Therapists in California

Dr. Derek Novacek
Dr. Derek Novacek
Dr. Derek Novacek (PSY #35671) offers expertise in evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, and interpersonal stressors. He practices a collaborative and strengths-based approach that integrates sociocultural factors as appropriate. Dr. Novacek sees patients at Therapy Lab but also works at the Los Angeles VA Clinic. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, trying new restaurants, and traveling.
Dr. Novacek is currently accepting new clients in person (Los Angeles, CA) and virtually (California and Michigan). To get started or learn more, send an email or book a free welcome call on the Therapy Lab website.

John Bucher
John Bucher
I know firsthand how hard it can be to set aside society’s expectations of traditional masculinity and admit that it might be time to ask for help. As men, we are conditioned to try and solve life’s many complexities on our own, but the truth is reaching out for help shows immense strength, not weakness.
Perhaps you found my profile because you are considering therapy, and for that I applaud you. You have taken the first step toward healing and that is an incredible start. Maybe you still feel uncomfortable with the idea of therapy or you found me by accident. In that case, I sincerely look forward to answering your questions about how this could help improve your life as well. Either way, I am glad that you are here.

Eric Kruse
Eric Kruse
Couples Counseling, Addiction, and Men’s Issues are my specialty.

George Fuentes
George Fuentes
Don’t wait to lose everything, before you realize you’ll do anything to get it back… Reach out to reduce chaos, feelings of loneliness & overwhelming frustrations.
Many men struggle to maintain their desired life because of emotional dysregulation, relationship strains, technological distractions, addictive behaviors (alcohol, weed, porn, masturbation & cute girls) & not prioritizing physical health, food, sleep, faith, & work-life balance.
Feelings of being stuck leak into your romantic relationship, interactions with your kids, a disconnect w/ friends, & leads to a loss of identity. “Trying harder” hasn’t been working. Don’t let anxiety, stress, frustrations, & hopelessness own you.
Looking forward to connecting!

Sara Okman
Sara Okman
As a sex therapist, couples counselor and psychotherapist, I help clients foster better relationships with themselves and their partners. I specialize in helping to negotiate desire discrepancy, low-sexual marriages, and navigate the impact of extra-marital relationships, including polyamory, consensual non-monogamy & infidelity.
Using practical, easy to implement tools, we will address and rectify what needs to shift, while emphasizing and solidifying what’s already working well. Together we will do the kind of work that produces positive, lasting change.

Caleb Birkhoff
Caleb Birkhoff
Psychotherapy focused on helping people manage issues such as Depression, Anxiety, Work Stress, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, and Relational Issues. Working with the whole person I strive to build a safe and trusting space for each individual in order to address the complexity of issues they may be facing. Remote therapy only.

Tomiko D. Mackey
Tomiko D. Mackey
My integrative approach to therapy is tailored to your unique and specific needs. This therapeutic style helps you explore core beliefs about yourself and facilitates growth towards inner strength and resilience. Through empathy, warmth and positive self-regard, I create space for you to believe and trust in yourself.
I have more than 20 years experience working with those who have experienced trauma, depression and anxiety. I use a combination of evidence-based therapies which include: cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and ego state therapy. I look forward to working with you on your healing journey!

Sam Wasfi
Sam Wasfi
My focus has been to help my clients get unstuck from unhelpful behavioral patterns that are typically born out of generational trauma, and teach them ways to attend to their emotional and spiritual needs so that they are less reactive to triggers around them and more intentional with the decisions they make. This applies to couples’ work, addiction counseling, and spiritual healing.

Dr. Eric van der Voort
Dr. Eric van der Voort
As a sex-positive, kink-affirming, and LGBTQ+ inclusive psychologist in San Diego, I work individually with men in their 20s-40s on issues like anxiety, depression, sexual concerns, relationship stress, substance use, and grief. My approach to therapy is collaborative, empowering, and evidence-based, and clients find me to be active, compassionate, genuine, and nonjudgmental. I offer a safe environment to help unburden you from difficult thoughts, painful feelings, and unhelpful patterns, so that you can gain new coping skills, discover more helpful ways of thinking, and explore new ways of living a fulfilling life.

