Therapy for Men & Veterans in Los Angeles,CA | Lead Your Recovery

If you are living in Los Angeles, CA, you may be navigating military transition inside one of the most demanding and fast paced cities in the country. I provide veteran centered therapy for military connected adults navigating trauma, PTSD, neurodiversity, and identity shifts after service. Whether you are building a second career in aerospace, entertainment, corporate leadership, public service, or entrepreneurship, I offer virtual therapy designed to help you move from constant internal readiness into grounded, intentional leadership.


Living in Los Angeles often means long drives across the 405 or the 101, balancing high pressure roles, and adapting to civilian systems that feel very different from military structure. You may be working in El Segundo near aerospace and defense, commuting from the Valley into downtown, or building a new life on the Westside while carrying discipline and vigilance shaped in service. In a city where performance, networking, and momentum never seem to slow down, your nervous system may still operate at operational tempo even when the mission has changed.


You may have tried therapy that acknowledged stress but did not fully understand military culture or the weight of responsibility you carry. What you are likely looking for now is support that respects your lived experience and helps you translate leadership into calm, sustainable structure you can practice consistently in your work, your relationships, and your everyday decisions.


Here’s what’s included

Step 1: Grounded Intake & Shared Mapping

We start with a collaborative intake session where we slow down together, map what’s happening in your body and life, and name the systems, histories, and power dynamics that have shaped how you respond. This isn’t a checkbox assessment, it’s a Freirean dialogue where your story is treated as real knowledge, not a problem to be fixed.

Step 2: Freirean Praxis Sessions (Reflection + Action)

In ongoing 1:1 sessions, we practice praxis: we reflect critically on your patterns, triggers, and environments, and then translate that insight into small, concrete actions that honor your values and your nervous system. You’ll leave each session with 1–3 grounded experiments or practices, no perfectionism, no overwhelm, just doable steps toward more dignity, choice, and ease.

Step 3: Integration, Reclaiming, and Future Alignment

As we work, we regularly pause to reflect on what’s shifting: how you’re feeling in your body, how your relationships and boundaries are changing, and what freedom looks like for you now. Together, we refine your practices, celebrate what’s working, and craft a sustainable way of living and leading that’s aligned with your values, so the transformation isn’t just a session experience, but part of your everyday life.

Explore my services

  • Therapy for Veterans

    Veteran therapy in Los Angeles is for service members navigating trauma within fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Anxiety, emotional numbness, and constant vigilance are common challenges.


    Clients often experience greater clarity and emotional regulation over time. Stress responses soften, and slowing down becomes more accessible.


    Sessions explore how service experiences continue shaping nervous-system responses. Therapy is offered virtually, supporting veterans in Los Angeles with a focus on relief and sustainability.

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  • Speaking & Organizational Consulting

    Speaking and organizational consulting in Los Angeles is for organizations, teams, and leaders operating in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where performance demands, visibility, and emotional load are constant. This work often supports corporate teams, creative industries, healthcare-adjacent organizations, and leadership groups navigating burnout, communication breakdowns, and chronic stress within competitive cultures.


    Organizations that engage in this work often experience clearer communication, increased emotional-awareness, and steadier leadership under pressure. Teams move out of reactive patterns, leaders gain more capacity to self-regulate, and workplace dynamics begin to feel more sustainable rather than driven by constant urgency. The focus is on supporting people without slowing momentum or lowering standards.


    Sessions and engagements explore how chronic stress, trauma-exposure, and leadership dynamics shape culture, decision-making, and long-term resilience. Consulting is delivered virtually, allowing organizations in Los Angeles to access support without disrupting operations. This work centers on clarity, regulation, and building systems that help teams function well without remaining in survival-mode.

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  • Military Transition Counseling

    Military transition counseling in Los Angeles supports service members who are adjusting to civilian life within a fast-paced, high-pressure environment where expectations rarely slow down. Many clients experience identity-shifts, emotional shut-down, anxiety, or chronic restlessness while trying to redefine themselves outside of military structure in a city that rewards constant movement and output. The transition can feel overwhelming when there is little space to pause or recalibrate.


    Over time, clients often experience greater emotional clarity and improved self-regulation. Reactions feel less intense, decision-making becomes steadier, and there is more capacity to slow down without feeling unsafe or behind. Many service members begin building an identity that feels more self-directed and sustainable beyond rank, role, or constant readiness.


