(he/him)
I have over 35 years of behavioral health experience working in psychiatric hospitals, out patient programs and private practice with all age groups with mental health issues from the severely mentally ill to the worried well populations. I am confrontative/supportive to identify and discuss the deep rooted issues that need to be discussed. My therapeutic approach is Solution Focussed using Evidence Based techniques to explore the best copings skills and supports to help the client address and improve their mental health.
I like for us to get to know each other so we feel comfortable to start building a therapeutic relationship of mutual respect and trust. I ask a lot of probing questions of the past and present circumstances to obtain a good working knowledge and understanding of the reasons why the client is seeking help at this time. Together we will identify the main issues needing to be addressed, appropriate coping skills/supports to use and short-term/long-term treatment goals.
I am a very good listener and empath. I am very direct, matter of fact and to the point in my approach. I am a realist that believes in 'telling it like it is' to identify the key issues quickly and to start making progress as soon as reasonably possible.
I work best with clients that are motivated and dedicated to confront and address their mental health issues with an open, honest and transparent mindset. We work together as a team to develop the best strategies to employ to reach the treatment goals identified. I like to be challenged by the client if they feel that my therapeutic style is not helpful and what different tactics can be used by me to be more effective.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $150 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
CalViva Health (Medi-Cal)
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
Centivo
Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal)
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Gold Coast Health Plan Total Care Advantage (HMO D-SNP)
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Net (Commercial)
Health Net (Medi-Cal)
Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan – Medi-Cal
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
IHSS Healthy Workers
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP)
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
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
SFHP Care Plus (HMO D-SNP)
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Sutter Health Plan
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I find Solution Focussed therapy to be very effective using Evidenced Based techniques to learn coping skills and supports to manage symptoms and improve overall life quality.
Reality Therapy
I find Reality Therapy helps the client accept circumstances as they are today and develop a realistic and practical treatment plan with short-term and long-term goals to make reasonable improvements.
Gottman method
I have great success using the Gottman method treating couples with relationship problems. I receive positive feedback from couples who state this method is very helpful for them to gain a better understanding of and improve their relationship.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
This is a non-directive form of talk therapy where you act as an equal partner in the therapy process while your therapist remains non-directive—they don't pass judgment on your feelings or offer suggestions or solutions. People have a self-actualizing tendency, or a desire to fulfill their potential and become the best that they can be and this form of therapy allows clients to fulfill that potential by relying on their own strength to change.
5 ratings with written reviews
July 9, 2025
At first I had my doubts but I stayed consistent and I am pretty happy with the outcomes from many different situations I bring to Matthew. He is honest, willing to listen, and gives, simple, practical responses to me. 10/10 will see you again (next session) :D
June 19, 2025
I love how Matthew is very solution focused and remembers details about our therapy sessions. He is very thorough and thoughtful and respects all different perspectives while rummaging through my trauma. I appreciate his directness as well as his own experiences that influence his perspective.
June 13, 2025
A great start to therapy session.