Dr. Daniel Singley
Dr. Daniel Singley
With over 20 years of experience practicing and researching psychotherapy interventions, Dr. Singley specializes in the treatment of anxiety, stress, and depression using evidence-based therapy modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, as well as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). He also specializes in men’s issues with a particular emphasis on parenthood.

The Center for Men’s Excellence
The Center for Men’s Excellence
Our therapists work with men, couples and kids who seek to improve their quality of life with effective, evidence-based therapy modalities. Our clients take part in scientifically-supported psychotherapy treatments to effectively manage a variety of issues including anxiety, stress, depression and other life challenges. By learning to apply well-researched psychological techniques, clients are better able to improve their quality of life and experience lasting relief from their concerns.

Niku (Nick) Shah
Niku (Nick) Shah
My practice can help you take stock of childhood messages you learned around toxic masculinity and heteronormativity so you can truly let go of what is no longer serving a purpose in your life. Depression, suicidal thoughts, self harming, addiction and going through tough periods in your relationships can be challenging. You don’t have to do it alone. Therapy can help you heal old relational trauma that is causing you distress, so you can be your best self at work, with friends and loved ones and in your intimate relationships.

Dr. Anthony Flynn
Dr. Anthony Flynn
Dr. Flynn uses evidence-based models like CBT and ACT, emphasizing relationship factors and exploring systemic influences on clients’ experiences. He helps clients develop skills to meet needs and respond to stressors, including structural impediments to wellness.
His experience spans ages 17-101, including college students, unhoused people, Veterans, and LGBTQ+ communities. Since 2018, he’s practiced in various settings, including outpatient psychotherapy, inpatient health psychology, and gender-affirming care.
Dr. Flynn researches health disparities, ethics, and psychotherapy effectiveness. He enjoys travel, nature, motorcycling, and family time. Currently working under Dr. Enrique Gracian’s supervision while completing licensure.

AJ Rich
AJ Rich
Many difficulties stem from our relationships, with both ourselves and others. My work with men is direct, yet warm, empathetic, & understanding. Together we navigate how to process the blocks obstructing your view & ability to move forward. We will explore life events from the past, as behavior patterns emerge in the here-and-now. As this self-awareness develops, clients can lead more joyful & connected lives. I cater sessions to each unique individual using real-life examples & the material you provide to deepen your own understanding of YOU. Complimentary consultation visit is available to all prospective clients. AJ is employed & supervised by Marina Chatterton, LCSW #26126

Robyn Shapiro
Robyn Shapiro
The stress of day-to-day life can become overwhelming and lead us to feel anxious, depressed and disconnected from ourselves and our closest relationships. It can be exhausting trying to manage work, family, friendships; only to find that we’ve neglected ourselves and our own needs.
Let’s work together. You’ll be in a safe, non-judgmental space, getting the support you need and deserve. We’ll explore new ideas and identify actionable approaches to help you better manage stress, improve your mood, self-esteem, enhance your communication skills, and build self-confidence. You’ll discover a newfound sense of empowerment, purpose, and joy.
Ready to feel happier, experience greater intimacy and connection in your life? Please schedule a free consultation.
Contact
Call and request an initial appointment by phone or email. Once you get to your appointment, explain your symptoms and what’s going on in your life.
Learn more about talk therapy.
Don’t know what to say?
- “Hi, I found your website through HeadsUpGuys. I’ve been dealing with a lot of stress recently and am looking for a therapist to consult with.”
- “I’m wondering if you are taking new clients? I’m looking for someone to work with to help me get through a rough patch.”
Back to our Therapist Directory.
It may take reaching out to 3+ therapists to find one who is currently accepting new clients. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back right away. Keep reaching out to therapists until you get a response. Your better health is worth the effort.
For more information on talk therapy, including more ways to find a therapist, virtual/online therapy options, how to make the most of therapy, and how to know if it is working, see:
Recommended Qualifications
We recommend therapists who hold a minimum of a Master’s level education (in North America), Level 4 credentials (in the UK), a degree and ACA Level 2 qualifications (in Australia) in a relevant discipline (e.g., clinical or counselling psychology, therapeutic counselling, social work), along with membership, licensure, and accreditation with an appropriate governing body or professional organization.
