Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 13 ratings

Matthew Kohagen

LMFT, 35 years of experience

Authentic
Warm
Direct
Virtual
Next available on

About me

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.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

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.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

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.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

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.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

DepressionSelf Esteem

I identify as

Man

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

My treatment methods

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.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

Accepts

Cash - $150 per sessionAetnaAetna - LuminareAetna - MedicareAetna - WebTPAAll SaversAnthemAvMedBlue CrossBlue ShieldBlue Shield (MHSA) MagellanBlue Shield of California - MedicareCarelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)CignaEAP:CignaEAP:EvernorthEAP:UnitedHealthcare/OptumEvernorthGold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)Golden RuleHarvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcareHealth Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-CalL.A. Care CoveredL.A. Care Covered DirectL.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP)L.A. Care PASC-SEIUOptumOptumHealth Complex Medical ConditionsOscarOxfordPartnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-CalScripps Health PlanSharp Health PlanSurest (formerly Bind)Tufts Health/CignaUnited Medical ResourcesUnitedHealthcare Life InsuranceUnitedHealthcare Shared ServicesUnitedHealthcare StudentResourcesUnitedHealthcare/OptumUnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 13 ratings

4 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

Verified client, age 35-44

Review shared after session 5 with Matthew

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.

Verified client, age 35-44

Review shared after session 5 with Matthew

May 17, 2025

I appreciate Matthew's openness to giving advice and also him being understanding and patient to working through all of my emotions.

Verified client, age 35-44

Review shared after session 1 with Matthew