Licensed clinical social worker recordCalifornia
Daniel Smolen, LCSW
California
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Stress and Relationships
Continue with DanielCredentials check
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in California
- LCSW, licence 20178
- NPI
- 1861761801
- Experience
- 30 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- California
These details come from information Daniel supplied to BetterHelp. A licence can be checked with the social work board of the state that issued it, and an NPI with the national registry.
AAbout
- CBT methods
- Mindfulness practice
- Parenting support
About Daniel
Daniel Smolen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California with 30 years of professional experience. He works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, family and parenting challenges, anger, LGBT concerns, trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and depression.
He keeps sessions straightforward and focused on real-life problems. He helps people talk through communication problems, caregiver stress, blended family issues, and young adult transitions. He also addresses specific concerns like post-traumatic stress, self-harm, social anxiety, and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder when relevant.
Daniel uses clear, evidence-based methods. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people spot unhelpful thoughts and change behaviors that get in the way. Mindfulness Therapy offers practical ways to manage intense feelings and stay grounded in the moment.
In sessions he treats clients as the main resource for change. He works collaboratively to identify small, workable steps. Conversations focus on what can be tried between meetings and how to handle setbacks.
People who come for help can expect direct problem-solving alongside skill-building. Daniel pays attention to daily routines, family roles, and the stressors that affect work and home life. He will also help you plan next steps and practical strategies to improve communication and reduce overwhelm.
BHow sessions work
How Daniel uses CBT and Mindfulness for online care
CBT, or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, helps people notice patterns of thinking that increase stress or anxiety. It breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions, and focuses on practical exercises to change unhelpful habits. This approach can help with anxiety, depression, communication problems, and managing mood.Mindfulness Therapy trains attention and awareness of the present moment. It uses simple breathing and attention practices to reduce reactivity and improve emotion regulation. This method is often useful for anger, trauma symptoms, social anxiety, and managing everyday stress.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Daniel will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences. That decision is reviewed as progress is made and circumstances change.
The site listing does not specify which session formats he currently offers, so please confirm available options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, shorten travel time, and allow shorter check-ins during a work day. Many people find remote sessions help maintain consistency while working on skills between meetings.
CAreas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
DQuestions
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship and family challenges, parenting, anger, LGBT issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, and depression.
How would you describe his therapy style?
He offers practical, goal-focused sessions that combine problem-solving with skills practice. Sessions emphasize steps to try between meetings.
How much experience does he have?
He has 30 years of professional experience in social work and clinical practice.
Is he licensed and where does he practice?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and what do they cost?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to start?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, call 911, or call or text 988. More crisis numbers