Profile / United States
Steven Lai, LCSW
Pennsylvania
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Stress and Anxiety
See online therapy options- Cognitive behavioral work
- Client-centered approach
- Motivational interviewing
About Steven
Steven Lai is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania with 32 years of clinical experience. He focuses on stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating and sleeping problems, parenting, anger, self-esteem, career matters, and bipolar conditions. He also pays attention to issues of prejudice and discrimination and self-love.
He uses a goal-oriented, problem-solving style. Sessions focus on identifying unhelpful thoughts and patterns and trying practical alternatives. He often draws on cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to challenge negative thinking and on client-centered methods to follow the client's concerns.
He trained at the Hunter School of Social Work and earned a Master of Social Work in 1990. His background includes roles as a therapist, case manager, clinical supervisor, and mental health clinic director. Those roles inform how he structures sessions and follows up on progress.
In practice he works in a straightforward, attentive way. Conversations tend to be direct and focused on clear steps clients can try between meetings. He also uses motivational interviewing techniques to support commitment to change and to keep work practical and measurable.
People who prefer concrete tools and a structured plan may find his style fits well. He asks about goals early and adjusts methods to match the problem and the person's preferences. To begin, readers should confirm current session options before booking.
How his CBT and client-centered methods work online
Steven often uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people notice patterns of thinking that keep problems going. CBT focuses on linking thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and trying small experiments to change them; it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep or eating difficulties.He also uses client-centered therapy, which emphasizes listening and following what the client brings up. That approach helps people feel heard and lets the therapist build practical steps based on the client's priorities.
Deciding on an approach is a collaborative process. He will work with each person to choose which methods fit their goals and preferences, and he adjusts the plan as work progresses.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm the available options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. When formats are clarified, he can suggest how to structure sessions so skills practice and motivational work fit into everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
32+ years
Listed in
Pennsylvania
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he address most often?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating and sleeping problems, parenting, anger, self-esteem, career issues, and bipolar conditions. He also focuses on prejudice and discrimination and self-love.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
His approach is goal-oriented and problem-solving. He uses direct, practical techniques to notice and change unhelpful thoughts and habits.
What is his experience and background?
He has 32 years of clinical social work experience and has worked as a therapist, case manager, clinical supervisor, and mental health clinic director.
What credentials and location are on record?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, PA LCSW, practicing in Pennsylvania.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
The biography does not specify session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule 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.