Sports & Performance Psychology
Mental performance support for athletes and high performers in La Jolla and across California.
Dr. Kai Chuang is a sports psychologist at Opal Psychological in La Jolla, helping athletes and high performers navigate performance pressure, performance anxiety, and the identity work that comes with a life built around achievement. He works with student-athletes, college athletes, and other high performers in person in La Jolla or virtually across California, and is currently accepting new clients.
Meet Dr. Kai Chuang
Dr. Chuang earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University, California School of Professional Psychology in San Francisco. He completed his APA-accredited internship at the Aggie Health and Wellness Center at New Mexico State University, then completed his postdoctoral residency as the university's first embedded psychology resident dedicated exclusively to NCAA Division I Athletics — later becoming the primary psychologist for more than 450 Division I student-athletes across 16 varsity programs.
That training shows up in the room as steadiness under pressure — the kind of grounded, systems-aware care that holds space for what high performers carry both on and off the field.
His Approach
Performance Pressure & Anxiety
Building real tools for staying focused and grounded when the stakes are highest — not just performance tips, but lasting skills.
Identity Beyond Achievement
Supporting the deeper work of understanding who you are when performance and achievement aren't the whole story.
Evidence-Based Care
Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, attachment-based approaches, and mindfulness-based interventions.
Systems-Minded Support
Experience building sustainable mental health support within high-pressure environments, including Division I athletic departments.
Who He Works With
- Athletes & High Performers
- Men
- People of Color
- Adolescents & College-Age Clients
- Adults
A Bit More About Dr. Chuang
Outside the therapy room, Dr. Chuang is a San Diego native and proud SDSU alum returning home to La Jolla — the community where he grew up and where his family and closest friends still live. As a Taiwanese American psychologist fluent in English and conversational Mandarin, he brings deep cultural humility to his work, along with a founder's mindset as the creator of AthletesAdaptOS, an initiative advancing mental health support for athletes and other high performers.
Now Accepting New Clients
Dr. Chuang is currently accepting new clients for in-person sessions in La Jolla and virtual therapy across California. If you're ready to build the mental side of your performance with the same intention you bring to training, we'd love to help you get started.
Book a Complimentary Consultation