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JL Portrait of Dr. Justin Lutz

Dr. Justin Lutz

Compassionate, practical therapy for life challenges

CA Psychologist 31972 California

Experience
23 years in practice
Focus areas
Addictions, LGBT, Anger
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Justin

About Justin

Dr. Justin Lutz welcomes people who are ready to take the first step toward change and are seeking a thoughtful, evidence-informed approach to common life challenges.

Background and approach

He emphasizes making a good fit between client and clinician and acknowledges how daunting starting therapy can be, offering recognition for the courage it takes to reach out. He brings warmth, compassion, and empathy to sessions, aiming to create a nonjudgmental space where clients can explore difficult emotions and reshape personal narratives.

His work focuses on helping people develop new ways of relating to their feelings and relationships, and on supporting shifts in emotional, occupational, and interpersonal patterns. With 23 years of clinical experience in California and the credential CA Psychologist 31972, he has worked with substance use, mood disorders, trauma, grief, relationship concerns, and identity-related issues.

He also addresses a range of related areas including attention differences, attachment and communication problems, impulse control, and caregiver stress. Sessions are offered in English and he provides multiple online session formats to accommodate different needs.

Practical therapeutic approaches for online care

Dr. Lutz often integrates cognitive behavioral therapy and client-centered techniques into online work. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and practicing concrete skills to change them, which can be useful for mood disorders, anxiety, addictions, and impulse-related concerns. Client-centered therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and meeting clients where they are, which helps people explore identity, grief, relationship issues, and life transitions in a supportive environment.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. He works with each person to understand their goals, preferences, and the specific challenges they bring, and together they determine which combination of methods feels most helpful for the work ahead.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility and accessibility. These options allow clients to fit therapy into busy lives, maintain continuity of care when travel or scheduling conflicts arise, and use formats that best match their communication style.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does he commonly address?
He works with a wide range of issues including addictions, mood disorders such as depression and bipolar, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship and family problems, ADHD, and identity-related concerns.
What is his general therapeutic style?
His approach combines client-centered warmth with practical strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused work, often incorporating mindfulness to help clients manage emotions and develop new coping skills.
How much experience does he have?
He has 23 years of clinical experience working with people on substance use, mood and trauma-related issues as well as identity and relationship challenges.
What credentials and location are on file?
He is registered as CA Psychologist 31972 and practices in California.
Is he able to work with non-English speakers or international clients?
He conducts therapy in English and is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available for appointments?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate varied schedules and communication preferences.
How are fees and payment structured?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin working together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

AddictionsLGBTAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepressionADHD

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsControl issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Drug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaImpulsivityLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

23+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English