office location
Dr. Kelsey Gao, PsyD also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Azusa Pacific University, PsyD in Clinical Psychology
NPI number
1659132355
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
4.50
Bedside manner
4.50
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
4 reviews
Most relevant
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hidden
June 3, 2024Katrina Z.Verified patient
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenVideo visit
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Kelsey Gao?
Generally, Dr. Kelsey Gao has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Gao's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Kelsey Gao accepting new patients?
Dr. Kelsey Gao generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Gao's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Kelsey Gao accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Gao is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Kelsey Gao online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Gao using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Kelsey Gao work with?
Dr. Kelsey Gao works with Pneuma Therapeutic Services.
Where is Dr. Kelsey Gao's office located?
Dr. Kelsey Gao has 2 office locations in Chicago, view full addresses on Dr. Gao's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Kelsey Gao?
Dr. Kelsey Gao frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Kelsey Gao on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Kelsey Gao speak?
Dr. Kelsey Gao speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Kelsey Gao in reviews?
4 patients have reviewed Dr. Kelsey Gao. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 4.5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 4.5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.