Licensed Clinical Psychologist in San Diego | virtual therapy in California
Robert Lyons, PhD – OCD & Anxiety, & PTSD Therapist in San Diego
Dr. Robert Lyons is a licensed clinical psychologist in California specializing in OCD, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. He works with adults who feel overwhelmed by persistent anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or trauma-related symptoms, offering structured, evidence-based therapy in San Diego and via telehealth across California.
Evidence-based, in-person therapy in San Diego (Mission Valley)
Hi, I’m Robert Lyons, Ph.D.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California, and I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. I work with adults who often feel like their symptoms are controlling their lives. Many of the people who reach out to me feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and frustrated after trying to cope on their own with little relief.
My goal is to provide effective, research-supported tools that help you meaningfully reduce symptoms and regain a sense of control in your life.
I found my way into the mental health field through research, with a focus on improving treatments for PTSD in military veterans. During my doctoral training, I worked on clinical trials for PTSD and discovered that my most meaningful work was as a therapist. From there, I expanded my training to include effective treatments for anxiety disorders and OCD.
My background in research allows me to stay closely aligned with the most current, evidence-based treatments that we use in our work together.
My Approach
I provide a warm, direct, and goal-oriented approach to therapy.
My work is grounded in evidence-based treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), along with acceptance and mindfulness-based approaches.
These evidence-based frameworks help address unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors while also building your ability to tolerate uncertainty and discomfort in daily life.
I focus on understanding what meaningful, realistic change looks like for you. Together, we identify what is working, what is not, and create a structured path toward your goals using research-supported strategies.
I frequently work with young professionals and middle-aged adults who feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, OCD, or PTSD with little relief. Over time, their world may feel smaller, and they may find themselves disconnected from important parts of their life.
Therapy with me is focused on helping you break out of that cycle, build effective coping strategies, and reconnect with what matters most to you.
Therapy With Me Is…
Structured and goal-oriented, with a clear direction for change
Grounded in evidence-based care (CBT and mindfulness-based approaches)
Focused on practical tools you can apply in your daily life
Collaborative—we work together to identify what is working and what needs to shift
Designed to help you regain control and reconnect with meaningful aspects of your life
Therapy With Me Is Not…
Unstructured or without a clear plan for progress
Just a space to talk without tools for real-life change
A one-size-fits-all or checklist-driven approach
The right fit for non-OCD-related eating disorders, unmanaged bipolar disorder, psychosis, or borderline personality disorder
Designed for those seeking therapy primarily for neurodivergence or severe depression
An honest look at how I work…
Is This the Right Fit?
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Therapy with me has direction. We develop clear goals and use each session with intention, helping you make steady, measurable progress over time.
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I focus on building skills you can use outside of session. Real change happens between sessions, and we work together to apply strategies directly to your life.
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We work as a team. Your experiences and goals guide the process, and we continuously adjust based on what is most helpful for you.
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I aim to be clear and straightforward while still creating a supportive environment. Therapy can be challenging, and I help you engage in that work in a manageable and grounded way.
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While therapy is structured, I also recognize that life does not always fit neatly into a framework. When needed, we make space to process what is coming up in your life while staying aligned with your long-term goals.
Why I Became a Clinical Psychologist
I’m here to help you regain control and move forward.
My path into this work began in research, where I focused on improving treatments for PTSD. Through that work, I saw how effective therapy could be when grounded in strong evidence and delivered in a thoughtful, collaborative way.
Over time, I found that working directly with clients was the most meaningful part of that process. Supporting people as they learn to manage symptoms and reconnect with their lives continues to be the most rewarding part of my work.
Many of the clients I work with feel stuck in cycles of anxiety, OCD, or trauma-related symptoms that keep them from fully engaging in their lives. Even when symptoms temporarily ease, they often return, creating ongoing frustration and discouragement.
My goal is to help you develop the tools and confidence needed to manage these challenges more effectively so you can move forward with greater clarity and stability.
Training & Expertise
Offering in-person therapy in San Diego (Mission Valley) and virtual therapy across California.
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist in California.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist in California. I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology through the San Diego State University / University of California San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology.
I completed my predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowships at UC San Diego / VA San Diego, where I received advanced training in evidence-based treatments for PTSD, anxiety, and OCD.
My background in both research and clinical practice allows me to provide highly specialized, up-to-date care.
What Brings Me Joy —
Outside the Therapy Room
When I am not working, I enjoy running with my dog, Sierra, and roasting coffee. My family and I love to travel, and we regularly camp on the beaches, mountains, and deserts throughout California.
Getting started.
