Work with Dr. Ettensohn & Associates

Psychotherapy and assessment for narcissism, identity development, and complex trauma

Dr. Ettensohn is licensed to provide psychotherapy in multiple U.S. states, including California (where his primary practice is based), and offers services in accordance with applicable laws in each jurisdiction.

He also conducts time-limited consultations across most U.S. states and select international locations, depending on local regulations.

Psychological assessments are available in jurisdictions where Dr. Ettensohn is licensed and may also be offered in other areas on a case-by-case basis, subject to local requirements.

Associates within the practice are currently authorized to provide psychotherapy to individuals located in California. If you have questions about service availability in your region, please contact the practice to inquire.

Clinical and Consultation Services

All clinical services are provided online using secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing software that works on any desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone

  • Dr. Ettensohn is one of the few specialists in treating narcissistic issues. He and his supervised associates approach the work with unique compassion and sensitivity.

    Many believe that narcissism is not treatable, but this is due to outdated approaches and problematic ways of defining narcissism. The majority of individuals who voluntarily seek treatment for narcissism fall into a category that responds well to treatment. This category is called Vulnerable Narcissism and it is often mistaken for other disorders like depression, social anxiety, and even bipolar disorder.

  • Group psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for pathological narcissism and NPD. The format helps to foster support, normalize experiences, reduce shame, and increase accountability.

    Group meetings are held online using secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth software.

  • Dr. Ettensohn and his associates offer diagnostic services to individuals seeking to clarify or confirm the presence of pathological narcissism or Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

    • The diagnostic process usually takes and average of 8 sessions

    • It consists of a formal Clinical Diagnostic Interview (CDI) and completion of supplemental assessment instruments.

    • A comprehensive personality profile is generated using an empirically-based procedure.

    • A written report is provided upon request.

    • The process concludes with a feedback session to discuss results and next steps.

  • Dr. Ettensohn and his associates provide psychotherapy that results in lasting change and personal growth.

    In addition to complex personality-based issues, Dr. Ettensohn has experience and training to successfully treat a wide range of clinical issues and concerns, including emotional conflict, self-defeating behaviors, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, alienation, and difficulties with trust.

    Treatment emphasizes accessing and experiencing authentic feelings, identifying and changing old relationship patterns, and learning to live more consciously.

  • Parents, adult children, relatives, bosses, co-workers, co-parents, or spouses of narcissistic individuals often need help navigating these difficult relationships.

    Dr. Ettensohn and associates provide consultation services to help clarify expectations and think productively about how to move forward.

  • Most clinicians are trained using the DSM-5 to conceptualize narcissism. However, the DSM-5 model is deeply problematic. Not only do most narcissists who match the DSM-5 criteria never seek treatment, NPD as defined in the DSM-5 is exceedingly rare.

    The majority of clinical and subclinical narcissistic individuals have depressive and anxious symptom presentations. There may be features that look more like BPD or Bipolar-II Disorder.

    Dr. Ettensohn provides clinical case consultation services to clarify case conceptualization and guide treatment.

  • Dr. Ettensohn available for speaking engagements and trainings.

    He is passionate about educating the public and clinical community concerning diagnostic and treatment issues surrounding pathological narcissism.

    Recent presentations include:

    • 2022-2023 Series of clinical training sessions at Vantage Point Center for Psychotherapy

    • 2021 Presentation disconfirming myths about narcissism at the California Northstate University College of Psychology

    • 2019 Western Psychological Association Conference in Pasadena, CA on diagnostic issues surrounding narcissism

    • 2018 Sacramento Valley Psychological Association Annual Conference on the relationship between narcissism and suicide

  • You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost.

    Under the law, health care providers must make an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services, available to patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an

    You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services, including psychotherapy services.

    You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service.

    If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

    For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.