Meet Rutuja Chinchankar, PsyD
In-person sessions in Los Altos & Redwood City | Online Therapy throughout California
Hi, I’m Rutuja.
I specialize in something that affects so many of us but often feels incredibly isolating: anxiety. If you’ve landed here, chances are you're stuck in your head, exhausted from trying to keep it all together, or constantly battling that inner voice that says, What if? Whether your anxiety shows up as overthinking, perfectionism, panic, or an overwhelming fear of failure, I want you to know: you’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to be this hard.
I work primarily with teenagers and adults who are living with anxiety spectrum disorders—including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs). I also support clients managing depression and burnout, as these often go hand-in-hand with chronic anxiety. My clinical focus is deeply rooted in helping people untangle fear-based patterns—whether it’s fear of being judged, fear of failing, fear of change, or fear of never feeling “good enough.”
If you find yourself constantly stuck in your mind, avoiding things you once loved, questioning every decision, or pushing yourself to the edge trying to be perfect, you’re in the right place.
Anxiety often hides in plain sight—quietly draining your energy, focus, and peace of mind.
My Approach
Therapy with me is grounded in compassion, curiosity, and clarity.
I start by creating a space where you can slow down, be fully heard, and finally say the things you’ve been carrying in silence. My work is rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—an evidence-based approach that helps you relate differently to anxious thoughts, so you can live with more freedom and less fear.
ACT is particularly effective for anxiety and OCD because it teaches us how to befriend discomfort instead of avoiding it, to sit with the “what ifs” without letting them control our actions. I also draw on exposure-based interventions and values work, helping clients take courageous steps toward the life they want, even if their minds tell them they’re not ready.
I don’t treat people as diagnoses—I treat you.
While I have deep clinical experience in panic, OCD, and anxiety-related disorders, I tailor therapy to your lived experience, cultural background, and values. Your fears are valid, even if they don’t come with a textbook label. For example, “immigration anxiety” isn’t found in the DSM, but for many of my clients—especially first-generation or immigrant-identifying folks—the fear of instability, rejection, or not belonging is very real.
For many high achievers, anxiety looks like success—but feels like pressure, self-doubt, and burnout.
Why I Do This Work
I’ve always been drawn to the question: what are we so afraid of?
Fear can be so convincing. It whispers that you’re not capable, that something bad is about to happen, that you have to do everything just right to be safe or loved. And yet—I’ve seen the other side. I’ve seen clients who were once paralyzed by panic start driving again, speaking up at work, dating with confidence, or letting go of compulsions that once ruled their day.
These transformations are the reason I do this work. One of my most meaningful therapy moments was watching a client with severe OCD and social anxiety learn how to sit with uncertainty, reconnect with friends, and finally feel proud of themselves again. These are the moments that stay with me.
In addition to individual therapy, I also lead a group called Overthinkers Anonymous—a supportive space for those who feel overwhelmed by constant mental noise, decision fatigue, and fear-driven overanalysis. It's a space for connection, education, and skills practice—because healing doesn’t have to happen alone.
If your brain feels like it’s constantly running on overdrive, you’ll feel right at home here.
Who I Am
I bring not only clinical training but also lived experience to my work.
I identify with my Desi cultural heritage, and that identity deeply informs my practice. As a South Asian woman, I understand the complex dynamics of culture, family, and mental health stigma. I know what it’s like to live between worlds, to carry expectations silently, and to want support that truly understands the nuances of your background.
Outside the therapy room, I’m a wife, mother, and creative spirit. Being a mom has taught me more about patience, emotional regulation, and grace than any textbook ever could. When I need to recharge, I turn to Indian classical music and dance—both of which I’ve trained in for years. These aren’t just hobbies for me—they’re meditative, grounding, and part of how I practice what I preach: consistent, intentional self-care.
What You Can Expect
Therapy with me is a collaborative, steady process.
Some sessions might feel like deep emotional work; others might be more skills-based. What stays constant is my commitment to showing up with warmth, honesty, and zero judgment.
You don’t need to have a clear diagnosis or know exactly what you need—just a willingness to start. Whether you’re dealing with looping thoughts, constant worry, avoidance, or burnout from being “on” all the time, I’m here to help you find your footing.