Matthew Gerenz, MD

Dr. Matthew Gerenz is a Psychiatrist who believes in a comprehensive and collaborative approach to mental wellness. Raised in North Dakota by parents dedicated to careers in mental health, Dr. Gerenz was drawn to the field from an early age. His desire to understand and support those facing emotional challenges naturally evolved into a lifelong commitment to psychiatry.

Dr. Gerenz graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of North Dakota. He went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine from the same institution and completed his psychiatry residency training at the University of California Irvine School of Medicine. During his time at UCI, he also pursued additional training in addiction medicine and psychotherapy, and he continues to advance his education through a fellowship in Integrative & Functional Medicine.

Known for being genuine, curious, and mindful, Dr. Gerenz is deeply committed to building respectful, transparent relationships with his clients. He views the therapeutic alliance as a partnership—one that requires active participation, mutual trust, and shared effort. He takes a thorough and thoughtful approach to both diagnosis and treatment planning, prioritizing informed care without overpromising outcomes.

Dr. Gerenz is especially passionate about psychotherapy and has extensive training in evidence-based modalities. He believes therapy is a tool designed to challenge, support, and ultimately foster growth—even when the process is uncomfortable. Psychodynamic work, in particular, may involve deep emotional exploration that brings meaningful insight and change.

In addition to clinical work, Dr. Gerenz emphasizes the role of physical wellness in mental health. His treatment plans often incorporate integrative recommendations around sleep, movement, nutrition, mindfulness, social connection, and other key lifestyle factors. His goal is to support each client as a whole person, not just as a diagnosis.

What keeps Dr. Gerenz inspired is the privilege of working with people—he finds deep meaning in hearing each client’s story and walking alongside them as they reclaim their quality of life.

Outside of his practice, Dr. Gerenz enjoys an active lifestyle filled with gym workouts, kickboxing, skiing, hiking, swimming, golfing, and playing pickleball. He’s also an acoustic guitar player, a fan of video games and movies, and an enthusiastic angler. Originally a motorcycle and hunting enthusiast, he’s since traded in those hobbies for the California coast but brings the same passion and curiosity to all of his pursuits.