Po Cheng, PhD

Psychological Associate

Dr. Cheng is currently accepting new clients and is based in our office in Studio City, California. He offers both in-person and online therapy throughout California via Zoom and phone.

To schedule a free initial consultation, contact Dr. Cheng at (424) 258-0609 or Po.Cheng.Phd@gmail.com

Specialties

I specialize in supporting individuals and couples in exploring both curiosity and challenges around sexuality and relationships, especially with LGBTQ+ folks. These conversations can include identity exploration, coming out/finding your authentic voice, navigating family dynamics, relationship conflicts, and seeking connection and belonging. I am experienced in helping clients explore different relationship practices (e.g., consensual non-monogamy), kinks, as well as addressing concerns around sexual performance or compulsive sexual behaviors. Additional clinical interests including Asian/Asian American mental health, substance use, early psychosis intervention, and grief. Services are available in both English and Mandarin.

How I Work

I believe that life is a collection of meaningful stories, with each chapter shaped by our choices, circumstances, and relationships. However, you may sometimes find yourself stuck in the story you’ve created, doubting your decisions moving forward. In my practice, I use narrative and trauma-informed approaches to help you explore these stories while maintaining a sense of safety. Together, we will uncover the meaning you’ve created by gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural and social contexts that influence them, and empower you rewrite narratives that no longer support your growth and well-being.

The insights you gain from our work together will help you tackle issues such as lack of enjoyment in life, difficulty managing uncertainty, emotional distress, and trauma at both individual and systemic levels. Let’s take control of the story you want to tell and break the limits of who you can become.

About Dr. Cheng

Dr. Cheng received his PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Boston, where his research focused on LGBTQ+ mental health at both micro and macro levels. He integrates his personal experiences and clinical interests to support LGBTQ+ and AAPI-identified individuals by developing innovative interventions to challenging inadequate social policies. In addition, he received clinical training from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as we as Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Harvard Medical School teaching hospital). Prior to his doctoral training, he earned his master’s degrees in Mental Health Services and Professional Counseling from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016 and worked as a licensed professional counselor. He has over 10 years experience providing therapy and leading workshops for young adults and adults, particularly addressing issues related to identity, sexuality, relationships, substance use, trauma, and grief. Recently relocating to California, Dr. Cheng completed his doctoral internship at the University of Southern California. He is supervised by Dr. McDavitt as a registered Psychological Associate (PSB 94028561).

Fees

My standard fee is $180 per 50-minute session for individual and couples therapy. I offer a sliding scale for those with financial need. I am happy to work with you to keep therapy affordable.

Insurance

I am an in-network provider for Aetna insurance. I am an out-of-network provider for other insurance companies, which means I can provide a receipt for you to submit for reimbursement if your coverage allows.