Profile / United States
Howard Acosta, LCSW
California
LCSW in California - Stress and Addiction focus
See online therapy options- CBT methods
- Mindfulness practice
- Motivational interviewing
About Howard
Howard Acosta is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 24 years of practice. He focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, self esteem, depression, parenting concerns, and coping with life changes. Howard also works with people navigating LGBT issues and other related challenges.
He uses straightforward, skills-based methods to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and habits. Sessions often practice new ways of responding to stress and strong emotions. He draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside mindfulness and motivational strategies to support change.
Howard has long experience helping people facing complex situations. That includes issues connected to adoption and foster care, aging and geriatric concerns, substance use, domestic violence, veteran and armed forces issues, and mood or obsessive-compulsive concerns. He also addresses fatherhood issues, gender dysphoria, and end-of-life and hospice-related stress.
In conversation he leans toward concrete steps and small experiments. Clients work on clear, manageable goals and track what does or does not help. Sessions can include brief skills practice, structured problem-solving, and checking progress between meetings.
People choose him when they want practical tools to change thoughts, behaviors, and routines. He speaks English and accepts international clients. To begin, prospective clients use the platform matching questionnaire and schedule an initial session.
How his approaches translate to online sessions
Howard commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot and test unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT sessions often focus on specific problems, step-by-step exercises, and homework that can be discussed in a follow-up meeting.He also uses Mindfulness Therapy to teach simple attention and breathing skills that help reduce reactivity. Mindfulness can be practiced briefly between sessions and reviewed together. Motivational Interviewing helps people clarify what matters most and build motivation for change through short, goal-focused conversations.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Howard will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as progress is tracked.
The original biography does not specify which online session formats are offered, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow short check-ins when needed, and let people practice skills in everyday settings. These practical benefits often help therapy stay integrated into daily life without requiring major scheduling changes.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
24+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with most often?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, grief, anger, self esteem and coping with life changes, plus LGBT-related concerns and parenting challenges.
How does he generally approach therapy?
He uses practical, skills-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness to identify unhelpful thoughts and try different responses.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 24 years of experience as a clinician working with a range of mental health and life transition issues.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English, and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are costs handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.