Gaetano Vaccaro PhD CSAT

Gaetano Vaccaro, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) with over 30 years of experience providing psychotherapy to individuals and couples. His work is grounded, relational, and integrative—supporting clients in healing emotional patterns, strengthening intimacy, and navigating complex life challenges. Dr. Vaccaro has extensive experience working with issues related to relationships, sexual compulsivity, addiction recovery, trauma, and dual diagnosis concerns. He is the creator of RISC (Relationships, Intimacy, and Sexual Compulsivity), a multi-modal treatment approach addressing substance use, process addictions, and relational patterns. In addition to his private practice in Palm Springs, Dr. Vaccaro has served in senior clinical and leadership roles across respected treatment centers in California, including national clinical advisory and clinical director positions in residential and outpatient programs focused on mental health and addiction treatment. His approach is informed by depth psychology, evidence-based practice, and a background in spiritual psychology, offering clients both practical support and deeper psychological insight.