Licensed to practice in California and accepts 58 insurances. Specializes in Military/Veterans, Trauma and PTSD, Substance Misuse and 3 more.
Ruben "Gut (Goot)" Gutierrez
(he/him)
Hi there, I'm Gut (Goot)! Thanks for looking at my profile, "the journey of 1000 miles begins with one step". I am a Veteran looking to assist others with their own "1000" mile journey. My approach I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to assist individuals on their perspective journeys. I utilize Solution Focused Brief Therapy primarily with couples. My focus I have found that my style and approach work well with individuals who prefer a straightforward, assertive approach. My communication style is assertive, direct, with a curious undertone to solicit perspective. My journey in mental healthcare I wanted to assist with preventing Veteran suicides. My goals for you My goal is not that of a pastor; I do not want you to keep coming back, but to take what we have learned and continue the journey.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
First session, salutation, explain boundaries on what stays between us, what is mandated beyond the session/"room". CBT outline (homework), how would I know, what behaviors or lack of them would tell me you are better 6 months from now?
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Empathy w/ no judgment, ability to establish trust quickly. Frank discussions (no not like the famous True Therapist from YouTube, but close), clear communication, goal setting, assisting clients on their journey.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Preference for assertive communication, willing to listen/try new perspectives, open/frank with where they are at.
Specialties
Top specialties
Military/Veterans
Substance Misuse
Trauma and PTSD
Other specialties
Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Depression
I identify as
Hispanic / Latinx
Man
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Licensed in
California
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Ambetter from Health Net
Amerihealth Administrators
Anthem
Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Shield
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
Sutter Health Plan
IHSS Healthy Workers
Cash - $100 per session
Centivo
Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
GTEB
Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Net (Commercial)
Health Net (Medi-Cal)
Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal)
CalViva Health (Medi-Cal)
Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan – Medi-Cal
L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)
San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal
Scripps Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use this along with imagery, analogies and yes sometimes movie quotes to assist clients with understanding compartmentalization. One of the best feedback comments I received was "Gut, before (therapy) it was like a fire hose, all 3 things, feelings, thoughts, actions, coming at once. Now I can put them in their place understanding that action really is the key".
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I utilize this with couples, along with imagery, analogies and movie quotes. Best feedback I received "if there's flow, we go, if not, we stop. We bring these issues to therapy."
5 ratings with written reviews
January 30, 2026
For my first time with a therapist it was great. Thanks Gut
Verified client, age 45-54
January 28, 2026
Ruben is great, very good listener and explains things very well.
Verified client, age 55-64
December 22, 2025
Very good resonated very well with us and we feel we will see a lot of progress working with him