Photo of Chad Dispenza, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Chad Dispenza
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
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Chad Dispenza

Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
5 Endorsed
Monterey, CA 93940
Call Me
Available both in-person and online
Monterey, CA 93940
Let's Connect (831) 480-9995
Photo of Chad Dispenza, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Hi, I'm Chad. I work with ADULTS, COUPLES, and TEENS who feel caught in cycles of stress, anxiety, or life transitions. For adults, this might mean finding balance between career and personal life, or coping with big changes. For couples, I focus on enhancing communication, rebuilding trust, and fostering a deeper connection. And for teens, I address the unique challenges they face, from navigating identity and relationships to managing the pressures of the digital world. I offer "walk-and-talk" outdoor therapy around Monterey and virtual therapy across California. I currently have availability for new clients. Let's chat.
I wasn’t always a therapist—my path here included navigating several careers & life transitions that felt impossible to move thru at times. I know what it’s like to feel stuck, overwhelmed, & disconnected from where you thought you’d be. That’s why I’m passionate about helping people reshape their stories & find renewed clarity in pursuing new paths forward.
One of my specialties is helping people redefine their relationship with technology, especially in a world that never seems to slow down. If the constant 'always-on' feeling has you stressed out, we’ll work together to build healthier habits that bring balance back into your life. See the flyers in my bio for 6-week digital wellness group offerings.
Call or Chad Dispenza now for a free 15 minute consultation - (831) 480-9995

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Monterey, CA 93940

(831) 480-9995

Pebble Beach, CA 93953

My website
Convenient options: early a.m., select afternoons, evenings, and some Saturdays. Outdoor (Monterey) & virtual sessions (all CA) available.
I specialize in Anxiety, Life Transitions and Digital Wellness 
$175 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and groups  
Let's Connect (831) 480-9995
Photo of Chad Dispenza, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Monterey, CA 93940

(831) 480-9995

Pebble Beach, CA 93953

My website
Convenient options: early a.m., select afternoons, evenings, and some Saturdays. Outdoor (Monterey) & virtual sessions (all CA) available.
I specialize in Anxiety, Life Transitions and Digital Wellness 
$175 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals, couples and groups  

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $175
  • Couple Sessions $175
  • Sliding scale: apply if you may be eligible

Insurance

  • Mentaya (superbill service)
  • Use to maximize OON benefits
  • Out of Network
"
I've partnered with Mentaya, a service designed to simplify getting reimbursed for your therapy sessions through your out-of-network benefits. Use the benefits checker on my website, or reach out directly.
Photo of Chad Dispenza, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Chad Dispenza
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (831) 480-9995
"
I've partnered with Mentaya, a service designed to simplify getting reimbursed for your therapy sessions through your out-of-network benefits. Use the benefits checker on my website, or reach out directly.
Photo of Chad Dispenza, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Chad Dispenza
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (831) 480-9995

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Expired Prelicense by State of California / 130919 Supervised by Israel "Rulik" Perla (California / 43965) Chad Dispenza
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 6 years
  • Attended Antioch University - Los Angeles, MA, Clinical Psychology
  • Additional Credentials

  • Certificate from The Digital Wellness Institute Certified Digital Wellness Educator
  • Degree/Diploma from The Center for Applied Imagination, Buffalo State University MS, Creativity and Change Leadership
"
I hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, a Master of Science in Creativity & Change Leadership, and certification as a Digital Wellness Educator. This background enables me to call upon advanced creative problem-solving and digital wellness expertise in our work together as appropriate.
Photo of Chad Dispenza, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Chad Dispenza
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (831) 480-9995
"
I hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, a Master of Science in Creativity & Change Leadership, and certification as a Digital Wellness Educator. This background enables me to call upon advanced creative problem-solving and digital wellness expertise in our work together as appropriate.
Photo of Chad Dispenza, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Chad Dispenza
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (831) 480-9995

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Anxiety
  • Life Transitions
  • Digital Wellness