    Sessions tend to explore how military culture, long-term structure, and service-related experiences continue shaping emotional responses during transition. Counseling is offered virtually, providing flexible support for service members in Los Angeles as they navigate this period of change. This work focuses on grounding, clarity, and creating stability without rushing the process or minimizing the complexity of transition.

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  • Trauma Therapy for Veterans

    Trauma therapy in Los Angeles supports men, veterans, and military-connected individuals who are carrying the effects of trauma while living in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Many clients experience anxiety, emotional shut-down, hyper-vigilance, or difficulty slowing down after service-related trauma or cumulative stress, especially in a city that rewards constant movement and performance. Trauma can stay active when there is little space to pause or feel safe enough to settle.


    Over time, clients often experience improved emotional-regulation and a stronger sense of internal stability. Reactions soften, the nervous-system becomes less reactive, and there is more capacity to stay present rather than constantly bracing or disconnecting. Many men and veterans notice clearer boundaries, steadier relationships, and a growing ability to respond intentionally instead of operating in survival-mode.


    Sessions tend to explore how military experience, service-related trauma, and long-term survival patterns continue shaping emotional responses and body awareness. Trauma therapy is offered virtually, providing accessible support for clients in Los Angeles without adding logistical strain. This work focuses on safety, grounding, and helping clients move forward at a pace that feels respectful, steady, and sustainable.

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  • PTSD treatment for Veterans

    PTSD treatment i n Los Angeles supports men, veterans, and military-connected individuals living in fast-paced, high-pressure environments while managing trauma-related symptoms. Many clients experience hyper-vigilance, anxiety, emotional shut-down, or intrusive memories in settings that rarely slow down.


    Over time, clients often notice improved emotional-regulation and greater capacity to stay present. Stress responses soften, and it becomes easier to disengage from constant alert.


    Sessions explore how trauma exposure and survival patterns continue shaping regulation. PTSD treatment is offered virtually, supporting clients in Los Angeles with a focus on grounding and sustainability.

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  • Anxiety Therapy for Veterans

    Anxiety therapy in Los Angeles supports men, veterans, and military-connected individuals living in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Many clients experience constant alertness, overthinking, or emotional shut-down while trying to keep up with ongoing demands.


    Clients often experience improved emotional-regulation and greater capacity to slow down. Stress responses soften, and anxiety feels less controlling.


    Sessions explore how military experience and chronic stress exposure shape anxiety. Anxiety therapy is offered virtually, supporting clients in Los Angeles with a focus on grounding and sustainable calm.

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  • Depression Therapy for Veterans

    Depression therapy in Los Angeles supports men, veterans, and military-connected individuals navigating low mood within fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Many clients experience emotional numbness, burnout, or loss of motivation while trying to keep up with constant demands.


    Clients often notice gradual improvement in mood and emotional engagement. Stress feels less overwhelming, and daily life becomes more manageable.


    Sessions explore how chronic pressure, military experience, and identity-loss shape depression. Depression therapy is offered virtually, supporting clients in Los Angeles with a focus on clarity and sustainable recovery.

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  • Anger Therapy for Veterans

    Anger therapy in Los Angeles supports men, veterans, and military-connected individuals living in fast-paced, high-pressure environments where frustration can build quickly. Many clients struggle with impatience, irritability, or emotional shut-down.


    Over time, clients often experience improved emotional-regulation and greater control over reactions. Anger feels less overwhelming, and communication improves.


    Sessions explore how military experience and chronic pressure shape anger responses. Anger therapy is offered virtually, supporting clients in Los Angeles with a focus on grounding and sustainable regulation.

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  • Sex and Intimacy Therapy for Men

    Sex and intimacy therapy in Los Angeles supports men, veterans, and military-connected individuals navigating intimacy challenges in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Many clients struggle with performance anxiety, disconnection, or difficulty slowing down enough to feel present.


    Clients often experience improved emotional-regulation and greater comfort with intimacy. Connection becomes more intentional, and relationships feel less strained.


    Sessions explore how military experience, chronic pressure, and emotional suppression shape intimacy. Sex and intimacy therapy is offered virtually, supporting clients in Los Angeles with a focus on safety and sustainable connection.

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I serve veterans in Los Angeles.

I serve men, veterans, and military-connected individuals across Los Angeles through virtual therapy designed for high-pressure, fast-paced environments. Many clients navigate chronic stress, identity-shifts, and emotional containment within demanding professional and cultural settings.


My work supports Los Angeles residents in slowing internal reactivity while maintaining momentum. Virtual care provides flexible, grounded support that fits complex schedules and sustained responsibility.

