The Mental Health Training Program (MHTP) is thrilled to spotlight long-time supervisor in the South Sacramento/Elk Grove region, Marc Becker, Psy.D. (he/him), nominated by training director Jarrett Takayama, Psy.D. (he/him). Dr. Becker began his Kaiser Permanente journey in 2002 as a postdoctoral resident at KP Martinez. He was then hired in South Sacramento and has been supervising postdoctoral residents and psych associates in Elk Grove since 2008. Dr. Becker feels very fortunate and humble to be able to supervise, and relays that it is his favorite part of his job. Having had amazing supervisors himself, he sees supervising as an opportunity to give back. Dr. Becker also appreciates that supervising holds him accountable to stay up to date on the latest research and provides ongoing opportunities to learn from his trainees. He values the “real reciprocity” aspect of supervision and views the vulnerability on both sides as special. Many former supervisees of Dr. Beckers are now colleagues; seeing the growth and career trajectories of folks he has supervised is immensely gratifying. In fact, Dr. Becker relays that his whole team has been through the training program, which is a testament to how special the program is in Elk Grove—no one wants to leave!
Dr. Becker states he “fell into” the mental health field. He was initially pre-med but realized the portion of medicine that appealed most to him was helping people. He took some psychology courses and loved it right away, so made the decision to change his major. His passion about what he was learning in his courses combined with his own therapy experiences inspired him to pursue the highest degree in the field and devote his career to helping others.
Anyone who has the chance to talk with Dr. Becker will remark on his sense of humor. He incorporates humor into his interactions with his colleagues, trainees, and even patients. He acknowledges that it is a fine line to balance in sessions as he always wants to be validating, but Dr. Becker has realized the power a well-timed good laugh can have on rapport and change. If he were to offer advice to his early career self, he would encourage appropriate humor, not rushing through things, and just listening. Therapy does not always have to be super intense, and balance is key. Sage advice!
In his free time, Dr. Becker enjoys fantasy football, going to Sacramento Kings games, skiing with his son, being outdoors with his family, traveling, and trying new restaurants. He emphasizes the importance of work-life balance in order to be the best therapist possible and does his best to model this to his supervisees.
Throughout his interview, Dr. Becker emphasized how special the Elk Grove training program is. He is excited about possibilities for future growth and looks forward to continuing to be involved. Dr. Becker’s knowledge and experience will certainly continue to be called upon; his nominator Dr. Takayama states, “Marc has been a pillar in the South Sacramento training program… He is approachable, intelligent, and balances humor and professionalism to manage even the most challenging dynamics. He is a great colleague and team player, supporting trainees as a formal/informal mentor even after they have completed the program.” On behalf of the Northern California MHTP, we are so grateful to have supervisors in our program like you, Dr. Becker! Thank you for the years of wisdom you have passed along to our community.
Contributed by Micaela Birt, PsyD
