About

EARL DE GUZMAN, MD

I help adults understand and change the unconscious patterns that keep them stuck in unsatisfying relationships and emotional struggles.

Real change doesn’t come from quick fixes or surface-level solutions. It emerges when we dare to explore the hidden parts of ourselves—the unconscious fears, forgotten wounds, and invisible patterns that dictate how we think, feel, and relate to others. My own path—from medical training to psychoanalytic immersion—taught me that symptoms like depression, anxiety, or relational struggles are often echoes of something deeper. They’re not just problems to be “fixed,” but messages to be understood.

This is why I practice psychoanalytic therapy and psychoanalysis: because lasting healing begins when we uncover what lies beneath. In our work together, we’ll collaborate to trace your present struggles to their roots, transforming insight into genuine emotional freedom. Medication may play a role when necessary, but the heart of this work is self-discovery—the kind that rewires old patterns and cultivates enduring strength. The goal isn’t just relief; it’s a life lived with greater clarity, authenticity, and purpose

Hi, I’m Dr. De Guzman.

My path to private practice began with a growing frustration about the state of mental health care. Working as a psychiatrist across various settings—hospitals, clinics, and public, correctional, community and organized healthcare programs—I repeatedly encountered barriers that diverted me from what matters most: building meaningful therapeutic relationships with patients.

Administrative demands, paperwork, and insurance negotiations often overshadow the heart of psychiatric care, with treatment frequently dictated by external factors rather than patients’ genuine needs. The disconnect between system requirements and authentic healing led me to reconsider how I could practice psychiatry with integrity.

I found the standard model of brief medication management visits insufficient for exploring the deeper roots of psychological struggles. This realization inspired me to establish a private practice focused on psychoanalytic therapy and psychoanalysis.

My approach extends beyond symptom management to understanding each person's unique story and helping them rewrite it where needed. I believe mental health care should center on connection and meaning, creating space for genuine therapeutic work to unfold.

Licensure & Certifications

    • Physician and Surgeon - California Medical Board - #A132370

    • Diplomate, Psychiatry - American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc.

    • Diplomate, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry - American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc.

    • Diplomate, Addiction Medicine - American Board of Preventive Medicine

    • Adult Psychoanalytic Training Program (Psychoanalyst-In-Training) - New Center for Psychoanalysis

    • Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Program - The Psychoanalytic Center of California

    • Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry/Psychosomatic Medicine Fellowship - Stanford University School of Medicine

    • Psychiatry Residency - University of Southern California/LAC+USC Medical Center

    • Fellow - American Society of Addiction Medicine

    • Chief Resident, Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service - University of Southern California/LAC+USC Medical Center

    • Outstanding Resident of the Year Award - University of Southern California/LAC+USC Medical Center

    • Resident Research Award - University of Southern California/LAC+USC Medical Center

    • Doctor of Medicine - Ross University School of Medicine

    • Bachelor of Science in Psychology - University of California at Davis

    • American Psychoanalytic Association

    • International Psychoanalytical Association

    • International Society of Transference-Focused Psychotherapy

    • American Academy of Psychodynamic Psychiatry and Psychoanalysis

My Approach

01

Psychotherapy

My primary approach centers on psychotherapy, creating a space where deeper understanding can lead to meaningful transformation. Here, we explore the layers of your inner world—your thoughts, emotions, and past—to uncover what shapes you, fostering growth that resonates beyond surface fixes.

02

Medication

When medication is recommended, it’s always within the context of our ongoing therapeutic work—serving as one component of a comprehensive treatment plan rather than a standalone solution. This integrated approach ensures medication supports, not overshadows, the psychological path we undertake together.

03

Collaboration

I draw on evidence-based practices while maintaining a deeply collaborative stance, honoring your unique experiences. Together, we craft a treatment approach that respects both clinical wisdom and your personal goals for healing, blending rigor with the warmth of a true partnership.

WORK WITH ME

“Putting your real feelings into words—and having them understood, not just heard—changes how you carry your struggles.”

I integrate psychiatric knowledge with contemporary psychodynamic treatment to help you understand and change the unconscious patterns that keep you stuck. As a psychiatrist with advanced training in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and medication management—and as a psychoanalyst-in-training—I guide motivated adults toward lasting change. Whether it’s deeper self-awareness through relational exploration, relief from persistent struggles with integrated care, or stronger connections shaped by unconscious forces, this insight-driven approach empowers you to find authentic fulfillment and resilience.