I’m Dr. David Shepard, a clinical psychologist licensed in both California and Texas. I am also an authorized PSYPACT psychologist, which allows me to provide online therapy to people physically located in participating PSYPACT states. In addition, I am a Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional.

I have worked in the mental health field for 20 years and have been a clinical psychologist for over 14 years. My experience includes working with college students on campus, children in inpatient psychiatric hospitals and group homes, and preschool-aged children. I have also worked with adolescents, teachers, and parents in high schools, as well as children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families in community mental health clinics.

I work with people seeking support for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, anger, family conflict, relationship challenges, intimacy and sexual concerns, life transitions, sexuality, LGBTQ+ experiences, identity, and self-esteem.

As a therapist, I enjoy supporting people as they deepen their understanding of themselves, unlearn harmful patterns, and develop more rewarding relationships with themselves, their communities, and the world around them. Seeking therapy can take considerable courage, especially for those who come from communities where therapy is viewed negatively.

Therapy can be a place to develop patience, understanding, boundaries, compassion, and care for yourself. Cultivating these qualities can also help you extend them to the people you encounter and love. Therapy can also offer space to release the burdens you carry, both your own and those you have taken on for others. One of the most rewarding parts of my work is helping people let go of burdens that have caused pain and suffering in their lives.

I believe everyone has inner strength and wisdom that we can strengthen together to support growth, change, and healing. Through a collaborative therapeutic relationship, we can explore what feels unsatisfying in your life and work toward greater fulfillment and more rewarding relationships.

I utilize multiple therapy models to inform my work as a therapist including Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Holistic Assessment Therapy (HAT), and Mindfulness-Based Therapy.

My Approach

My therapeutic approach is collaborative, strength-based, trauma-informed, empathetic, person-centered, culturally responsive, sex-positive, and kink-affirming. My role is to bring curiosity, insight, practical tools, and a safe space for reflection to help you meet your goals and create a more fulfilling life.

In sessions, I’m warm, welcoming, playful, and approachable. I balance meaningful, sometimes challenging therapeutic work with a lighthearted sense of humor, making room for crying, venting, laughing, and relaxing. I meet people where they are, draw on evidence-based practices, and tailor therapy to each individual or couple while honoring their cultural backgrounds and intersecting identities.

Our work includes exploring, reflecting on, and sometimes challenging experiences, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. All of your experiences are welcome, and there is room for whatever you need to bring into our time together. If something is important to you, it is important to me.

Although many people associate therapy primarily with addressing challenges, I also make space for pleasure, joy, confidence, and other meaningful aspects of life. These experiences deserve attention and exploration, too.

I recognize the unique experiences that each person or couple brings to therapy and customize my approach to their needs, strengths, and challenges. I welcome humor, tears, frustration, and any other reactions that arise during our time together. Our work may include examining unhelpful/irrational thoughts, managing difficult emotions, changing ineffective behaviors that no longer serve you, and processing unresolved trauma.

I’m passionate about mental health, and proud to be adding to the number of Black/African American male therapists in the field of mental health. I enjoy de-stigmatizing mental health within my community, as well as other communities of color. Outside of work, I enjoy fitness/working out, going to the beach, traveling, eating ice cream, watching tv/movies, listening to music, reading, learning new things, watching YouTube videos, and laughing with loved ones.