Therapy for Men & Veterans in San Diego, CA | Trauma-Informed Care

If you are living in San Diego, CA, and still carrying the readiness that shaped you in service, you know how hard it can be to slow down without feeling exposed. I provide veteran centered therapy for military connected adults navigating trauma, PTSD, neurodiversity, and identity shifts after service. Whether you are active duty, reserve, or years into civilian leadership, I offer both in person therapy in San Diego and virtual sessions designed to help you move from constant alertness into steadier, more intentional leadership grounded in clarity rather than urgency.


Living in San Diego means the military presence is woven into daily life. You may be stationed near Naval Base San Diego, commuting through Mission Valley, connected to the Coronado Navy community, or transitioning out while building a civilian career across neighborhoods like Chula Vista, North Park, or La Jolla. The expectations to stay composed, handle pressure, and keep functioning are reinforced by a city that moves quickly and carries one of the largest military populations in the country. Even after service, the responsibility and discipline do not just disappear.


You may have tried therapy before and gained insight, but found that nothing truly shifted once you left the room. What you are likely looking for now is support that understands military culture, respects your lived experience, and helps you translate leadership into calm, aligned structure you can practice at home, at work, and in 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 San Diego is for service members who feel stuck in a constant state of vigilance, survival mode, or emotional shutdown long after their service has ended. Many veterans seek support while dealing with trauma exposure, anger, anxiety, emotional numbness, or the pressure to stay composed and mission-ready even in civilian life. Daily life can feel rigid and exhausting, especially when rest, connection, or vulnerability feel unsafe.


    Over time, clients often notice meaningful emotional and practical shifts. The nervous system begins to settle, reactions feel more manageable, and there is more space to feel present rather than on guard. Relationships tend to feel less strained, sleep and focus often improve, and many veterans experience a growing sense of stability beyond identity defined by rank, role, or constant responsibility.


    Sessions tend to explore how military experiences continue to shape emotional responses, self-trust, and the ability to slow down without guilt. Therapy is offered in a steady, respectful way that honors military experience while supporting regulation and safety, whether meeting in person or virtually. For veterans seeking local support near you in San Diego, this work focuses on relief, clarity, and sustainable change rather than pushing through or performing.

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  • Speaking & Organizational Consulting

    Speaking and organizational consulting in San Diego is for organizations, teams, and leaders working in high-pressure environments where performance, responsibility, and emotional load are part of daily operations. This work often supports military-adjacent organizations, healthcare systems, nonprofits, and leadership teams navigating burnout, communication breakdowns, and chronic stress within their culture. Many organizations seek support when their people are functioning but struggling beneath the surface.


    Through this work, teams often experience greater clarity, emotional awareness, and a stronger sense of psychological safety. Communication becomes more direct and less reactive, leadership feels more grounded, and individuals gain tools to stay regulated while managing responsibility. The focus is on creating sustainable systems that support people, not just output or performance.


    Sessions and engagements tend to explore how stress, trauma-exposure, and leadership dynamics impact decision-making, culture, and long-term resilience. Consulting is offered through speaking engagements, workshops, and organizational sessions, delivered in-person in San Diego or virtually when appropriate. This work centers on clarity, regulation, and building environments that enable people to function well without staying in survival mode.

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  • Military Transition Counseling

    Military transition counseling in San Diego supports service members who are navigating the shift from military to civilian life and feeling unsettled, disconnected, or overwhelmed by the change. Many clients struggle with identity-loss, emotional shut-down, anxiety, or a lack of direction after leaving a highly structured environment. The transition can feel isolating, especially when responsibility, routine, and purpose suddenly change.


    Over time, clients often experience greater emotional clarity and a stronger sense of internal stability. The nervous-system begins to settle, decision-making feels less overwhelming, and daily life becomes more manageable. Many service members start rebuilding a sense of identity beyond rank and role, finding steadier footing in relationships, work, and personal life.


    Sessions tend to explore how military culture, service-related experiences, and long-term structure continue shaping emotional responses and self-trust during transition. Counseling is offered in-person in San Diego or virtually, providing flexible support during this period of adjustment. This work focuses on grounding, clarity, and helping clients move forward without rushing the process or minimizing what they are carrying.

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  • Trauma Therapy for Veterans

    Trauma therapy in San Diego supports men, veterans, and military-connected individuals who feel stuck in survival-mode, emotional shut-down, or constant hyper-awareness after distressing or overwhelming experiences. Many clients seek support while dealing with anxiety, anger, emotional numbness, intrusive memories, or difficulty feeling safe in their body and relationships after service-related or life trauma. These patterns often continue long after events have passed, affecting daily life, work, and connection.


    Over time, clients often experience improved emotional-regulation and a greater sense of internal safety. Reactions begin to soften, the nervous-system settles, and there is more capacity to stay present rather than constantly on guard. Many men and veterans notice clearer boundaries, steadier relationships, and a stronger sense of control over their responses instead of feeling driven by automatic survival reactions.


    Sessions tend to explore how military experience, service-related trauma, and past events continue shaping emotional responses, body awareness, and patterns of protection. Trauma therapy is offered in-person in San Diego or virtually, creating a steady, respectful space that honors strength while supporting regulation and healing. This work focuses on safety, grounding, and helping clients move forward at a pace that feels sustainable rather than forced.

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  • PTSD treatment for Veterans

    PTSD treatment in San Diego supports men, veterans, and military-connected individuals who are living with ongoing symptoms related to trauma exposure, combat experiences, or cumulative stress. Many clients struggle with hyper-vigilance, intrusive memories, emotional shut-down, anger, sleep disruption, or difficulty feeling safe in their body and relationships. These symptoms often persist long after service or traumatic events have ended.


