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Dr. Justin Lutz

Dr. Justin Lutz, CA Psychologist 31972

Therapist · California · 23+ years of experience

Calm, practical help for life transitions

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  • Warm and nonjudgmental
  • Focus on practical change
  • Experience with trauma

About Justin

Dr. Justin Lutz offers a calm, steady presence for people facing big life changes. He acknowledges how daunting starting therapy can feel and recognizes the courage it takes to reach out. Dr. Lutz aims to make the first steps easier by listening and by helping clients find a good fit for their needs.

He uses warmth and compassion to create a nonjudgmental space. In session he helps people talk through painful memories, shifts in identity, and patterns that keep them stuck. The work often focuses on changing unhelpful thought patterns, building more workable habits, and practicing strategies that reduce distress.

Dr. Lutz has 23 years of clinical experience and practices in California as a CA Psychologist 31972. He has worked with teens involved in the juvenile justice system and with adults facing substance use, anxiety, depression, and trauma from childhood or family conflict. He also provides support to people on the LGBTQIA2S+ spectrum as they consider next steps in their lives.

Common issues he addresses include addictions, mood disorders, ADHD, anger, grief, and struggles around self-esteem and life purpose. Midlife crisis and coping with major life shifts are also part of his focus. Sessions are intended to help people re-author personal stories, reduce interfering behaviors, and move toward clearer goals.

If you want to learn more, he invites prospective clients to start with a phone consultation to describe what brings them to therapy and to ask questions about the process.

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

Credentials

California

Languages

English

How his approaches translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and acceptance. In this approach the therapist follows the client's lead, reflects what they say, and helps people feel heard while they sort through difficult decisions or identity questions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and uses concrete exercises to change unhelpful patterns; it can help with depression, anxiety, and addictive behaviors. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices that make emotions easier to notice and manage during stressful moments.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. He will collaborate with each person to choose methods that fit their goals, values, and daily life. That may mean trying a short behavioral experiment one week and more reflective listening the next until a useful mix emerges.

Session formats are not listed in his biography, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. It also lets people use modalities like CBT worksheets or mindfulness exercises between meetings to keep progress moving.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does he address?

He works with a wide range of issues including addictions, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma, grief, anger, relationship and family problems, and challenges around life purpose and midlife crisis.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

He combines client-centered listening with practical methods like cognitive behavioral work and solution-focused techniques, and includes mindfulness practices to help manage emotions.

What is his professional background?

He has 23 years of clinical experience, including work with system-impacted teenagers in juvenile justice and with adults facing substance use and family trauma.

Where is he licensed and practicing?

He practices in California and holds the credential CA Psychologist 31972.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the U.S. work with him?

He is not accepting international clients at this time.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies by location and scheduling; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a time based on the therapist's availability.

Dr. Justin Lutz Online therapy options on BetterHelp

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