Expertise

  • Addiction
  • Chronic Illness
  • Chronic Impulsivity
  • Codependency
  • Coping Skills
  • Creativity / Living a More Creative Life
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Family Conflict
  • Grief
  • Internet Addiction
  • Marital and Premarital
  • Men's Issues
  • Parenting
  • Peer Relationships
  • Relationship Issues
  • School Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Stress
  • Weight Loss
"
I work with... ADULTS - COUPLES - TEENS & PRE-TEENS... Issues including: Anxiety, Depression, Burnout, Relationship Distress, Overwhelm, Life Transitions, Self-Esteem & Identity, Navigating Chronic Health Challenges, Technology Addiction. I'm probably best known for working with people who've had unhelpful therapy experiences in the past - or who feel skeptical about trying it in the first place.
Photo of Chad Dispenza, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Chad Dispenza
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (831) 480-9995
"
I work with... ADULTS - COUPLES - TEENS & PRE-TEENS... Issues including: Anxiety, Depression, Burnout, Relationship Distress, Overwhelm, Life Transitions, Self-Esteem & Identity, Navigating Chronic Health Challenges, Technology Addiction. I'm probably best known for working with people who've had unhelpful therapy experiences in the past - or who feel skeptical about trying it in the first place.
Photo of Chad Dispenza, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Chad Dispenza
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (831) 480-9995

5 Endorsements

Amy Snyder
Amy Snyder
Marriage & Family TherapistLMFTMA
Chad Dispenza has a remarkable gift for asking perceptive questions that reveal possibilities clients may not have been aware of. His unique ability to weave humor into his practice strengthens the connection with clients.
Elizabeth Celaya
Elizabeth Celaya
Marriage & Family Therapist AssociateAMFT
Chad has experience working with the impact of technology on people's mental health, and his work is impactful for all of us in this digital age. Chad is a relevant therapist who is blazing trails to walk with us exactly where we are going.
Elena Davydova
Elena Davydova
Pre-Licensed ProfessionalMSWASW
Chad is an extraordinary therapist and colleague whose dedication to his clients and to the field of mental health is both inspiring and unwavering. His deep empathy, thoughtful care, authenticity, and insight create space for true healing and connection.
Janessa Radford
Janessa Radford
Clinical Social Work/TherapistMSWMALCSW
Chad is a gifted therapist whose warmth, authenticity, and deep respect are evident in every interaction. With a calm, grounded presence, he invites thoughtful exploration of the stories and patterns shaping your life, and supports real, lasting change.
John Baker III
John Baker III
Marriage & Family TherapistMALMFT
I wholeheartedly recommend Chad. He is genuine, steady, and deeply attuned. Clients feel seen, grounded, and understood in his care. His presence is warm, thoughtful, and consistent. A trusted colleague who shows up with heart and skill every session.

Client Focus

Age

Teen
Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Group

Communities

Immuno-disorders

Age

Teen
Adults
Elders (65+)

Participants

Individuals
Couples
Group

Communities

Immuno-disorders

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Expressive Arts
  • Family Systems
  • Gestalt
  • Integrative
  • Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
  • Narrative
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Person-Centered
  • Relational
  • Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
"
I take a "practitioner over modality" approach - focusing on a collaborative relationship where we explore the deeper stories, patterns, & experiences that shape - and sometimes limit - your life. Research shows the client-therapist relationship predicts outcomes more than modality (APA Task Force, 2019). Insight, connection, & relationship - not just techniques - drive lasting, meaningful change.
Photo of Chad Dispenza, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Chad Dispenza
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (831) 480-9995
"
I take a "practitioner over modality" approach - focusing on a collaborative relationship where we explore the deeper stories, patterns, & experiences that shape - and sometimes limit - your life. Research shows the client-therapist relationship predicts outcomes more than modality (APA Task Force, 2019). Insight, connection, & relationship - not just techniques - drive lasting, meaningful change.
Photo of Chad Dispenza, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Chad Dispenza
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (831) 480-9995

Groups


Location

Primary Location

Monterey, CA 93940

(831) 480-9995

Additional Location

Pebble Beach, CA 93953

(831) 480-9995
"
Convenient options: early a.m., select afternoons, evenings, and some Saturdays. Outdoor (Monterey) & virtual sessions (all CA) available.
Photo of Chad Dispenza, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Chad Dispenza
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Call for a free consultation now - (831) 480-9995
"
Convenient options: early a.m., select afternoons, evenings, and some Saturdays. Outdoor (Monterey) & virtual sessions (all CA) available.
Photo of Chad Dispenza, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Chad Dispenza
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, MS
Call for a free consultation now - (831) 480-9995