    Over time, clients often experience improved emotional regulation and a greater sense of internal safety. Reactions become less intense, the nervous system begins to settle, and daily life feels more manageable. Many men and veterans notice clearer boundaries, improved sleep, and a stronger ability to stay present instead of being pulled back into past experiences.


    Sessions tend to explore how trauma exposure, military experience, and long-term survival patterns continue shaping emotional responses and body awareness. PTSD treatment is offered in-person in San Diego or virtually, creating a steady and respectful space that prioritizes safety and pacing. This work focuses on stabilization, grounding, and helping clients regain a sense of control without re-exposure or pressure.

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  • Anxiety Therapy for Veterans

    Anxiety therapy in San Diego supports men, veterans, and military-connected individuals who feel stuck in constant alert, overthinking, or internal pressure that never fully turns off. Many clients experience racing thoughts, irritability, physical tension, sleep disruption, or a sense of always needing to stay prepared, especially after military service or years of high-responsibility roles. Anxiety often shows up as control, avoidance, or emotional shut-down rather than visible panic.


    Over time, clients often experience improved emotional-regulation and a greater sense of internal calm. The nervous-system begins to settle, reactions feel less urgent, and daily stress becomes more manageable. Many men and veterans notice better sleep, clearer focus, and an increased ability to stay present instead of operating in constant threat-assessment mode.


    Sessions tend to explore how military culture, long-term stress exposure, and learned survival-patterns continue shaping anxious responses in the body and mind. Anxiety therapy is offered in-person in San Diego or virtually, creating a steady, respectful space that honors strength while supporting regulation and relief. This work focuses on grounding, clarity, and helping clients build sustainable calm without forcing relaxation or pushing past capacity.

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  • Depression Therapy for Veterans

    Depression therapy in San Diego supports men, veterans, and military-connected individuals who feel emotionally flat, disconnected, or weighed down by ongoing low mood, loss of motivation, or a sense of emptiness. Many clients struggle with fatigue, irritability, emotional shut-down, or difficulty finding purpose after military service or years of high-responsibility roles. Depression often shows up quietly, masked by functioning, responsibility, or self-reliance.


    Over time, clients often experience improved emotional-awareness and a greater sense of internal movement. Energy slowly returns, emotions feel more accessible, and daily life becomes less heavy. Many men and veterans notice improved sleep, stronger connection in relationships, and a renewed sense of direction without forcing positivity or motivation.


    Sessions tend to explore how military culture, long-term stress, identity-shifts, and accumulated loss continue shaping depressive patterns. Depression therapy is offered in-person in San Diego or virtually, creating a steady and respectful space focused on grounding, clarity, and rebuilding emotional vitality at a sustainable pace.

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  • Anger Therapy for Veterans

    Anger therapy in San Diego supports men, veterans, and military-connected individuals who feel overwhelmed by anger, irritability, or sudden emotional reactions that are hard to control. Many clients notice anger showing up as tension, impatience, outbursts, or emotional shut-down, especially after military service or years of operating in high-stress, high-responsibility environments. Anger often functions as a protective response when other emotions feel unsafe or inaccessible.


    Over time, clients often experience improved emotional-regulation and a greater sense of control over their reactions. The nervous-system begins to settle, anger feels less explosive or constant, and there is more space to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting automatically. Many men and veterans notice improved relationships, clearer communication, and reduced internal pressure.


    Sessions tend to explore how military culture, chronic stress, trauma-exposure, and learned survival-patterns contribute to anger responses. Anger therapy is offered in-person in San Diego or virtually, providing a grounded and respectful space that honors strength while supporting regulation and accountability. This work focuses on clarity, safety, and helping clients develop sustainable ways to process and express anger without suppression or escalation.

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  • Sex and Intimacy Therapy for Men

    Sex and intimacy therapy in San Diego supports men, veterans, and military-connected individuals who struggle with intimacy, sexual connection, or emotional closeness. Many clients experience low desire, performance pressure, disconnection, shame, or difficulty being present during intimacy, often shaped by trauma, military conditioning, or long-term emotional suppression. These challenges can affect relationships, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing, even when other areas of life appear stable.


    Over time, clients often experience increased emotional-awareness and a greater sense of safety around intimacy. Shame begins to soften, communication improves, and connection feels more authentic rather than pressured or avoidant. Many men and veterans report feeling more present in their bodies and more connected to themselves and their partners.


    Sessions tend to explore how military culture, trauma-exposure, stress, and learned survival-patterns impact intimacy and sexual experience. Sex and intimacy therapy is offered in-person in San Diego or virtually, creating a respectful, grounded space that supports connection without judgment or performance demands.

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I serve veterans in San Diego

I serve men, veterans, and military-connected individuals throughout San Diego and the surrounding areas, with my work deeply shaped by the city’s strong military presence and diverse communities. Over years of clinical practice, I have specialized in trauma, transition, and nervous-system regulation, supporting clients who carry long-term stress, identity shifts, and emotional pressure tied to service and high-responsibility roles.


I work with clients from neighborhoods near Balboa Park, Mission Valley, and coastal areas, offering therapy both in-person in San Diego and virtually, depending on what best fits their needs. My approach is grounded, direct, and respectful of military culture, providing steady support to local residents seeking clarity, stability, and sustainable emotional well-being while navigating the pace and demands of life in San Diego.

“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 veteran therapist specializing in trauma-informed care for veterans and military-connected individuals.

I’m Richard De La Garza, a U.S. Army veteran and licensed clinical social worker serving veterans in San Diego. My work supports men navigating trauma, PTSD, anger, and life after military service, with particular understanding of the demands connected to leadership and military transition.

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.