Licensed to practice in California and accepts 38 insurances. Specializes in Anger Management, Anxiety, Coping Skills and 5 more.
Leonardo Garcia
I am currently providing psychotherapy services in both English and Spanish in person and via Telehealth in California. As a strength-based clinician, I have had the opportunity and privilege to assist people in bringing stability and healing to their lives by helping them find and recognize their inner strengths and apply them in their daily lives. I employ an in-depth therapeutic approach to provide short-term and effective symptom reduction. I also focus on Affirmative Therapy, advocating for the needs of sexual and gender minority patients. Additionally, for longer-term treatment, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In the first session, clients can expect a welcoming and supportive environment focused on building rapport and establishing a sense of safety and trust. I begin by explaining the dynamics of the therapeutic process, including confidentiality, session structure, and what client-centered therapy looks like in practice. This initial meeting is collaborative and conversational, allowing space for clients to share what brings them to therapy while also asking any questions they may have. In addition to relationship-building, I complete a structured psychosocial assessment to gain a comprehensive understanding of the client’s background, strengths, presenting symptoms, and areas they would like to improve. This includes exploring emotional, social, family, occupational, and personal factors that may be influencing their current challenges. Together, we use this information to identify priorities and develop individualized therapeutic goals that reflect the client’s needs, values, and readiness for growth.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What stands out about my therapeutic approach is the balance between deep empathy and thoughtful structure. While my foundation is rooted in the client-centered principles developed by Carl Rogers, I integrate a structured psychosocial assessment process to ensure that therapy is both compassionate and clinically grounded. Clients are not simply listened to—they are genuinely understood within the context of their strengths, presenting concerns, and personal history. My method emphasizes creating a non-judgmental, collaborative space where clients feel safe to explore anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, grief, and other emotional difficulties at their own pace. At the same time, sessions remain purposeful, with clearly developed therapeutic goals based on each client’s unique needs. This combination of warmth, authenticity, and intentional goal-setting helps foster self-awareness, resilience, and measurable personal growth. Ultimately, what differentiates my work is the focus on empowering clients toward self-actualization. Rather than positioning myself as the expert with answers, I guide clients in recognizing their own capacity for insight and change, helping them build lasting confidence and emotional well-being.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal clients are individuals who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, grief, and related emotional challenges, and who are ready to actively engage in the process of self-exploration and growth. They may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from their sense of purpose, yet possess a willingness to reflect on their experiences and take meaningful steps toward change. I am especially well-suited to work with clients who value a supportive, non-judgmental therapeutic space and are open to exploring their thoughts and emotions in depth. These individuals are not necessarily seeking quick fixes, but rather a deeper understanding of themselves and a path toward self-acceptance and self-actualization. Through a collaborative, client-centered approach, they are motivated to build resilience, strengthen self-esteem, process grief, and develop healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges.
Specialties
Top specialties
Anger Management
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Other specialties
Depression
Grief
Men's Issues
Self Esteem
Sexual Abuse
I identify as
Man
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Licensed in
California
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
Ambetter from Health Net
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Arlo
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Cash - $120 per session
Centivo
Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
Evernorth
GTEB
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
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal
Scripps Health Plan
Tufts Health/Cigna
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
In my work with patients, I employ client-centered therapy by intentionally creating a safe, accepting space where individuals feel heard without judgment or pressure. Grounded in the principles developed by Carl Rogers, I allow clients to guide the direction of each session, trusting in their innate capacity for growth and self-understanding. Rather than offering direct advice or imposing interpretations, I focus on demonstrating genuine empathy, maintaining unconditional positive regard, and practicing congruence so that my responses are authentic and transparent. By consistently reflecting their feelings and experiences, I help clients deepen their self-awareness, strengthen their self-esteem, and move toward self-actualization. Through this supportive and collaborative process, therapy becomes a space where meaningful personal growth can naturally unfold.
1 rating with written reviews
March 25, 2026
I really enjoy the sessions. I feel this is a good match and look forward to my future appointments.