PuttingFamilyFirst

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MT Portrait of Matthew Tapia
Online therapist

Matthew Tapia

Support for family and parenting challenges

Credentials
LMFT
Experience
11 years
Licensed in
California, Arizona
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Matthew

Matthew Tapia is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in Arizona. He focuses on family and parenting concerns along with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and communication challenges. He aims to help people find practical ways to feel better and to reconnect with each other.

Matthew keeps things straightforward and works with clients as partners in the process. Matthew draws on about 11 years of direct counseling experience. He has worked in independent practice and at a nonprofit mental health clinic as a clinician, supervisor, consultant, and trainer.

Background and approach

That variety of settings shaped how he approaches common family struggles and parenting challenges. His style blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness. Sessions often include skills practice, values-based planning, and learning ways to change unhelpful thinking and behavior.

He emphasizes collaboration and meeting people where they are. Matthew has experience with a broad range of concerns including ADHD, autism and Asperger syndrome, trauma and abuse, anger, grief around life changes, and compassion fatigue. He also works with blended family issues, fatherhood concerns, caregiver stress, and divorce or separation matters.

He holds an LMFT credential and brings a practical, down-to-earth approach to therapy. Conversations are aimed at small, doable changes that reduce stress and improve family connection over time.

How Matthew’s approaches translate to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify what matters to them and take small steps toward those values. It’s useful for stress, feeling stuck, and navigating life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical skills to notice and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can ease anxiety, depression, and relationship conflict. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) focuses on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving communication, and can help when anger or intense emotions get in the way of daily life.

Choosing the right approach is a shared process. Matthew works collaboratively to figure out what fits each person’s goals and preferences. He adjusts techniques as you go, combining elements from different methods when that better serves the situation.

Online sessions offer flexibility for busy families and individuals. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and skills practice. Phone sessions can be simpler when schedules are tight. Live chat and text messaging provide quick check-ins and support between sessions. These formats make it easier to keep therapy consistent while fitting into family routines and work life.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does this therapist help with?
Matthew works with many family and parenting concerns as well as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and communication problems. He also addresses ADHD, bipolar, trauma and anger among other issues.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses a mix of approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and mindfulness. Sessions often focus on skill building, values, and practical steps to change unhelpful patterns.
What is his professional background?
He has about 11 years of experience working in independent practice and at a nonprofit mental health clinic as a clinician, supervisor, consultant, and trainer. That work exposed him to a wide range of family and behavioral concerns.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with AZ LMFT 15945 and CA LMFT 131725 and is based in Arizona.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available online?
Matthew offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging for remote sessions.
How are fees handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Next step

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