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

I provide therapy for men and veterans in Los Angeles, California, supporting individuals impacted by military service, leadership stress, and major life transitions. I work with veterans and military-connected men navigating trauma, emotional-regulation challenges, and identity shifts shaped by years of responsibility and service. My role within the Los Angeles community is to offer grounded, evidence-based therapy that is steady, respectful, and practical.


Los Angeles is fast-paced, high-pressure, and performance-driven, with many men balancing demanding careers, long commutes, and constant expectations while staying connected to military or service-based identities. Even in a city full of opportunity and movement, many veterans and men carry stress quietly, pushing forward without space to process what they have been through. This environment often intensifies burnout, emotional strain, and disconnection.


Many men and veterans in Los Angeles struggle with unresolved trauma, emotional suppression, and the challenge of slowing down in a culture that rewards constant output. Clients often choose to work with me because I understand these pressures and offer therapy that is calm, direct, and grounded. My approach focuses on emotional regulation, clarity, and stability without adding more pressure or overwhelm.

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 supports service members navigating trauma within a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Many veterans struggle with anxiety, emotional numbness, or constant vigilance while trying to keep up. Clients often experience greater clarity and emotional-regulation over time. Stress responses soften, and there is more space to slow down. Sessions explore how service experiences continue shaping nervous-system responses. Therapy is offered in-person or virtually. For veterans seeking local support near you in Los Angeles, the focus is on relief and sustainability.

    READ MORE
  • Speaking & Organizational Consulting

    In fast paced environments like Los Angeles, organizations often outgrow their internal structures. Things move quickly, but alignment struggles to keep up.

    This work helps leaders slow decisions just enough to regain clarity and direction. Rather than adding more initiatives, the focus is on simplifying how the system operates.

    READ MORE
  • Military Transition Counseling

    Fast paced environments do not leave much room to recalibrate after service. Civilian life can demand immediate performance, quick adaptation, and constant availability, which often keeps your nervous system in the same survival rhythm you learned in uniform. That pressure is common for veterans living and working in Los Angeles.


    Military transition counseling helps you step out of that constant push. We begin by stabilizing daily life so urgency does not drive every decision. This means slowing internal reactions, organizing routines, and creating enough calm to think clearly instead of staying in response mode.


    As the work deepens, we focus on how leadership shows up outside military structure. We look at how discipline, responsibility, and drive operate in civilian systems and where they may need adjustment to support sustainability rather than burnout. The goal is leadership that works in real life, not leadership held together by pressure.


    This process is collaborative and grounded in practice. Drawing from lived experience as a U.S. Army veteran and clinical training, I work with you to turn insight into clear agreements and routines that hold beyond the session. What we build is meant to support steadiness, agency, and a life that no longer requires constant survival mode.

    READ MORE
  • Trauma Therapy for Veterans

    Living and working in a high demand environment can keep trauma responses active without obvious warning signs. Around Los Angeles, many veterans stay productive and capable while their nervous system remains locked in urgency, scanning for what needs attention next.


    Trauma therapy here starts by interrupting that constant push. We stabilize first so your body is not making every decision from pressure or threat. This means slowing stress responses, creating predictable routines, and building enough calm so choice becomes possible again.


    As the work continues, we look at how trauma shapes leadership, boundaries, and daily decisions in fast paced systems. We identify where overfunctioning, emotional shutdown, or control have become default strategies and design practical supports that allow you to lead without burning yourself out.

    READ MORE
  • PTSD treatment for Veterans

    Living in a fast paced city can keep post traumatic stress running on autopilot. In Los Angeles, many veterans stay productive, capable, and outwardly successful while their nervous system remains locked in urgency. There is little space to slow down, and stress becomes the default state.


    PTSD treatment here focuses on interrupting that constant push. We start by stabilizing the present so your body is not making every decision from pressure or threat. This includes working with sleep, pacing, and stress responses to create enough calm for reflection and choice to return.

    READ MORE
  • Anxiety Therapy for Veterans

    Living in a fast paced city can keep anxiety running on autopilot. In Los Angeles, VA related stress often stacks on top of work demands, traffic, schedules, and constant stimulation, leaving your nervous system little room to stand down.


    This anxiety is not about being unable to handle pressure. It develops when systems require constant attention and follow up, teaching your body that staying alert is the only way to stay ahead. Over time, that vigilance affects sleep, focus, mood, and your sense of control.


    Anxiety therapy here focuses on interrupting that constant urgency. We work on reducing background stress, organizing demands, and building reliable structure so your system does not have to stay on guard to function.

    READ MORE
  • Depression Therapy for Veterans

    Living in a high demand environment can keep you moving while depression quietly drains your capacity. If you are a veteran in Los Angeles, you may notice low energy, difficulty concentrating, and a sense that life requires constant effort just to stay afloat.


    This service is designed for veterans whose depression develops under sustained pressure rather than a single crisis. When expectations stay high and recovery time stays limited, your system may shift into shutdown. Motivation drops, follow through becomes harder, and purpose can feel distant even when you are still performing.


    Depression therapy focuses on restoring stability before asking more of you. We work on daily rhythm, sleep, and decision making so your nervous system is no longer operating from depletion. The goal is to rebuild usable energy without forcing productivity or positivity.

    READ MORE
  • Anger Therapy for Veterans

    If you are a veteran in Los Angeles, constant stimulation and demand can make anger feel unavoidable. Traffic, schedules, work pressure, and system friction can stack quickly, leaving little room to reset before reacting.


    Anger control counseling helps you create pause and clarity in high demand environments. We focus on reducing reactivity, strengthening boundaries, and building responses that let you move through pressure without anger running your decisions or relationships.

    READ MORE
  • Sex and Intimacy Therapy for Men

    High demand environments can make intimacy feel secondary or rushed. If you are a veteran in Los Angeles, sex therapy helps address performance anxiety, distraction, and disconnection shaped by constant stimulation. Therapy focuses on helping your system slow down enough to be present, reducing pressure and supporting intimacy that fits real conditions rather than ideal expectations.

    READ MORE

I serve veterans in Los Angeles.

I serve veterans across the greater Los Angeles area, including communities near Downtown LA, West LA, and the VA West Los Angeles Medical Center. Many clients also connect from Santa Monica, Culver City, and surrounding areas.

“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.