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About Chris
Finding the right fit with a therapist can be hard. When someone is struggling, the last thing they usually want to do is spend hours searching through directories, trying to decide who they can trust with their story. Wherever you are in that process, I imagine it’s taken some effort to get here.
My name is Chris Schamber. I’m a licensed clinical social worker, and I’ve been working as a clinician for nine years, with broader involvement in the mental health field since 2009. A common piece of feedback I hear is that I’m easy to talk to and that I offer a space that feels steady, non-judgmental, and collaborative.
I specialize in working with trauma, depression, and anxiety, helping people find emotional relief and move forward with their lives. I also have a soft spot for creatives and other driven, thoughtful people who feel blocked, stuck, or disconnected from themselves in ways that are hard to name.
My therapeutic approach is client-centered and integrative.
When thinking about treatment, I pay attention to the whole person: the physical, emotional, behavioral, social, and spiritual. I’m certified in evidence-based approaches like EMDR and CBT, and I use these tools in service of helping build a life you’re excited to live. Therapy doesn’t have to follow a rigid script. We can work on something that feels scary or embarrassing, slow things down when needed, or shift focus as your priorities change. This is your space.
If you’re interested in learning more about my style, as well as EMDR and CBT, click below.
I also provide training and consultation to other therapists.
Over the years, I have learned how much I enjoy helping clinicians navigate challenging cases and grow more confident and skillful. I am a certified CBT trainer consultant and an EMDR consultant-in-training, which allows me to support clinicians in using these evidence-based approaches thoughtfully and effectively. I structure the consultation hour to ensure we are able to cover all necessary topics and provide feedback in a timely manner. I also lean into helping clinicians lean into their strengths and practice in line with their professional values.
If you’re seeking guidance on complex cases, or interested in getting EMDR or CBT consultation, click below for more information.
A bit more about my work and background.
In addition to my practice, I also serve as a Clinical Trainer at UCLA Health. For more information about the ISAP program, please follow this link.
My clinical work has been shaped by a range of settings and experiences. I’ve been in private practice for five years. I worked at LA County Department of Mental Health for seven years, engaging in therapy, assessments, and case management. I primarily worked with folks experiencing more severe mental illness who may be dealing with issues such as homelessness and substance abuse. As an intern, I spent a year serving as a therapist for Orange County Drug and DUI Courts, as well as a year as a therapist for alternative high schools in Orange County. Earlier in my career, I volunteered as a crisis counselor at the Suicide Prevention Lifeline and interned as a behavioral practitioner for UCLA’s Intensive OCD Treatment Center. These experiences taught me so much about different skill
I’ve also worked quite a bit in psychological research over the years, having spent time as a research assistant with UCLA’s ADHD lab, Tarzana Treatment Center, and California State University Fullerton’s Social Work Department. This background helps me stay up to date with current-day research and clinical standards.
Outside of clinical work, I’m a father of twins, which has taught me a lot about patience, perspective, and the small yet meaningful ways we grow and change over time.
Writing is one of my great passions. I write fiction, and I grew up around the arts. Many of my close friends and family have worked in creative industries. That background has given me a deep appreciation for the particular pressures, vulnerabilities, and emotional challenges that can come with ambitious and unconventional paths.
I also write more reflectively about mental health, clinical work, and broader cultural themes when something feels important or timely. If you’re curious, you’re welcome to check out my blog.