“Richard’s work reflects both intellectual depth and genuine care. He brings clarity, discipline, and empathy to every role, making him an exceptional clinician and consultant.”

— Academic & Clinical Reference

“Richard combines clinical skill with deep leadership. He brings clarity, compassion, and structure to complex environments, empowering individuals and families to move forward with dignity and accountability.”

— Keith D. Washington, LCSW, DCSW

“Richard’s leadership in high-pressure military systems stood out immediately. His ability to balance clinical judgment, teamwork, and mission readiness makes him a trusted guide in complex, real-world settings.”

— Senior Military Supervisor

“What sets Richard apart is his ability to connect systems, people, and purpose. He leads with integrity, cultural awareness, and a deep respect for lived experience.”

— Community Mental Health Colleague

“Richard creates spaces where growth feels possible. His approach is thoughtful, structured, and human—especially for those navigating leadership, identity, and high-stakes environments.”

— Professional Peer

“Richard’s work reflects both intellectual depth and genuine care. He brings clarity, discipline, and empathy to every role, making him an exceptional clinician and consultant.”

— Academic & Clinical Reference

“Richard combines clinical skill with deep leadership. He brings clarity, compassion, and structure to complex environments, empowering individuals and families to move forward with dignity and accountability.”

— Keith D. Washington, LCSW, DCSW

Testimonials

Hello, I’m Richard De La Garza, a trauma and PTSD therapist for veterans seeking steady, practical change beyond symptom management.

I’m Richard De La Garza, a U.S. Army veteran and licensed therapist serving veterans across Los Angeles. I provide trauma informed therapy for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and leadership stress in high demand environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does this work?

    We start with a complimentary 15‑minute consultation to see whether we’re a good fit and to answer any initial questions. If we decide to work together, we’ll schedule your first full session and complete intake forms through a secure online portal.


    In our sessions, we meet virtually (or in person if you’re in San Diego, CA and choose that option). We’ll slow down, map what’s going on in your life and body, and set goals together rather than imposing a one‑size‑fits‑all plan.


    I draw from several approaches—including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma‑informed care, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), strength‑based and compassion‑based practices—while centering intersectionality and cultural context. That means we look not only at your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, but also at how identity, history, and systems shape your experience. Each session is a mix of reflection and concrete practices, so you leave with 1–3 grounded steps to try between sessions.


    Therapy is typically weekly or bi‑weekly at first, and we’ll regularly check in about how it’s going, what’s shifting, and whether the frequency or focus needs to be adjusted.

  • Can I use insurance?

    I do not accept insurance at this time. All services are self‑pay, and payment is due at the time of service.


    Many clients choose to use HSA/FSA funds or speak with their insurance provider about any out‑of‑network benefits that might apply. I’m happy to answer questions about fees and payment so you can make an informed decision before beginning.


    You also have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of the expected costs of your services, in line with the No Surprises Act.

  • What technology do I need?

    Virtual sessions are held through a secure, HIPAA‑compliant video platform.


    You’ll need:


    • A stable internet connection
    • A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone
    • A private, quiet space where you feel comfortable speaking openly
    • Headphones or earbuds (recommended for privacy and sound quality)

    Before each session, you’ll receive a link by email; you simply click it at your appointment time—no special software is required beyond an up‑to‑date browser.

  • What happens if I need to cancel?

    Life happens, and sometimes you need to reschedule. I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or change an appointment.


    • Cancellations or reschedules made more than 24 hours in advance: no fee.
    • Cancellations, reschedules, or no‑shows within 24 hours of your appointment: you will be responsible for the full session fee.

    This policy helps protect the time I set aside for you and ensures that appointments are available for others who may be waiting. If you’re unsure whether you’ll be able to attend, please reach out as soon as you can so we can explore options.

  • Good Faith Estimate

    What is a Good Faith Estimate?


    If you are paying out of pocket (not using insurance), you have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) outlining the expected cost of your therapy.


    A Good Faith Estimate includes:


    • Describes the type of services we’re planning (for example, weekly 50-minute sessions)
    • Outlines the estimated total cost over a period of time (for example, 3–6 months)
    • Is provided in writing before we begin ongoing therapy

    This is an estimate, not a contract. If we adjust your treatment plan—such as meeting more or less often—I will update the estimate to reflect our new agreement.


    Under the No Surprises Act, if your actual charges are significantly higher than the estimate, you may have the right to dispute the bill. This law is designed to promote transparency, so you can make informed decisions about your care.