Meet Sonya Cha of Center For Integrated Care

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonya Cha.

Hi Sonya, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I obtained my Marriage and Family Therapist license in 2011. Since then I had been supervising and coordinating programs for a county contracted agency. After 9 years of working for an agency, I decided to start my own private practice with two other co-workers. As a CEO founder of Center For Integrated Care, I grew the organization, employing over 45 therapists with 4 locations over a five year span. I was able to network on various funding opportunities and secure contracts with pivotal insurance companies to establish a large population needing mental health services throughout our communities. The agency expanded with supervisors and interns to expand services to our low-income communities as well as those with commercial insurance. Although we had to downsize to one office since COVID-19, we continue to provide virtual services and in office by appointment only.

As a graduate from Fuller Theological Seminary School of Psychology, practicing as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, then obtaining a Ph.D. in performance psychology my capacity to manage everything was limited. There were long periods of time where things seemed impossible from raising 4 kids, working full time, managing a Ph.D. program, and finalizing a book on well-being. My passion is to unearth potential and optimize capacities for people so that they can live healthier lives. I have over 15 years working with multi-ethnic communities and churches to improve relationships, careers, spirituality, mental health, and more.

I am the author of a self-help book, “Unconditional beings living in a conditional world” that discovers our underlying dilemmas submerged in our subconscious. Readers will also see how the integration of mental health and ego states can improve the quality of life. The book aims to enhance understanding of personal identity, ego plasticity, and self-esteem, ultimately helping readers expand their limitations in a dynamic world. Discovering the process towards self-approbation can further expand our limitations in this ever changing world.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a mother of 4, with many roles and responsibilities it was difficult to leave a full time management position to start a private practice. There have been many obstacles as I did not have any experience nor did I have support to start a business. I had to learn and research information on my own and network with others to obtain a basic understanding of creating a business. There were limitations to certain insurance companies on the number of sessions we could see clients and freezing referrals that I was able to prepare by securing other insurance contracts. I made sure that the funding was there prior to employing more therapists. I was able to expand to larger offices as we grew and the demand was endless. As our business was growing so were contractors that wanted to sell services that I now realize was unnecessary. There were many changes to employment laws to stay informed and implement. Many expenses wasted to improve company budget. Locating support resources for human resources and ensuring compliance to employment laws was also a challenge. The initial business set up took most of my time that was lost time for family. However, after five years it was sustainable on its own, financially capable to employ administrative staff. These hurdles were milestones for my success that can never be taught. I now appreciate these struggles as they were necessary to bring me where I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of Center For Integrated Care. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Center for Integrated Care is an organization that focuses on one’s psychological, social-emotional, and mental well being. We provide individual, couples, and family therapy. We welcome all those who are needing a lift from their problems and strenuous life situations. We integrate Cognitive Behavioral, Psychodynamic, Solution-Focused, DBT, EMDR, and Trauma Focused Therapy. We are a team of Licensed Mental Health Clinicians and Associates with specialty in working with children, adults, families, and couples. We specialize in trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship issues, mood disorders, psychosis, Christian therapy, identity issues, and so on.

Our team provides client-centered services that meet the mental health needs of our community and all over California. We have experienced staff that can provide services tailored to their needs. Many of our staff are certified and trained in modalities commonly utilized. Our talk therapy has been increasingly helpful for those with simple issues of life to complex situations. We encourage people to talk through short term situations or long term services catered to one’s present needs.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can reach out to me by email at hope@cictherapy.com or direct work cell phone number at 818-208-1566.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cictherapy.com