Matthew Rodgers , LCSW

Matthew Rodgers is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with five years of professional experience. As an LCSW, they draw on clinical training in social work and mental health to support people facing substance use, relationship challenges, and shifts in life circumstances.

They specialize in addictions, LGBTQ-related concerns, intimacy and sexuality issues, and self-esteem work. Matthew has notable experience with veterans, having spent much of their career supporting service members with post-traumatic stress and substance use challenges while helping clients pursue greater independence and life goals. Their background also includes a Master of Arts in Gerontology and training in LGBTQIA+ culture and sex therapy.

Matthew works with a range of focus areas including BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture; body image; drug and alcohol addiction; forgiveness and coping with guilt and shame; life purpose; polyamory and non-monogamous relationships; traumatic brain injury; and recovery from trauma. They emphasize creating an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and feelings can be explored honestly.

Matthew approaches care with a practical, strengths-based orientation, helping people identify motivation, set achievable goals, and build skills to move toward a more fulfilling life. Their work combines compassion with structured techniques tailored to each person’s needs.

Approaches for online addiction, LGBTQ, and trauma care

Matthew uses Motivational Interviewing to help clients explore and strengthen their own motivation for change. This collaborative, client-centered approach is useful for substance use, ambivalence about goals, and building commitment to recovery.

Solution-Focused Therapy is part of Matthew’s toolkit when clients want practical, goal-oriented work. It centers on identifying strengths and small, achievable steps that move a person toward the life they want, which can be particularly helpful for boosting self-esteem and navigating life transitions.

Trauma-Focused Therapy is employed when healing from past trauma or post-traumatic stress is central to a person’s goals. It involves targeted methods to process traumatic experiences and reduce their impact on daily functioning.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Matthew will work with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, then tailor methods that fit their situation rather than applying a one-size-fits-all plan.

Online therapy formats - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - make it easier to fit care into busy lives and reach licensed professionals regardless of location within the state. These options offer flexibility for scheduling, varied ways to communicate, and consistent access to therapeutic support.