Therapist in Ventura, California Linda Gertson, Therapist

Dr. Linda Gertson is a licensed Clinical Psychologist in California who has been practicing since 1986. She completed her undergraduate degree at UCLA and her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Ohio University. Dr. Gertson has extensive experience helping clients with co-occurring psychological and substance use disorders. Her areas of clinical expertise include depressive and anxiety disorders, trauma, PTSD, substance abuse and co-occurring disorders. For the past 25 years Dr. Gertson has specialized in the treatment of clients with a history of childhood and/or adult abuse who engage in problematic use of substances which generate escalating difficulties in personal issues and family interactions.

Her philosophy regarding such co-occurring disorders is that individuals with histories of trauma may engage in abuse of substances to cope with distressing thoughts and feelings which can result in a cycle of increased maladaptive coping skills, dependence on substances for symptom relief, and deterioration of interpersonal relationships. Dr. Gertson utilizes treatment interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Trauma-Informed and trauma resolution therapy. In addition, she integrates concepts from 12-step models in her treatment approach.

Dr. Gertson’s expertise in these areas was recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for implementation of an evidenced-based treatment approach for Co-Occurring Disorders. Dr. Gertson is the recipient of the Ventura County Medical Resources Foundation’s Fainer Award as “Psychologist of the Year” in 2011. Outside of work, Dr. Gertson enjoys listening to classical and choral music.