Therapy for Men & Veterans in Solana Beach,CA | Rise With Purpose

I provide therapy for men and veterans in Solana Beach, 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 Solana Beach community is to offer grounded, evidence-based therapy that is steady, respectful, and practical.


Solana Beach is a coastal community known for its quieter pace, professional population, and proximity to military and leadership-driven work across North County San Diego. Many men here appear externally settled while continuing to carry internal pressure tied to service, high expectations, and long-standing responsibility. This local environment often shapes how stress, burnout, and emotional strain accumulate beneath the surface.


Many men and veterans in Solana Beach struggle with unresolved trauma, emotional containment, and the challenge of slowing down after years of performance-driven structure. Clients often choose to work with me because I understand these dynamics 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 Solana Beach supports service members who appear settled externally but feel internally on edge. Many veterans struggle with anxiety, emotional suppression, or difficulty slowing down after years of service-driven structure. Clients often experience more emotional ease and presence. Reactions soften, and there is greater capacity for rest and connection. Sessions explore how service continues influencing emotional-regulation and identity. Therapy is offered in-person or virtually. For veterans seeking local support near you in Solana Beach, the focus is on steadiness and balance.

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  • Speaking & Organizational Consulting

    Smaller or highly independent teams in Solana Beach sometimes struggle with coordination as they grow. Informal systems stop working, but replacing them feels uncomfortable.


    This service introduces structure without rigidity. The work helps teams build clear agreements that support trust, accountability, and smoother collaboration.

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  • Military Transition Counseling

    Living a more independent civilian life does not always make transition easier. After service, the lack of structure can quietly turn into isolation, even when things look fine from the outside. In Solana Beach, that gap between appearance and internal experience often grows unnoticed.


    Military transition counseling helps you slow down and take inventory of what is actually happening. We start by stabilizing daily routines and stress levels so you are not relying on constant self control to get through the day. This creates the conditions for clearer thinking and more grounded choices.


    As the work deepens, we focus on identity and leadership beyond the uniform. We look at how independence, discipline, and responsibility show up now and where they need support or adjustment. The goal is not to give up strength, but to use it in ways that support connection and long term balance.

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  • Trauma Therapy for Veterans

    Independence can sometimes hide how much your system is still working to stay safe. Around Solana Beach, many veterans notice trauma showing up as emotional distance, restlessness, or difficulty fully relaxing, even when life feels self directed on the surface.


    Trauma therapy starts by slowing things down enough to notice what your body is carrying. We focus on stabilizing the nervous system first through sleep, routines, and stress regulation, so you are not relying on constant self control to feel okay. There is no pressure to dig into the past before your system can handle the present.


    As therapy continues, we examine how trauma influences connection, boundaries, and daily decisions. We look at where survival patterns like withdrawal or hypervigilance take over and build practical supports that allow more flexibility and engagement in real time.

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  • PTSD treatment for Veterans

    Distance and independence can sometimes make PTSD harder to notice. Around Solana Beach, many veterans appear calm and self directed while their nervous system stays restless, guarded, or unable to fully settle.


    PTSD treatment here begins by slowing things down enough for your body to register safety. We focus on stabilizing sleep, routines, and stress responses so your system does not have to rely on constant self control. This work does not rush you into the past before there is enough steadiness in the present.


    As therapy continues, we look at how PTSD shapes connection, boundaries, and moment to moment decisions. We identify where withdrawal, hypervigilance, or control still take over and build practical supports that increase flexibility and choice in real situations.

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  • Anxiety Therapy for Veterans

    Independence can make anxiety harder to notice. In Solana Beach, VA related stress often shows up as internal restlessness rather than obvious worry. You may look calm on the outside while your mind keeps tracking details and preparing for what could go wrong.


    This anxiety develops when support systems feel inconsistent and you learn that things only move if you stay on top of them. Over time, your nervous system stays engaged by default, making it hard to fully relax or trust that things will be handled.


    Anxiety therapy here focuses on slowing that internal pace. We work on reducing background vigilance, clarifying what actually needs your attention, and building structure that allows your body to stand down without ignoring reality.

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  • Depression Therapy for Veterans

    When life looks calm on the outside but feels flat or disengaged on the inside, depression is often involved. If you are a veteran in Solana Beach, you may notice low motivation, emotional distance, or difficulty feeling invested in your day to day life even when stress levels seem low.


    This service is designed for veterans whose depression shows up as disconnection rather than visible distress. After long periods of structure and responsibility, your system may slow down once pressure eases. That slowdown can affect energy, interest, and your sense of direction without feeling like sadness.


    Depression therapy focuses on restoring engagement in practical ways. We work on daily rhythm, energy management, and decision making so your system can reenter life without relying on force or urgency. The work is paced and grounded in what actually helps you move forward.


    As therapy continues, we also address how depression affects identity and self trust. The goal is to help life feel active and workable again, with steadier energy and clearer direction rather than ongoing disengagement.

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  • Anger Therapy for Veterans

    If you are a veteran in Solana Beach, anger may not come out loudly. It may show up as withdrawal, emotional distance, or internal frustration that never fully releases. Over time, that contained anger can erode relationships and self trust.


    This counseling helps you work with anger whether it turns outward or inward. We focus on understanding what the anger is protecting, releasing stored tension, and building responses that allow you to stay engaged without shutting down or pulling away.

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  • Sex and Intimacy Therapy for Men

    Intimacy can feel distant even when conflict is low. If you are a veteran in Solana Beach, sex therapy helps you understand why emotional or physical closeness may feel hard to access. Often this distance reflects a nervous system that learned to stay guarded. The work focuses on restoring presence, safety, and mutual connection so intimacy feels available again.

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I serve veterans in Solana Beach.

I work with veterans in Solana Beach and nearby coastal areas, including Cardiff, Del Mar, and Encinitas. Many clients also come from Carmel Valley and North County seeking steady, veteran focused therapy.

“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 U.S. Army veteran providing trauma informed counseling for veterans and military connected adults.

I’m Richard De La Garza, a U.S. Army veteran and licensed clinical social worker serving veterans in Solana Beach. I offer therapy for PTSD, depression, and intimacy concerns with an emphasis on regulation and practical change.

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.