Rob Rutkowski, LMFT
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, California #163932
- M.A. Clinical Psychology, Pepperdine University
- Founder, The Mankind Center, Newport Beach
Robert E. Rutkowski, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist based in Laguna Beach, California, and the founder of The Mankind Center in Newport Beach. His work centers on the pressures that often accompany high achievement — career demands, relationships, identity, major life transitions, substance use, and emotional well-being.
At Higher Purpose Recovery, Rob serves as a Group Facilitator, developing and leading group therapy for clients across the program.
Before becoming a psychotherapist, Robert spent three decades in management consulting and the technology industry, advising CEOs, boards, and managing directors of international software companies on operations, sales, product strategy, and mergers and acquisitions. This background gives him a firsthand understanding of the pressures faced by executives, entrepreneurs, business owners, and other high-performing professionals whose outward success can coexist with personal challenges.
Robert earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Michigan State University, and he completed the Entrepreneurship Essentials program at Harvard Business School. His clinical approach draws from Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodrama, and other evidence-informed methods tailored to each individual.
This combination of clinical training and real-world business experience allows Robert to meet clients with an understanding of both the demands of high performance and the deeply personal challenges that often exist behind it. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California (LMFT #163932).
What Rob Brings to Recovery
Group Therapy Facilitation
High-Achieving Professionals
Narrative Therapy, CBT & Psychodrama
Meet the Team
Meet the dedicated team behind Higher Purpose Recovery! Our experienced professionals are committed to compassionate, quality care. Learn more about us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Higher Purpose Recovery specializes in treating a range of complex mental health challenges, including, low-functioning family systems, mood disorders, thought disorders, neurodivergence, trauma, behavioral challenges, family embedded dysfunction, enmeshment, lack of connection, communication skills, social isolation, failure to thrive, relationships, and life skills.
Many of our clients have felt hopeless and frustrated with traditional methods of dealing with these challenges. Services are often either too overwhelming or unsustainable when reintegrating into daily life, at Higher Purpose Recovery we offer multiple different times for groups & individualized therapy that works around your daily life.
The professionals who provide therapy at Higher Purpose Recovery include a diverse range of psychologists & psychotherapists. Our team ensures that clients receive comprehensive and specialized care based on their individual needs.
Yes, you can reach out to us to verify if your insurance provider covers online therapy services with our licensed therapists. We accept a variety of health insurance providers and work closely with clients to navigate the complexity of coverage.
Higher Purpose Recovery supports long-term care for mental health conditions through our comprehensive and long-term approach. Our aim is to make the transition to healthier mental well-being unnoticeable and help individuals avoid crisis situations rather than simply managing problems. We prioritize family participation in the therapeutic process, recognizing its importance in achieving long-term success.
What sets Higher Purpose Recovery apart from other online therapy providers is our diverse style of licensed clinicians that specialize in mental health care. We offer a multifarious style of mental health groups & individualized therapy for our clients.
A virtual IOP for trauma is an online therapy program that provides structured, trauma-focused care through group and individual sessions.
Yes, trauma therapy can be done virtually using secure video platforms with licensed therapists trained in trauma-informed care.
Yes, many people find virtual trauma treatment just as effective as in-person care, especially with consistent sessions and the right support system.
Anyone struggling with PTSD, complex trauma, or emotional distress who needs flexible, intensive care can benefit from a virtual IOP.
Programs typically last 6–12 weeks, depending on individual needs and progress.
Many insurance plans cover virtual IOPs; we can help verify your coverage during a free consultation. Call Higher Purpose Recovery today at 949-844-3813 and verify your coverage for treatment.
