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Dr. Teresa Y. Chapa-Cantu

Psychologist

Dr. Teresa Chapa-Cantu is a psychologist practicing in Harlingen, Texas. Dr. Chapa-Cantu specializes in the treatment of health mental problems, and helps people to cope with their mental illnesses. As a psychologist, Dr. Chapa-Cantu evaluates and treats patients through a variety of methods, most typically being psychotherapy or talk therapy. Patients usually visit Dr. Chapa-Cantu because they have been experiencing depression, anxiety, stress or anger for a significant period of time and are seeking help. Psychologists may perform a variety of exams and assessments to diagnose a mental condition.
Learn More About Me
Dr. Teresa Y. Chapa-Cantu
  • HARLINGEN, TX
  • BS in Psychology at University of Texas
  • Accepting new patients

Can you go to therapy for stress?

Hello, Yes, you can absolutely go to therapy for stress. Therapy can help you learn very useful tools to help you better manage and minimize stress reactions. Teresa Y. READ MORE
Hello,

Yes, you can absolutely go to therapy for stress. Therapy can help you learn very useful tools to help you better manage and minimize stress reactions.

Teresa Y. Chapa-Cantu, Ph.D.

Depression?

Hello, It's so unfortunate to hear about your long struggle. Although you say "please note that I can't bring myself to any professional help because of my background," your READ MORE
Hello,

It's so unfortunate to hear about your long struggle. Although you say "please note that I can't bring myself to any professional help because of my background," your long question and request for assistance here shows that you have already done so. This is the first step, and the hardest one to take. If you are a college student, there is FREE counseling available to
you on campus. I was a college counselor at one time, and they are held to the same confidentiality and standards as other mental health professionals.

Teresa Y. Chapa-Cantu, Ph.D.

What can I take for my heightened anxiety right now?

I am not a psychiatrist, therefore, I cannot recommend psychotropic medication. However, as a psychologist, I definitely recommend significantly limiting your news consumption READ MORE
I am not a psychiatrist, therefore, I cannot recommend psychotropic medication. However, as a psychologist, I definitely recommend significantly limiting your news consumption (online media, etc.) to about once a week or so. This will help decrease anxiety that is constantly being heightened and maintained by your attention to this. News-watching creates a false sense of "control" when in reality we are just constantly being exposed to negative stories. There are many more positive things going on around us, and we are missing out on our day to day interactions with people who are meaningful in our lives. Take up a hobby or learn a new skill (painting, learn a language, meditation, cross stitch, etc.) to replace all the time you would normally watch TV.

What is the best therapy for PTSD?

There is no one best therapy. Research has been conducted on several approaches to treating PTSD, and the following have been shown as beneficial: Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive READ MORE
There is no one best therapy. Research has been conducted on several approaches to treating PTSD, and the following have been shown as beneficial: Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). However, there are many innovative and complementary approaches (e.g., bodywork) that can be effective, as long as the therapist monitors and tracks the client's progress.

How do you get rid of post traumatic stress?

For most people traumatic stress usually resolves with time. However, for some people, symptoms persist and symptoms meet criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which READ MORE
For most people traumatic stress usually resolves with time. However, for some people, symptoms persist and symptoms meet criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional. This condition is best treated in psychotherapy with a professional who has been trained in approaches shown to be helpful with
PTSD (like Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). It is up to you and the therapist to determine what will work best for your needs.

Teresa Y. Chapa-Cantu, Ph.D.

Is cognitive behavioral therapy effective?

Yes, CBT is one of the most researched psychotherapy approaches.

Is CBT good for anxiety related obesity?

Yes, CBT has been shown in research to assist with anxiety and depression. If you believe your eating is related to anxiety, this would be a good treatment option.

What can I do for my child with suicidal thoughts?

Suicidal thoughts should be taken very seriously. It is vital you take her to the emergency room or a behavioral hospital to be evaluated. The professionals who see her will determine READ MORE
Suicidal thoughts should be taken very seriously. It is vital you take her to the emergency room or a behavioral hospital to be evaluated. The professionals who see her will determine if she needs to be hospitalized or not.

