About Me: Dr. Chala

Hello and welcome. I am a licensed clinical psychologist providing compassionate, evidence-based psychotherapy to individuals throughout the East Bay and across California via teletherapy. It is my core belief that healing happens when we feel truly seen and understood, not just for who we are today, but for all of the experiences and histories that have shaped us.

My Journey: A Tapestry of Cultures

My path to becoming a psychologist was deeply influenced by my own story. I was raised in Northern California within a large, vibrant, bicultural family of first-generation Palestinian immigrants. My identity was woven from a rich and complex tapestry of cultures. Our home was a constant blend of languages, foods, and traditions—a space where Arabic, Spanish, and English flowed together, shaped by my mother’s incredible journey from the West Bank in Palestine to Santiago, Chile, and finally to the United States.

Witnessing my family navigate the intricate process of acculturation—balancing the deep love for our homeland with the realities of building a new life—sparked a lifelong curiosity about identity, belonging, and resilience. This upbringing gave me a profound, firsthand understanding of the immigrant experience: the silent grief, the unspoken pressures, and the powerful search for a place to call home. It taught me how our cultural roots and family histories shape our emotional landscapes, influencing everything from how we express love to how we carry stress.

My Professional Philosophy & Approach

This lived experience is the bedrock of my therapeutic practice. For over 15 years, I have been committed to providing culturally sensitive therapy that honors the unique context of each person’s life. My clinical work is grounded in empathy, social justice, and a deep awareness of how systemic forces and cultural dynamics impact our mental health.

I understand that seeking therapy is a courageous step. My role is to offer a warm, collaborative, and inclusive space where your entire self is welcome. Whether you are grappling with anxiety, navigating a life transition, or exploring the complex layers of your identity, I am here to listen without judgment. I consider it a profound privilege to witness the strength of the individuals I work with, and I am honored to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.

  • Services: Individual Psychotherapy & Coaching
  • Location: In-person sessions in the East Bay Area
    • Telehealth: Online therapy available for all California residents

Academic Background

Academic Background

  • Undergraduate: Political Science with minor in Studies of the Americas, UC San Diego
  • Graduate: Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, CSPP at Alliant International University, LA
  • Specialization: Diversity and multiculturalism
  • Research Focus: Acculturation experiences of Arab American women

Clinical Training & Experience

My clinical training has been rooted in empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to social justice.

McKinley Children’s Center

  • Began work with children, establishing foundation in child therapy

Mt. St. Mary’s College & CSU Northridge

  • Supported college and graduate students through internships, gaining insight into young adult challenges including identity exploration, anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and substance use

Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara – Postdoctoral Residency

  • Provided therapy to diverse adult population
  • Co-facilitated specialized groups: body image, low sexual desire, sexual abuse survivor healing
  • Served as liaison between Psychiatry and Obstetrics & Gynecology
  • Ensured trauma-informed support during post- and peri-partum visits
  • Conducted screenings for depression and safety concerns