Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Ventura, CA

You have probably been carrying something for a while without saying it out loud: anxiety that will not switch off, grief that still ambushes you, drinking that stopped feeling like a choice, or trauma your body has not put down. Helping people find their way through that feels like my sacred calling. Ever since I was young, I've been the person who deeply listens, and I've always sensed the healing that happens when we finally have a trusted, compassionate witness to our story. The story you carry about your past can be the source of your suffering or the key to your freedom, and together we can gently begin to shift it. Whatever pain you're holding, you don't have to hold it alone. I work with individuals, and with couples and families who want to find their way back to each other.

Stuck? In pain? Contemplating a life change, or just had one thrust upon you? Let's explore your options and make things easier.

I have 20+ years of experience helping demoralized adults back to high functionality. I specialize in helping develop motivational skills in those are dealing with depression, anxiety and adjustment issues (including relational and gender identity issues).

Some of what you are carrying has never fit neatly into words. I'm Richard, a licensed marriage and family therapist in California and a working artist with a master's degree in fine art. Over twenty years in mental health, across inpatient units, day programs, and skilled nursing, I have sat with teens, adults, and seniors through anxiety, depression, grief and loss, bipolar disorder, family conflict, stress, and the weight of chronic illness. I am patient, open-minded, and inclusive, and when talking stalls I bring in expressive art. You do not need to be an artist for that to help. Come as you are.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, addiction, life transitions, relationship concerns, family dynamics, and other mental health challenges.

My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change.

Throughout my career in the last 5 years, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, major life transitions, and complex mental health concern. These experiences have strengthened my belief that every person deserves compassionate, nonjudgmental care tailored to their unique story.

My passion is for helping others get unstuck and flourish! The focus of my practice is geared toward helping you develop affirming responses and positive interpretations of what has happened in your life. I will help you have agency and integrity in the midst of a life transition or challenge that has you feeling stuck or out of ways to help yourself.

I believe healing is not a destination but a journey—one that you don’t have to walk alone. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, identity exploration, or old wounds that still feel present, I offer a space where all parts of you are welcomed. You bring your lived experience; I bring compassion, perspective, and steady support.

My approach is collaborative, rooted in curiosity, emotional safety, and the belief that you already hold the wisdom needed to heal. Therapy is not about “fixing” you—it’s about helping you build a deeper, more trusting relationship with yourself so you can show up more fully in your life. If you’re ready to start that journey, I’m here to walk with you.

I am a dedicated mental health professional who supports children and adults through life’s challenges. I currently provide individual therapy only and do not offer couples counseling. My background in behavioral health and social services, along with hands-on community experience, has shaped my practical, compassionate, and solution-focused approach.

I have worked with individuals involved in the justice system, people living with serious mental illness, children in foster care, and families navigating behavioral or developmental concerns. My experience includes case management, crisis support, employment readiness, behavioral coaching, and coordinating care with medical providers, mental health facilities, and community programs to ensure consistent, long-term support.

I help clients facing depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, behavioral challenges in children and teens, parenting and co-parenting concerns, and reintegration after legal involvement. My approach is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and client-centered. I believe everyone has resilience and the ability to grow with the right support.

My style is warm, honest, and structured. I value accountability while always leading with empathy and respect. I focus on building coping skills, improving communication, setting clear goals, and developing practical strategies that support emotional balance and independence.

Hi! Thanks so much for visiting. I am a board-certified psychiatrist who has been in practice since 2012, and before that I practiced internal medicine. I treat individuals age 10 and up in an adult setting. I went to Duke University for pre-med (BS psychology) and then Emory University School of Medicine. I did my internal medicine residency at Emory also, was on staff at Emory, and was also in private practice before I went back to my psychiatry residency (State University at Stony Brook, Chief Resident, 2012).

I bring the dual training and years of experience treating the breadth and depth of psychiatry. I enjoy helping those who have had treatment-resistant conditions, and have a friendly, kind, and collaborative approach.

I treat anyone and EVERYONE who is motivated to get better. I manage the entire spectrum of conditions, and manage tough-to-fix things like OCD and bipolar depression. Because of my personal and family background, I deeply understand the rainbow/gender-divergent and neuro-divergent folks, and folks with anxiety and ADHD. :). We can absolutely discuss gender-affirming care in California, and in Georgia and Florida, within the scope of local laws. I am a strong believer that trans care saves lives,

Please note:

-Self-pay rates are $460 for intakes and $230 for follow up appointments (half-hour).

-Starting 10/01/26, I am based primarily in the LA area (Weho and Westwood areas), but there are appointments that should be good for folks on both coasts.

-If you can't find a good time, message me and let me know.

-I will be in Atlanta and the SF Bay Area to see patients live once every 4-6 weeks or so. On-line is primary.

I have two locations in the Bay Area for live visits, and will have two in LA as above, and continue to see people in Buckhead, Atlanta.

-If a Florida client needs a controlled substance, one visit to the Atlanta or Cali offices will be necessary.