- Addictions
- Mood disorders
- Client-centered work
About Justin
Dr. Justin Lutz is a California psychologist with 23 years of experience. He works with people facing addiction, depression, ADHD, relationship strain, grief, trauma, and issues related to gender and sexual identity. He also helps with anger, low self-esteem, parenting stress, and major life changes.
He keeps sessions straightforward and conversational. He listens to what is happening now and what the person wants to change. Sessions focus on practical steps as well as understanding how past experiences affect current patterns.
Dr. Lutz uses tools from client-centered methods, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused approaches. That means he pays attention to what the client values, helps identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, practices present-moment awareness, and works toward clear, achievable goals. He blends these approaches to match a person's needs rather than sticking to a single method.
His background includes clinical work with system-impacted teenagers involved in juvenile justice. He has long experience supporting teens and adults with substance use, anxiety, depression, and family or childhood trauma. He also offers support for people on the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum as they consider identity, relationships, and life plans.
People who choose him can expect direct conversation about symptoms and goals, with exercises and reflections between sessions when helpful. To begin, clients complete an intake that helps him understand priorities and plan practical next steps.
How his approaches work in online sessions
Dr. Lutz uses client-centered methods and cognitive behavioral therapy in sessions. Client-centered work means the conversation follows what matters most to the person and focuses on their priorities and values. Cognitive behavioral therapy looks at thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and builds practical skills to change them.Finding the right approach is collaborative. He will talk with the client about goals and preferences, try methods that fit, and adjust the plan when needed. The intention is to match tools to the specific issues someone brings, whether that is mood, addiction, trauma, or identity questions.
Because specific session formats are not listed in the biography, confirm the available online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. It can also allow different kinds of exercises, such as guided mindfulness or structured behavioral experiments, to be practiced between sessions and reviewed together.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
23+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with addictions, depression, ADHD, relationship and family problems, trauma, grief, anger, and identity concerns including LGBT issues.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He combines client-centered conversation with cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, and solution-focused steps to set clear, practical goals.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 23 years of clinical experience working with teens and adults in community and clinical settings.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is listed as CA Psychologist 31972 and practices in California.
Does he work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can people outside the United States work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and paid for?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work together?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.