Dr. David Shapiro
Psychologist, California Licensed Psychologist (License# PSY17495)
I believe that even in the middle of a crisis, there is a real opportunity for profound growth. My path to understanding the human condition began in the theater and the study of Method Acting, where I learned to look beneath the surface to explore how internal experience drives outward behavior. This "inside-out" perspective remains central to my work: helping you align your internal reality with your external actions.
Over my 20-year career, my approach has continually evolved. After graduating from top universities and training programs, I was mentored by leading experts in trauma, addictions, and relationship dynamics. This foundation led me to establish a successful group practice in Orange County, teach psychology at UC Irvine, and serve on the Board of Directors and as Chair of the Professional Practice Committee for the Orange County Psychological Association.
However, my career is only part of the story. In the midst of professional achievement, I navigated a deep personal crisis and divorce that transformed my understanding of therapy. This led me on my own journey of growth—including seven years living in Asia, studying with Buddhist monks, and caring for local villagers.
What I offer today is an integration of rigorous academic training and Eastern wisdom. My decision to practice psychology grows from a sincere desire to relieve suffering and transform life's hardships into catalysts for self-actualization. I combine empirical psychological methods with the cultivation of an "awakened heart"—a state of genuine presence, nervous system regulation, and deep connection to what matters most.
What to Expect in Our First Session
Our first meeting is about more than cataloging problems; it is an opportunity to assess the "internal climate" of your life. Together, we will examine the patterns that are no longer serving you, identify where old narratives or high-pressure reactions have you "hooked," and see what is holding you back from living authentically.
I believe therapy should offer a shift in perspective from the very first hour. You will leave our initial session with practical, evidence-based tools designed to settle your "biological alarm" and transition your nervous system from a state of defense to one of openness and flexibility. By the end of our first meeting, we will begin clarifying a personalized roadmap for long-term change, leaving you with immediate skills to start shifting your life from day one.
Core Strengths & Therapeutic Philosophy
A Life Dedicated to Inner Work: I don't ask you to do work I haven't done myself. My insights stem from extensive clinical training, decades of deep meditation, and navigating my own pivotal life transitions. I bring a perspective that is both seasoned and deeply empathetic.
Creating a Foundation of Safety: True change requires safety. By blending a warm, collaborative connection with a structured success plan, I help you settle constant internal alarm systems, moving you from the exhaustion of perpetual "doing" into a grounded state of "being."
Moving Toward What Truly Matters: I help you spot the cycle of avoidance—the habits we build to run away from pain or fear—and redirect your energy toward positive growth, core values, and meaningful action.
A Strategic, Personal Roadmap: I reject one-size-fits-all, standardized protocols. By strategically blending evidence-based practices (CBT, ACT, Clinical Hypnosis, Imago, and Structural Family concepts) with Eastern principles, we build a customized success plan designed specifically for your life.
Who I Work Best With
I specialize in working with adults and professionals who feel stuck at a critical crossroads—whether navigating a major life or career transition, relationship strain, burnout, trauma, or a recurring pattern they are ready to break.
My clients appreciate insight, structure, and forward movement. They want more than a space to vent; they are ready to understand themselves deeply and take concrete steps toward lasting change.
Practice Details & Credentials
Education: Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology (APA-Accredited, UT Austin); M.A. in Developmental Psychology (Teachers College, Columbia University); B.A. in Psychology (UC Santa Cruz).
Licensure & Certifications: Licensed Psychologist in California (PSY 17495) and Singapore Registered Psychologist.
Session Formats: Virtual sessions & In-person care in Roseville, CA.
Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Trauma & PTSD, Stress & Burnout, Relationship Dynamics, Men's Issues, and Military/Veterans care.
Client Focus
Session Format: Couple, Family, Individual sessions.
Age Specialty: Adult, Teen
Demographic Expertise: Asian, Black / African American, Buddhist, Christian, Hispanic / Latino, Jewish, LDS/Mormon, LGBTQ+, Men, Middle Eastern, Military / Veterans, Native American, Pacific Islander, Persons with Disabilities, Women clients.
Languages: English
Treatment Approach
- Biopsychosocial Therapy Takes into account biological, psychological, and social factors in understanding mental health. It looks at the whole person, not just symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) One of the most widely used approaches, CBT helps people identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with healthier patterns. It is effective for anxiety, depression, and many other concerns.
- Contemplative Psychotherapy Combines mindfulness and meditation practices with modern psychology. It encourages awareness and compassion as part of the healing process.
- Eclectic Therapy Draws from different therapeutic methods based on what fits each client best. It is flexible and personalized rather than following one single model.
- Existential / Humanistic Therapy Encourages people to explore meaning, freedom, and authenticity in their lives. It focuses on personal growth and living in alignment with one’s values.
- Hypnotherapy Uses guided relaxation and focus to access the subconscious mind. It is often used for habits, anxiety, and pain management.
- Integrative Therapy Combines techniques from multiple approaches into a customized plan. It adapts to each client’s unique situation and needs.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) A short-term approach focused on improving relationships and social support. It is often used for depression and grief.
- Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) Emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. It provides a safe space for self-discovery and growth.
- Relational Psychotherapy Emphasizes the healing power of the therapist-client relationship. It uses trust and safety as a foundation for change.
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) Focuses on solutions and future goals rather than past problems. It is practical, short-term, and goal-driven.
