Richard De La Garza
Richard De La Garza is a licensed clinical social worker. His educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from San Jose State University and a Master's degree in Public Administration from Columbia University, and he is currently in pursuit of a Doctorate in Philosophy of Leadership from the University of San Diego. His research intersects multicultural facets of underrepresented first-generation, non-traditional, veteran, and disabled persons and is committed to social justice and culturally competent care. His experience includes working in a variety of settings including the US Army, as a direct commissioned officer for active-duty servicemen. Richard has provided consultation for a non-profit board of directors, case management for a community mental health clinic, and facilitated government partnerships across the military and Palo Alto VA. Richard aligns with a holistic therapeutic approach that is person-centered, psychodynamic, narrative, cognitive behavioral, solution-oriented, integrative systems, and storytelling. Richard's leadership style reflects traits like being bilingual, amiable, and tenacious. Richard strives to expand self-awareness to recognize everyone should be a learner who is capable of growth and redemption. Richard is also trained to provide EMDR therapy.
Because higher education has been a vehicle for social change, I know that my journey features many caring individuals who planted a seed to believe in myself so I can reach new heights.
First session
In the first therapy session new clients can expect a warm and welcoming environment where they will have the opportunity to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns in a safe and confidential space. Below are some initial talking points highlighting the first therapy session with me: First, Introductions and Building Rapport--The session will begin with introductions where I will introduce myself, explain my role as a therapist, and answer any questions the client may have. Building rapport is essential, so I will aim to create a comfortable and non-judgmental atmosphere. Secondly--Discussion of Goals and Expectations: I will invite the client to share their reasons for seeking therapy, their goals for treatment, and what they hope to achieve through our sessions. This will help us establish a clear direction for our work together.
Strengths
As a first-generation college graduate and veteran, I understand that resilience is more than just effort. It's also a transformative identity. Since I was raised by a single parent who migrated to the US, I recognize that cultural and systematic barriers exist. However, I have been fortunate to partake in college preparatory programs designed for non-traditional students. As a result, I embody a degree of privilege not granted to relatives. Because higher education has been a vehicle for social change, I know that my journey features many caring individuals who planted a seed to believe in myself so I can reach new heights.
Ideal clients
As a current doctorate student in pursuit of leadership studies aligned to social justice, I am mostly suited to audiences interested in raising critical consciousness that elevates marginalized communities, and high self-esteem.
Treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I recognize the significance of the person and their environment. I know from experience treatment is rarely a one size fits all situation. Most importantly, I recognize building a trustworthy relationship entails transparency.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Hispanic / Latinx
Man
Person of Color (POC)
Top specialties
Anger Management
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Other specialties
Depression
Grief
Men's Issues
Peer Relationships
Racism
School Issues
Self Esteem
Self-Harming
Spirituality
Suicidal Ideation
Trauma and PTSD
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Children (6 to 12)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
CaliforniaLicense 83253
New YorkLicense 079270