Therapy Insights & Articles |
Matthew Herrera, AMFT

Veterans Mental Health: Reflections on PTSD, Trauma, and Support After the Fourth of July Reflecting on Veterans' Mental Health After the Fourth of July This past Fourth of July weekend, I found myself reflecting on the importance of mental health for U.S. veterans. This is a topic I am deeply passionate about. During my graduate studies, I completed my practicum at U.S. VETS: Outside the Wire, where I worked with student veterans attending local colleges and unhoused veteran

Fatherhood can be meaningful, exhausting, and emotionally complicated. This article explores why fathers’ mental health matters, how anxiety and burnout show up in dads, and how therapy can help fathers feel more grounded, connected, and supported. Therapy for Fathers, Dads, and Men Navigating Anxiety, Burnout, and Family Stress Fatherhood can be deeply meaningful, identity-shaping, and life-giving. It can also be exhausting. Many fathers are balancing careers, parenting, rel

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men account for nearly 80% of all suicide deaths in the United States, despite representing roughly half of the population (CDC, 2025). Why More Men Are Seeking Therapy in Pasadena, CA June is Men's Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the unique emotional and psychological challenges men face. As a therapist, one of the most common things I hear from male clients is some version of

Mental Health Awareness Month is a great time to understand the importance of seeking professional help rather than turning to social media The Risks of Using TikTok and Instagram as Mental Health Treatment Instead of Professional Psychotherapy May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging people to seek support for emotional and psychological struggles. Over the past several years, conversations about mental

Understanding Intrusive Thoughts, Delayed OCD Diagnosis, and Effective OCD Therapy in Pasadena, CA When singer-songwriter Noah Kahan recently opened up about being diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) at age 28, his story resonated with many people who have quietly struggled with intrusive thoughts, anxiety, shame, and compulsive behaviors for years without understanding what was happening. In a recent Los Angeles Times opinion article, writer Lisa McCarty explo

Complex PTSD therapy can help you regulate your emotions, improve relationships, and help you feel more like yourself again. What Is Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)? Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a condition associated with chronic or repeated trauma, particularly in relational environments where a person did not feel safe, supported, or able to leave. This can include experiences such as childhood emotional neglect, ongoing abuse, or long-term exposure to high-str

Therapy for Men and Couples in Pasadena, CA Why Emotional Presence Matters in Modern Relationships There was a time when men were expected to be providers, problem-solvers, and emotionally reserved. Being distant wasn’t questioned—it was often normalized. That expectation is changing. Today, relationships require more than showing up physically or providing stability. Partners are asking for something deeper: emotional presence, communication, and the ability to stay engaged

I recently had the opportunity to join Richard Aguila on Private Practice, Practically for a conversation about something I care deeply about: the mental health challenges facing creatives, artists, and entertainment professionals. In the interview, we explored how perfectionism, OCD, burnout, trauma, and nervous system dysregulation can show up in creative work. For many musicians, writers, performers, screenwriters, and other artists, creativity is not separate from identi

Embrace the holiday spirit and manage stress by creating beautiful festive arrangements, bringing joy and tranquility to the season. Ah, the holidays ... that magical time of year when twinkling lights glow, cookies appear everywhere, and every family member transforms into a part-time event coordinator who needs to know exactly what time you’re arriving and what dish you will be bringing three weeks in advance. The holidays are also the season when your calendar fills up

After Marshawn Kneeland’s death, men’s mental health and suicide risk must be addressed. Learn warning signs, risk factors, and how to support high-achieving men. The Tragedy of Marshawn Kneeland At just 24 years old and days after scoring a touchdown, Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland died by an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police pursuit (Reuters, 2025) . According to reporting, his girlfriend had alerted authorities that he was armed, had

1. How do I know if my teen needs therapy? Look for warning signs such as withdrawal, irritability, low motivation, or academic decline....

If you are concerned about your teen's well-being, or a teen wondering how therapy could help, do not hesitate to reach out. Adolescence...

The Unique Mental Health Challenges Facing Creative Professionals Mental health treatment is not a detour. Rather, it is the foundation...

Brainspotting can be used to help unlock Deeper Healing, Creativity, and Clarity I recently had the opportunity to attend a workshop led...

“I’m sober, and it’s not because I have a problem with alcohol. It’s just because I love clarity.” Miley Cyrus, 2025 In a recent...

In the Entertainment Industry , where casting calls, production meetings, and creative hustle are daily norms, mental health challenges ...

Mental Health in the Entertainment Industry: Navigating Job Scarcity and Uncertainty The entertainment industry is experiencing a period...

Understanding the Impact of Politics on Mental Health In 2025 and beyond, political stress and anxiety are becoming increasingly...