Can one start showing symptoms of ADHD as an adult?

No. One of the diagnostic criteria is that the symptoms existed in childhood, prior to age 12. However, they may have existed and not been noticed by the person or others as such. READ MORE
No. One of the diagnostic criteria is that the symptoms existed in childhood, prior to age 12. However, they may have existed and not been noticed by the person or others as such. When in doubt, speak with a mental health professional.

Teresa Y. Chapa-Cantu, Ph.D.

My sister had a car accident last month. What can we do to help her?

Hello, It sounds as if your sister is traumatized. She will likely require professional assistance to help her work through the trauma. The avoidance of the feared situation READ MORE
Hello,

It sounds as if your sister is traumatized. She will likely require professional assistance to help her work through the trauma. The avoidance of the feared situation is a symptom of the trauma, but also does not help her with healing. You can help by being patient with her, supportive and encouraging her to see a psychotherapist trained in trauma treatments, such as Prolonged exposure, Cognitive Processing, or EMDR.

Teresa Y. Chapa-Cantu, Ph.D.

My 17 Year Old Daughter Has Bulimia.

Bulimia is dangerous and can cause physical health problems. The first thing is to get her to a physician and have her evaluation for any health conditions. Second, it is important READ MORE
Bulimia is dangerous and can cause physical health problems. The first thing is to get her to a physician and have her evaluation for any health conditions. Second, it is important to get her some help with a psychologist or treatment facility that has experience with eating disorders. Bulimia is usually more about her sense of lack of control than about weight. But, body image may be a concern to be addressed. Relationships are very important to be considered in therapy.

I burst into frequent crying spells. Is it a sign of depression?

Hello, this could be a sign of depression or anxiety. I recommend you see both your primary doctor and a mental health professional with a license.

How do I get over the loss of my father?

There is no formal timeline for grieving, and just one month is very recent. It can help to establish a daily routine, but also give yourself permission to grieve. If you are struggling READ MORE
There is no formal timeline for grieving, and just one month is very recent. It can help to establish a daily routine, but also give yourself permission to grieve. If you are struggling a great deal it would be a good idea to speak with a mental health professional.

Is fear of closed spaces a real disorder?

Yes it is a disorder (Specific Phobia is the term). It could be the space or the fact that it moves up (heights). It would be important to take her to a mental health profession READ MORE
Yes it is a disorder (Specific Phobia is the term). It could be the space or the fact that it moves up (heights). It would be important to take her to a mental health profession who works with children with anxiety.

My wife is scared of having sex. How can I help her overcome this fear?

I would recommend she see a psychologist for this "fear" after biological problems have been ruled out by a physician.

Could there be another reason for my breathlessness or is it anxiety?

Checking with your physician is always the first recommendation. After you are cleared, then consider seeing a mental health professional.

What causes negative thoughts in a person?

If you can catch it, you can change it. We choose our thoughts when we pay attention. You see how 'negative' thoughts affect our mood. Likewise, positive thoughts also affect our READ MORE
If you can catch it, you can change it. We choose our thoughts when we pay attention. You see how 'negative' thoughts affect our mood. Likewise, positive thoughts also affect our mood. It is a clinical problem when it interferes with your life (relationships, work, sleep, etc.)

What is the reason for panic attacks?

I would encourage your sister to get treatment. Would she rather have fear and do nothing (so nothing changes or even worsens)? Or have fear AND the possibility of getting better READ MORE
I would encourage your sister to get treatment. Would she rather have fear and do nothing (so nothing changes or even worsens)? Or have fear AND the possibility of getting better by seeking treatment? You can't do anything unless she is willing to do something.

I feel hungry all the time. Is it a psychological problem?

This could be both biological and psychological. I would encourage you to see a nutritionist and a mental health professional trained with eating disorders.

Does the treatment for depression have to be continuous?

Not necessarily and a family is good mental health treatment!