Therapy for Veterans | Leadership-Centered Care

You carried the mission. Now you are carrying the weight of life after service.

You deserve to feel grounded in your body and your story, so you can lead, love, and rest with integrity, without denying the parts of you shaped by service and survival.


It’s time to reclaim your life from constant survival mode, without dismissing your own experience so you can genuinely feel dignity, choice, and ease.

If you’re a veteran or military-connected person, you’ve been trained to push through, hold it together, and carry more than most people can imagine.

On the outside, you look functional, even successful.


On the inside, it might feel like:

Your nervous system is always a little on alert, even when nothing “bad” is happening.

You’re exhausted from white-knuckling it through work, family, and relationships.

You understand why you are the way you are, but that insight hasn’t translated into real change.

You feel split between who you had to be to survive and who you actually want to be now.

And when you seek support, it often sounds like: “manage your symptoms,” “be more resilient,” or “try harder to self-care” with little acknowledgment of the systems, histories, and power structures shaping your life. Truth be told, what is the purpose for existing.


You deserve better than that.

It’s time to understand how your body and choices have been shaped by training, trauma, and systems that reward you for numbing out

And it’s not your fault, no one ever taught you how to read your own experience as valid knowledge, how to name the forces acting on you, or how to turn that awareness into liberating action instead of more self-blame. 


That ends today.

What if you could go from 

Feeling constantly on alert, braced for the next impact to feeling rooted in your body, able to notice sensations and choose your response with more ease and dignity?

From blaming yourself for “not coping well enough”  to seeing how your history, training, and the systems around you have shaped your reactions and reclaiming your power to shift them, step by step?

From silently carrying everything alone to being in a liberatory, Freirean kind of dialogue where your story is treated as knowledge, your questions are welcome, and you feel more resourced, seen, and equiped in your everyday life?

That’s exactly what we do in our sessions  where we examine how your body, history, and the systems around you are shaping your reactions and then turn that awareness into concrete, liberating practices so you can move from constant survival mode to a more grounded, dignified, and self-directed way of living.

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.

Hi, I’m Richard De La Garza

I specialize in liberation-rooted support for veterans, military-connected individuals and families, with a particular commitment to BIPOC and LGBTQ communities. 

For over 20 years, I’ve walked alongside diverse people in hospitals, community clinics, non-profits, higher education, and the federal government as they move from constant survival mode and self-blame to a more grounded, self-honoring way of living, leading, and relating. My work weaves together nervous-system education, trauma-informed care, and Paulo Freire–inspired praxis so that you’re not just “coping better” but actively reclaiming your dignity, voice, and choice.


Here’s why I’m passionate about this work: I have witnessed firsthand how people are conditioned to ignore their bodies, minimize their pain, and carry burdens in silence, especially in demanding, high-sacrifice roles like military service, law enforcement, and frontline health care. 


I am dedicated to creating a space where your story is valued as knowledge, not viewed as pathology. Together, we will reflect on what’s really happening and take practical, life-giving action. This is more than a profession for me, it’s a core belief that you deserve liberation, not just management.

We don’t do “banking‑model” therapy where I hold the answers and you try to live up to them

Instead, we use dialogue as a form of shared leadership. You bring your story and expertise in your life; I bring clinical training, systems awareness, and a commitment to your dignity.


From there, we co‑create clear, portable plans you can carry into your home, work, relationships, and community.

Investment & What’s Included:

I believe in being clear and transparent about pricing, so you know exactly what you’re saying “yes” to.

  • Complimentary Consultation

    I offer a complimentary 15‑minute phone consultation. During this call, you’ll have the opportunity to share your needs and ask questions.


    If you prefer, you can request a consultation via email using the contact form; however, I find that a brief verbal conversation often makes it easier to communicate what you’re looking for. 


    I invite you to ask about:


    • The therapy process in general
    • My therapeutic approach
    • Payment and logistics

    So you can make an informed choice about whether my services are the right fit for you.

  • Option 1: Individual Session

     Investment:  


    • Telehealth (online): $250 per 50‑minute session 
    • In‑person (only in San Diego, CA): $300 per 50‑minute session 
    • Students (current full‑time with valid ID): $200 per 50‑minute session

    The same 50‑minute session rate applies whether you are an individual, couple, or family.


     Includes:  


    • One 50‑minute 1:1 session (online or in‑person), centered on your current needs and capacity 
    • Liberation‑rooted, nervous‑system‑informed support (not a one‑size‑fits‑all script) 
    • A brief post‑session summary with 1–3 grounded practices or reflections to explore 
    • An email check‑in within a week to support integration and answer clarifying questions

  • Option 2: Deep Dive Series (6 Sessions over 3 Months)

    Investment: 


    $1,500 for 6 sessions


    (Payment plans available: 2-3 months, 4+ months


    Includes:


    • Six 50‑minute 1:1 sessions, scheduled over approximately 3 months
    • A shared roadmap we co‑create, grounded in your values, goals, and capacity
    • Freire‑inspired reflection + action practices tailored to your real‑life context
    • Access to custom resources (handouts, nervous‑system exercises, journaling prompts)
    • Brief email support between sessions for questions and check‑ins

  • Payments

    I do not accept insurance at this time.


    I accept the following forms of payment:


    • Major credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover
    • Cash, Apple Pay, Venmo, PayPal, and Zelle
    • Checks and debit cards without a credit card feature are not accepted.
    • No Surprises Act: You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate of what your services may cost.

“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

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.

It’s time to move from survival mode and self‑blame toward more dignity, ease, and choice in your daily life. Together, we’ll reflect, make sense of your experience, and take concrete, liberating steps that actually fit your reality.

I’m ready to get started, but the next step is up to you.

“Dialogue cannot exist, however, in the absence of a profound love for the world and for people.” — Paulo Freire, Pedagogy of the Oppressed