Matthew Gerst, PhD

I provide in-network treatment for patients with either Aetna or Anthem Blue Cross insurance coverage. Many other insurance companies offer out-of-network benefits that make treatment more affordable. Clients with high deductibles can still benefit by having reduced charges based on any contracts the provider has with the insurance plan. In the age of confusing health care options, I would be glad to look at your coverage with you so that we can determine if you have benefits that would apply to behavioral health issues.

I have begun using a telemedicine portal called doxy to conduct video linked internet therapy with my clients. This has been particularly helpful in continuing to work with previous clients from my old Morgan Hill office. I can also foresee its usefulness with Sonoma County clients that have difficulty getting into an office for an appointment. Doxy protects confidential material better than a traditional system like Skype or FaceTime. Most (but not all) insurance will reimburse tele-therapy. Please contact me if you are interested in finding out if this tele-therapy option might work well for you.

My name is Dr. Matthew Gerst, and I want to start my blog by introducing myself to Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. I am a licensed clinical psychologist, and I just moved here after closing down my busy practice in Morgan Hill, CA. The move here was made so I could better support my parents as they get older. It has been a big change, and starting practice again after having a successful practice, in addition to buying and selling homes and moving, has been a challenge. I have ...found an office to share in a suite with some wonderful therapists and psychologists that is downtown near the mall. My background includes a deep understanding of child development through adulthood as well as the development of relationships and families. I frequently use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) but call upon an extensive background with psychodynamic, behavioral, and family systems theories. I am very focused on helping my clients achieve the outcomes they seek. I provide individual therapy for a wide range of problems, including mood disorders (depression or bipolar), anxiety disorders (stress, panic, specific fears, and obsessions/compulsions), and adjustments to life problems (divorce, work stress, school stress). I frequently work with couples and families, typically in a solution-focused approach aimed at getting better outcomes and results. I welcome phone calls asking about the work I do as a psychologist and whether I may be able to support you with your concerns. Finding a good fit with a psychologist or therapist can be a similar process to finding a good pair of shoes. I do not believe that all therapists are good fits for all clients. So I recommend we use our brief time on the phone and a first session to see if there is a good fit, if we can reach a mutual understanding of what you want from therapy and if we can achieve your goals together. It the weeks, months and years ahead I hope to publish periodic blogs covering various aspects of mental health, best child rearing practices, stress management or mental health topics in the news. I look forward to becoming part of my new community and support Santa Rosa and Sonoma County.