About Me

Welcome to my website. I hope that you will find the information you need as you are making the important decision of choosing a therapist. My name is Dr. Ryan A. Cheperka. I am a licensed psychologist (CA Lic # PSY 25969) in Sacramento, California. I have been practicing therapy since 2007, licensed since 2013, and have a broad range of experience and expertise. I look forward to answering any questions you might have.

Over time, I have provided individual, couples, and group therapy, and am qualified to work with adults with a range of concerns. I focus my practice on working with those who desire in-depth longer term work, allowing for examination of family history, interpersonal relationships, cultural and societal influences, and our unique life experiences/circumstances. Some of these might include past trauma, intersections of identity, development of long-lasting coping skills, understanding difficult emotions (like anxiety), LGBTQIA+ and multi-cultural issues, adjusting to new life situations, professional transitions, relationship issues, and grief/loss.

I value a multifaceted, multilayered approach to my practice and to life that is values-driven and embraces balance and purpose. I value the importance of humanity, nature, and the interconnectness of all things. Outside of the office, I have integrated many things like music, yard work, jogging, reading, yoga, cooking, outdoor activities, and time with my loved ones and dogs as ways to practice meaning and balance for myself. In no way are any of these things done from a lens of perfection, but as a constant practice that ebbs and flows.

Education

I earned my doctorate (Ph.D.) in Counseling Psychology from Southern Illinois University, an American Psychological Association (APA) accredited program. I completed an APA-accredited internship at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Counseling Services and a post-doctoral residency at UC Davis Student Health and Counseling Services.

My pre-licensure graduate training included five years in university counseling centers, two years in a university wellness center doing alcohol and drug counseling, three years doing career counseling, one year in a non-profit community mental health agency, and one year doing wellness coaching for medical health professionals.

Since licensure, I worked in and managed the intensive outpatient program at Sage Anxiety Treatment Program for two years and gained intensive training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Professional Affiliations

Sacramento Valley Psychological Association, Member, Website Chair 2020-2021, Social Media/Marketing Chair, 2017-2021, Newsletter Editor, 2019-2021, President 2018-2019, President-Elect 2017, Events Chair 2017, Diversity Chair 2014-2016

American Psychological Association, Member, Past Membership of Divisions 17 and 44