Approach Description: I utilize a strategic approach to support clients in bringing their reality in line with how they would ideally like their life to be like. I work with each client, couple, or family with whom I work to form individualized success plans based on their unique needs and preferences.
Fees & Insurance
Fees
- Average Session Fee $245
- Accepts Insurance
- Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross of California, Blue Shield of California, Carelon Behavioral Health, Kaiser - Norther California, Centene, Curative, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania
Education & Credentials
Dr. David Shapiro California Licensed Psychologist (License# PSY17495)
- Male
- License # PSY 17495
- Licensed in CA
- Practicing Since 2000
Education: I hold a Ph.D. from the APA Accredited Counseling Psychology Training Program at the University of Texas at Austin, an M.A. in Developmental Psychology from Teachers College - Columbia University, and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California at Santa Cruz.
Dr. David Shapiro Practice Details
Therapy Sessions
- Available In-Person in Roseville, CA and Sacramento, CA
- Available Online for residents of California
- Online Therapy Details: I provide secure, highly confidential teletherapy for adults and professionals across California who value deep, personalized care without sacrificing their schedule. To ensure seamless access, I am in-network with major commercial insurers and partner with Thrizer to offer frictionless out-of-network billing—allowing you to pay only your estimated share per session while we manage claim submissions automatically.
Individualized Psychotherapy in Roseville, CA & Virtually Statewide
Welcome. I operate a boutique psychological practice tailored for discerning adults, high-achieving professionals, executives, gifted adolescents, couples, and families. My practice is intentionally structured around quality of care rather than client volume, allowing me to provide deeply attentive, highly personalized psychological services.
Whether meeting in-person at my Roseville, California office or virtually across the state and internationally, my practice offers a grounded, depth-oriented space for those navigating life transitions, high-pressure demands, or a desire for true self-actualization.
Modern Care, Flexible Formats: In-Person & Statewide Virtual Practice
My practice accommodates your life and schedule through two flexible engagement options:
In-Person Sessions: Offered at my primary office located at 1700 Eureka Rd, Roseville, CA, serving clients throughout Placer County, Granite Bay, Rocklin, and the greater Sacramento area.
Telehealth across California & Internationally: Secure, encrypted virtual care for adults and families throughout California, as well as Western expatriates and global professionals working abroad.
(Note: Because of the outpatient, private nature of this practice, care is optimized for higher-functioning individuals and is not suited for acute crises, severe mental illness, or immediate risk of harm to self or others.)
My Therapeutic Approach: Strategic, Person-Centered & Data-Informed
I reject prefabricated, one-size-fits-all therapy protocols. My approach integrates classic psychological rigor with Eastern wisdom, blending Person-Centered existential philosophy with strategic, evidence-based methods:
Person-Centered & Existential: Rooted in the humanistic framework of Carl Rogers, I operate from the core conviction that every individual possesses an innate drive toward health, clarity, and self-actualization. My role is to help remove internal barriers so your natural capacity for growth can flourish.
Strategic & "Inside-Out": Drawing from my early training in Method Acting alongside advanced academic study, we explore how internal states drive external behavior. We focus on identifying actionable strategies to align your internal reality with your ideal life.
Integrative Modalities: As clinically appropriate, we draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Clinical Hypnotherapy, Imago Relationship frameworks, and Structural Family Systems thinking.
Data-Informed Precision & Presence: I utilize advanced practice tools—including Upheal for session transcription and clinical reflection, as well as measurement-based tracking through partners like Grow Therapy—to continuously evaluate progress, refine treatment intentionality, and ensure our work delivers tangible outcomes.
Structure of Care: Tapered Engagement for Lasting Independence
My clinical goal is not to keep you in therapy indefinitely, but to empower you toward increasing autonomy and self-mastery.
While many clients experience a shift in perspective from the very first hour, lasting change develops through a structured, tapered progression:
Initial Phase (Weeks 1–8): Weekly sessions to establish momentum, regulate nervous system stress ("settling the biological alarm"), and build foundational skills.
Consolidation Phase (Weeks 9–16+): Sessions transition to bi-weekly or monthly intervals, allowing you space to apply new strategies in daily life while maintaining clinical support.
Maintenance & Tune-Ups: Over 12 to 20 total sessions spanning a year or longer, we systematically transition toward full independence. Many clients complete care and return periodically months or years later for targeted "tune-ups" when navigating new life crossroads.
Flexible Financial & Insurance Options
To ensure high-quality care is frictionless and accessible, I offer multiple payment and reimbursement pathways:
In-Network Coverage: I accept select major commercial insurance plans in California through direct partner networks (such as Headway and Grow Therapy), providing seamless claims handling and standard copayments.
Out-of-Network & Thrizer Integration: For plans where I am out-of-network, I partner with Thrizer.com to offer a streamlined billing experience. Through Thrizer’s Pay Only Your Share feature, eligible clients avoid paying full cash fees upfront and waiting weeks for reimbursement; you simply pay your estimated out-of-pocket responsibility while automated claim submissions are handled for you.
Direct Private Pay: Standard fee schedules ($195–$250) are available for non-insured or international clients, with full superbills provided upon request.
Next Steps
Choosing a psychologist is an important decision. If you are seeking a collaborative, depth-oriented relationship that honors your intelligence and personal vision, I invite you to reach out to schedule an initial consultation.