Ryan Garza , LCSW

Ryan Garza is an LCSW - a licensed clinical social worker with more than 17 years of experience providing therapy in individual, couple, family, and group settings. He has worked with people facing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma and abuse, grief, addiction and co-occurring disorders, PTSD, personality challenges, toxic relationships, codependency, and issues affecting veterans.

His style is client-centered - focused on each person’s needs and goals - and is marked by compassion, encouragement, and respect, with occasional appropriate humor when it fits the work. He draws on evidence-informed methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused techniques, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, and acceptance and commitment approaches to create a treatment plan tailored to each individual.

Treatment is collaborative, shaped by the client’s preferences and objectives. Ryan approaches life’s complexities with the view that investing in oneself through therapy can increase the ability to address the past, manage present demands, and prepare for the future. He aims to help clients build greater clarity, purpose, and peace of mind and looks forward to supporting them through that process.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Ryan Garza commonly uses client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) in his online practice. Client-centered therapy emphasizes the client's own goals and experiences, creating a supportive space where the therapist follows the client’s lead and helps clarify values and choices. Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, stress, and many everyday challenges. Dialectical behavior therapy teaches practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, and it can be especially helpful when strong emotions or relationship patterns create repeated difficulty.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Ryan Garza works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and he adjusts the plan as progress and circumstances evolve.

Online therapy with a licensed professional offers practical flexibility - sessions by video call or phone, live chat, and text-based messaging allow people to connect in ways that match their schedules and communication styles. These options can make it easier to start and maintain care during life changes, travel, or busy periods while supporting consistent progress over time.