Licensed clinical social worker recordCalifornia
Howard Acosta, LCSW
California
Licensed clinical social worker - Stress and Addictions
Continue with HowardCredentials check
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in California
- LCSW, licence 74837
- NPI
- 1043590953
- Experience
- 24 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- California
These details come from information Howard 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 techniques
- Mindfulness practice
- Motivational interviewing
About Howard
Howard Acosta is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) licensed in California with 24 years of experience. He works with people who face stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, grief, parenting challenges, anger, and self-esteem issues.
Howard focuses on practical help for day-to-day problems. He listens to what is happening now and helps people find steps that fit their life. He uses straightforward methods rather than long lectures or abstract theories.
His background includes work with people from diverse backgrounds, and he has particular experience with LGBT issues, veterans, aging and geriatric concerns, adoption and foster care, and challenges that come with co-morbid conditions. He also helps with substance use and domestic violence related concerns when those are part of someone's situation.
In sessions he draws on cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused work. That means he may help identify unhelpful thinking patterns, introduce simple mindfulness practices to reduce reactivity, use motivational strategies to address addiction, and set clear, achievable goals for change.
Howard emphasizes clear communication and practical planning. He helps people weigh options, try small changes, and track what works. Many clients use him when life changes feel overwhelming and they want concrete next steps.
BHow sessions work
How Howard uses evidence-based approaches online
This work often uses cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing in straightforward ways. CBT involves identifying unhelpful thinking and testing practical changes to behavior, which helps with anxiety, mood problems, and many daily stressors. Motivational interviewing focuses on strengths and readiness, helping people clarify goals and find internal reasons to change, which many find useful for addiction and ambivalence about change.Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, past efforts, and personal preferences, and then suggest one or two methods to try. Adjustments are made as needed so the work stays focused and relevant to what the client wants to accomplish.
Confirm current session options before booking because this profile does not list specific formats. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let people meet from different locations. These practical benefits can help people keep therapy consistent while managing work, family, and other commitments.
CAreas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
24+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
DQuestions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
Howard works with stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, grief, parenting challenges, anger, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. He also focuses on issues like adoption and foster care, aging, veteran concerns, and OCD-related problems.
How would you describe his therapy style?
He uses practical, goal-oriented methods that include cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused work. Sessions emphasize clear steps and skills people can use between meetings.
How much experience does he have?
Howard has 24 years of clinical experience working with adults on a range of mental health and life transition concerns.
Is he licensed and where does he practice?
He is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, licensed in California.
What languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
International clients are accepted; confirm any licensing or regional constraints when scheduling.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the 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