Ricardo Martinez

Hi there, I'm Dr. Rick. My name is Dr. Ricardo (Rick) Martinez and I am a Licensed Psychologist based in Pasadena, CA, and working with clients across California via telehealth. I work with adults and specialize in helping clients who struggle with anxiety, stress, and depression, those with alcohol and/or substance abuse issues, their family members, and those in recovery. I also specialize in serving clients from diverse multicultural backgrounds including those from the LGBTQ+ community.

My approach

My approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each individual. I most frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and work from a strength-based, solution-focused perspective to help stabilize clients and help them feel better. I believe in empowering the client to become a partner in treatment.

My focus

As mentioned above, I generally work with adults who are struggling with anxiety, stress, depression, work-life balance, alcohol and/or substance abuse issues, and those who are in recovery from alcohol and substance abuse. I specialize in serving clients from diverse multicultural backgrounds including those from the LGBTQ+ community. I also have extensive experience in serving college students.

My communication style

My communication style is calm, personable, and non-judgemental. I take an active role in collaborating and assisting my clients to achieve their goals.

My journey to mental healthcare

I am a second-generation Mexican-American and a first-generation college student. My journey to becoming a psychologist began during my undergraduate studies at California Lutheran University. I was struck to hear of the shortage and need for more Latinx psychologists and other mental health professionals. Moreover, I was especially surprised to learn that there was a strong need for Latinx men in the field and for Spanish-speaking mental health professionals. I have always enjoyed helping people and it's something that comes naturally to me. It is an honor and a privilege to be invited into the lives of the clients I work with and to accompany them on a part of their life journey. I am committed to helping you improve your life in all areas so that you may have a better quality of life.

My goals for you

My approach to goal setting with clients is to help define what they want to accomplish in our work together and to collaborate in the journey.

My first session with you

What you can expect from our first session together is for us to spend the majority of our time talking about how you have been feeling lately and for me to ask questions to better understand your background, history, and presenting issues. The first session is about us building an initial connection, gathering a thorough history, and helping me get a sense of the initial goals you would like to set.