About Justin

Dr. Justin Lutz greets people with a straightforward message: starting therapy feels hard, and taking the first step matters. He acknowledges how anxiety and uncertainty can make reaching out feel monumental, and he aims to make that step easier for those who contact him.

He brings 23 years of experience as a California psychologist. He works with adults and teens on challenges like depression, bipolar mood problems, ADHD, substance use, grief, anger, and self-esteem.

Background and approach

He also supports people navigating identity questions related to LGBT and gender dysphoria and helps with parenting and family stresses. In sessions he focuses on creating a warm, nonjudgmental atmosphere. That space is meant to let people talk honestly about painful memories and current struggles.

He helps clients reframe unhelpful stories about themselves and try different ways of relating to others. His practical approaches include client-centered work, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and solution-focused strategies. That mix lets him tailor sessions to immediate needs like coping with strong feelings or longer-term patterns such as impulsivity or attachment problems.

Dr. Lutz’s background includes clinical work with system-impacted teenagers involved in juvenile justice and long experience addressing substance abuse and childhood trauma. He offers phone consultations to discuss concerns and explain how he might work with someone moving forward.

How his approaches work online

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and making space for a person's own goals. It helps people who need someone to reflect their experience and validate feelings while they decide what to change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and testing practical changes to break unhelpful patterns. It suits issues like anxiety, depression, impulsivity, and many ADHD-related challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with clients to pick methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. Sessions may combine listening, skill teaching, mindfulness practices, and solution-focused planning so the treatment fits the person over time.

Online formats offer flexibility for busy lives. Video calls let people see facial cues and use a face-to-face style of conversation. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a brief check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging work well for shorter updates, problem-solving between sessions, or keeping momentum when schedules are tight. These options make it simpler to fit regular care into work, school, or family routines.

Questions people ask

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?
He helps people with depression, bipolar mood issues, ADHD, substance use, grief, anger, and self-esteem, plus relationship and family stresses.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses a warm, nonjudgmental approach that focuses on listening, reframing personal stories, and trying practical strategies to change behavior and mood.
How much experience does he have?
He has 23 years of clinical experience working with teens and adults in areas such as substance abuse, trauma, and mood disorders.
What are his credentials and where is he located?
He is a California Psychologist, credential CA Psychologist 31972, and practices in California.
What languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats does he provide?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging as ways to connect.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a brief matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session based on the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Most often

Also listed

Experience
23 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

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