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

I provide therapy for men and veterans in San Diego, 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 connected to their service and lived experience. My role within the San Diego community is to offer grounded, evidence-based therapy that meets clients with respect, clarity, and understanding.


San Diego is home to one of the largest military and veteran populations in the country, with active duty service members, veterans, and military families woven into everyday life. Many men here continue carrying high levels of responsibility long after active duty ends, balancing work, family, and leadership roles while staying connected to bases, veteran networks, and coastal communities. This environment shapes the emotional and psychological needs of those seeking therapy in this area.


Many men and veterans in San Diego face ongoing stress related to trauma, emotional containment, and the difficulty of slowing down after years of service-driven structure. Clients often choose to work with me because I understand the weight they carry and offer therapy that is steady, practical, and respectful of both strength and vulnerability. My approach is calm, supportive, and focused on helping clients feel grounded and supported without adding more pressure.

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

    I provide consulting and speaking services for organizations supporting veterans, first responders, and mission-driven leaders in San Diego. This work bridges leadership development, nervous system education, and ethical reflection—helping organizations create healthier, more sustainable cultures.

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  • Military Transition Counseling

    Military transition counseling supports veterans navigating career changes, identity loss, and family strain during the shift to civilian life. Therapy helps clarify values, rebuild structure, and develop leadership that extends beyond the uniform.

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  • Trauma Therapy for Veterans

    Trauma therapy addresses both acute and cumulative trauma related to military service. Sessions focus on nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and restoring a sense of safety and agency—without forcing disclosure or reliving experiences prematurely.

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  • PTSD treatment for Veterans

    PTSD treatment is tailored to veterans experiencing hypervigilance, intrusive memories, emotional shutdown, or sleep disruption. Evidence-based approaches support recovery while respecting the realities of military conditioning and survival responses.

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  • Anxiety Therapy for Veterans

    Anxiety therapy helps veterans who feel constantly on edge, overwhelmed, or unable to relax. Treatment focuses on regulating the nervous system, identifying stress patterns, and rebuilding a sense of internal steadiness.

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  • Depression Therapy for Veterans

    Depression therapy supports veterans experiencing low mood, disconnection, loss of purpose, or emotional exhaustion. Sessions create space to process grief, identity shifts, and the weight of long-term responsibility.

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  • Anger Therapy for Veterans

    Anger therapy helps veterans understand anger as a protective response rather than a personal failure. Therapy focuses on regulation, boundaries, and developing healthier outlets for intensity and frustration.

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  • Sex and Intimacy Therapy for Men

    Sex and intimacy therapy supports men navigating disconnection, performance pressure, emotional avoidance, or relationship strain. The work addresses intimacy through communication, nervous system awareness, and identity beyond traditional expectations of masculinity.

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I serve veterans in San Diego

I serve veterans across the San Diego area, including neighborhoods near downtown San Diego, Mission Valley, La Jolla, Chula Vista, and surrounding communities. I also work with clients throughout San Diego County who are seeking trauma-informed therapy that understands military culture, leadership stress, and VA-related challenges.

“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.