Therapists in California

Erik Karff
Erik Karff
I work with primarily men who are struggling with self-esteem, pervasive self-critics, loss, and social anxiety. Many of my clients are identified as gay, queer, and QTPOC.

Dr. Troy Piwowarski
Dr. Troy Piwowarski
I provide individual and group therapy for men in their 20s-50s who have done therapy before and are looking to go deeper. As an individual therapist, I like to be actively involved and give feedback about what I’m noticing in the here-and-now. This gives us a portal into understanding how you get tripped up and where you can lean into a fuller, deeper way of living. My men’s groups are long-term process groups that primarily focus on relationships between members. Group is all about practicing direct, authentic contact and exploring your blocks to getting closer with others.

Dr. Jesse Zlotnik
Dr. Jesse Zlotnik
I provide support for the unique challenges of men dealing with stage of life issues, marital problems, divorce, parenting and career transitions. My approach is solution focused and applies cognitive behavioral and person-centered interventions. Please contact me for a free 15-minute consultation.

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.

Steve Oppenheimer
Steve Oppenheimer
I help Individuals & Couples to manage stress & to get unstuck from the life circumstances holding them back in life, career & relationships.
I have a diverse professional and personal background, which helps me to connect with others. In addition to my role as a licensed therapist, I bring to my practice over 30 years of business leadership experience.
I am goal oriented, solution focused and non-judgemental. Most important, I am easy to talk to.

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.

Matthew Grundy
Matthew Grundy
My approach is one that allows all of you to show up in the therapy room. Anxiety, depression, overthinking, difficulty connecting in relationships, shame… all these things can impact our ability to live our life to the fullest. So much of the cultural messaging around masculinity centers around avoiding vulnerability, and avoiding difficult emotions. By being present to what is actually here, we are much better equipped to choose how we want to show up in our lives. Talking with someone, especially as a man, can feel difficult, and I strive to provide an environment that feels comfortable, safe, and real. Reach out for a free consultation.

Chris Rabanera
Chris Rabanera
Chris Rabanera is an LMFT who provides online therapy in California, Michigan, Nebraska, and Nevada. He specializes in working with high performers such as physicians, dentists, healthcare providers, lawyers, business owners, executives, managers and the tech industry. He offers services for burnout, anxiety treatment, depression treatment, individuals with relationship problems, grief counseling and mental health treatment for men.

Dexter Mai
Dexter Mai
In my integrated approach to trauma therapy, I seamlessly weave Brainspotting and evidence-based talk therapy to provide comprehensive support for clients. Drawing on the power of Brainspotting, I guide clients in identifying and processing trauma through the activation of specific “brainspots,” while leveraging the insights and techniques of talk therapy to foster deeper introspection and cognitive reframing. I target both the neurological and psychological aspects of trauma, and facilitate a holistic healing journey. My practice prioritizes creating a collaborative and empathetic space, where clients feel heard, validated, and empowered to navigate their healing process with self-awareness and newfound strength.

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. Aleksandra Drecun
Dr. Aleksandra Drecun
My therapeutic style emanates warmth, compassion and professionalism. My approach is collaborative, empowering, authentic and client-centered.

Raissa Alvero
Raissa Alvero
I provide integrative psychodynamic therapy to adult men of immigrant parents navigating life transitions, family of origin stress and relationship struggles. Many people I work with struggle with trust, loneliness and emotional intimacy or with anxiety, depression or unresolved trauma.
I believe therapy takes courage and humility to confront what is uncomfortable, allowing us to break free from patterns that keep us stuck and move toward greater freedom. As your therapist, I see myself as a guide, offering the right balance of support, perspective and challenge to foster meaningful change and growth.

Adam Kaufman
Adam Kaufman
I HELP MILLENNIAL AND GEN X PROFESSIONALS CONSCIOUSLY GET WHAT THEY WANT (IN LIFE AND RELATIONSHIPS). Life is overwhelming. Between work, relationships, and technology calling for your attention at every moment, it’s extremely difficult to remain calm and grounded. We can lose our sense of purpose and passion.
Unlike other therapists who merely sit and listen, I take an active and engaged approach. You may find yourself in a guided meditation or a role-play exercise. There may be optional homework assignments. We’ll tune into exactly what you need. I’m here to support you to find your unique, confident voice.

Fabrice Paracuellos
Fabrice Paracuellos
I view therapy as being invited to explore ourselves in a welcoming way with someone with kindness who shares knowledge about how we function as humans, so we can gain an understanding for how we have functioned, what we need to thrive, and then thrive. This is self-worth and mastery. And with it comes our being more loving toward toward others and toward ourselves.

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!
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.
