Gerard Skiles, LCSW — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Gerard!

Many of the people I work with are used to carrying a lot for others. Therapy is a space to slow down, focus on yourself, and build tools for lasting change. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Marine Corps Veteran, but before all that, I am a father. I have over 12 years of VA clinical experience supporting adults through life’s challenges.

My focus

I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, burnout, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I have particular experience supporting Veterans, first responders, healthcare workers, and helping professionals.

My approach

My approach is collaborative, practical, and evidence-based. We work together to understand what’s getting in the way and build skills that actually work in daily life. I use CBT, CPT, and other structured approaches tailored to your needs and goals.

My communication style

My style is warm, direct, and supportive. I create a nonjudgmental space where you can be honest and feel heard, while also being gently challenged to grow and make meaningful change.

My journey to mental healthcare

As a Marine Corps combat veteran and VA social worker for over a decade, I’ve seen both the impact of adversity and the power of resilience, support, and growth in real people’s lives.

My goals for you

We focus on combining insight with action. Together we set clear, realistic goals, build practical strategies, and track progress over time so change feels manageable and sustainable in everyday life.

Our first session

Our first session focuses on understanding what brings you in, what you want to change, and your strengths. You’ll leave with clarity, direction, and a sense of what working together will look like.

I identify as...

Male
Prefer Not to Respond

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Behavioral Activation

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Processing (CPT)

Attachment-based

Compassion Focused

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Interpersonal

Mindfulness-Based

Motivational Interviewing

Psychodynamic

Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)

Trauma Focused

+ 12 more

Focus populations

Military/Veterans

Police/Fire/First Responders

Educators

+ 3 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
Allegiance
Allied
Arlo
Ascension-SmartHealth

+ 17 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Southern California.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Gerard Skiles