Profile image of Dave Scher

Dave Scher, AMFT, APCC(He/Him/His)

(He/Him/His)
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT
California
Artists' mental health- Couples counseling-Spirituality & religion-Emotion regulation-Mind-body connection-Coping skills-
AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & Fees

Professional statement

Dave Scher is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who specializes in working with couples, teens, families, creatives, musicians, artists, and spiritual seekers. He has a deep passion for supporting individuals and relationships navigating the unique pressures of the expressive life, family lineage patterns, artistic blocks, or profound transitions. Dave works exceptionally well with clients who are highly motivated to dive deep into their personal healing, relational growth, and spiritual self-discovery.

Dave’s therapeutic approach is mindful, intuitive, and deeply person-centered. Rather than relying solely on traditional talk therapy, he integrates a holistic blend of somatic awareness, family lineage exploration, mindfulness, and the therapeutic application of sound healing and energy work. By meeting each individual exactly where they are, he establishes a collaborative, warm, and trusting therapeutic alliance that allows true transformation and positive growth to take root.

His clinical work is informed by a rich and diverse background. In addition to his formal psychological training at Antioch University, Dave brings over three decades of experience as a professional musician, vocalist, and sound healing facilitator. This deep history within the creative community gives him an authentic, first-hand understanding of the unique creative, emotional, and systemic challenges that individuals and families face, allowing him to bridge evidence-based practices with deep, soulful insight.

Based near the ocean in Ventura, California, Dave provides flexible care options to accommodate his clients' needs. He welcomes clients for in-person sessions at his local office and offers secure telehealth sessions for individuals throughout the state of California. He invites prospective clients to reach out for a complimentary 15-minute consultation to explore how they can collaborate on their path to a beautiful, fulfilling life.


Message to clients

Taking the step to begin therapy requires immense courage, and I am truly glad you are here. Whether you are navigating the complexities of a relationship, trying to help your teen find their footing, breaking free from old family lineage patterns, or working through a creative block that keeps your artistic voice quiet, I want you to know that you do not have to carry it alone. I believe that there are as many unique paths to healing as there are people on this earth. My hope for our time together is to create a deeply safe, non-judgmental space where you feel entirely heard, respected, and met exactly where you are.

In our sessions, we will collaborate to build a trusting alliance that honors your whole self—mind, body, and spirit. Because healing is non-linear and takes time, my approach is patient, intuitive, and deeply mindful. We will look beyond traditional talk therapy to weave in somatic awareness, relational growth, and even the restorative power of sound and energy work to help you transform your challenges into profound growth. Please feel free to reach out for a complimentary 15-minute consultation. I look forward to connecting with you, and I wish you health, Love, and happiness on the journey ahead.


Licensure

California: 148056

Languages

English

Specialties

Artists' mental health - Understanding of highly creative minds; goal setting related to the artistic and creative process; support finding meaningful balance in one’s life

Couples counseling - Addressing relationship challenges and life transitions; strengthening communication and feelings of security, desire, connection, and love

Spirituality & religion - Exploring beliefs and practices related to meaning, existence, and spiritual health and healing; enjoying a deeper felt connection with the spiritual dimension of one's life

Emotion regulation - Learning how to effectively manage the ups and downs of intense emotions; developing coping skills to use in a variety of settings to calm oneself and to give an appropriate amount of space to emotions

Mind-body connection - Practicing mindfulness to draw together how the body feels physically and how the mind feels mentally; healing both physically and mentally

Coping skills - Learn practical tools and strategies to manage stress, emotions, and difficult situations in healthier ways.




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Children (<12)
  • Couples
  • Families
  • Parents
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Teenagers (13-18)

Locations & Hours


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Medicare
  • Optum
  • United Healthcare

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions:$150 (55min)
  • Sliding scale:$100 - $150
  • Couples sessions:$175 (55min)
  • Family sessions:$200 (55min)

Additional session information

Therapist's note

"I am dedicated to making deep, transformative therapy accessible. I am in-network with Medicare, as well as Aetna, Cigna, Optum, and United Healthcare commercial plans. For local Ventura County residents, I am also an approved provider for Gold Coast managed care (please note I am not paneled with straight California Medi-Cal). For clients utilizing other out-of-network benefits, I am happy to provide a monthly superbill for your direct reimbursement. I maintain select sliding-scale spots for those navigating financial transitions—feel free to bring up fee scheduling options during our initial 15-minute consultation."


Reach out to Connect

Small steps make a big difference. Start by connecting with Dave Scher today.