Licensed to practice in California and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Couples Counseling and 10 more.
(he/him)
New to Grow
Hello, I’m Deric Placker, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Lancaster, California. Beginning my career in 2018, I have dedicated my life to helping individuals break unhealthy behavioral loops, navigate complex life transitions, and discover their full potential. I absolutely love this career, and there is nothing more rewarding to me than watching my clients grow, heal, and reclaim their personal agency. What makes me uniquely easy to relate to is that I haven’t always sat in the therapist's chair. I spent the early part of my life working hard as a miner. However, my path shifted permanently in 2009 when I suffered a stroke and subsequently fell into a deep, consuming depression. During that dark period, my own therapist threw me a lifeline and inspired me to pull myself out of the spiral. That pivotal experience changed my life, driving me to go back to school so I could dedicate my life to helping others find their way back from rock bottom.
In our sessions, you can expect a relaxed, collaborative, and entirely non-judgmental environment. I firmly believe that healing does not always have to feel heavy. I love incorporating humor into my work to make our time together approachable, authentic, and grounded.
The greatest strengths I bring to our sessions are my deep, lived empathy and my ability to balance structured clinical skills with genuine human connection. Because I have walked through the fire of sudden medical trauma and severe depression myself, I bring a unique level of resilience and real-world understanding into the room. My clients benefit from a therapist who genuinely "gets it" and knows firsthand what it takes to rebuild a life from the ground up. I combine this authentic personal insight with rigorous training in evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), allowing me to offer both deep emotional validation and concrete, structured strategies that work in everyday life.
As a dedicated mental health professional, I partner with individuals navigating the complex landscapes of anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and difficult life transitions. I specialize in helping clients manage adjustment challenges, resolve relationship conflicts, and navigate the unique, often overwhelming pressures of parenting.My practice is designed for those who feel stuck in repetitive cycles and are ready to break free from unhealthy patterns. Together, we will uncover the root causes of these behaviors, develop actionable coping strategies, and foster deep self-awareness. My goal is to provide a supportive, collaborative environment where you can actively heal, reclaim your personal agency, and build a path toward greater well-being, lasting fulfillment, and peace of mind.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
We sometimes get stuck in patterns that result in poor decision-making, painful feelings, depressed mood, anxious mood, or unhealthy relationships. I can assist you as you gain self-awareness about your behavior and make positive changes to improve your relationships and promote a more satisfying life.