PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

HM Portrait of Hiroko Makiyama
Online therapist

Hiroko Makiyama

Practical support for addiction and life stressors

Credentials
LCSW
Experience
10 years
Licensed in
California
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Hiroko

Hiroko Makiyama is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on helping people facing addiction, stress, anxiety, and relationship or family concerns. She speaks English and works from California. She emphasizes practical steps and uses a strengths-based stance so people can build on what already helps them.

Hiroko frames the first step toward change as an act of courage and offers steady support along the way. Her style centers on clear, straightforward conversations.

Background and approach

She listens for what matters most to each person and helps turn those concerns into manageable goals. Sessions often include problem-solving, healthy coping ideas, and attention to relationship and intimacy issues when those come up. Hiroko has ten years of clinical experience as an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - and has significant work with drug and alcohol addiction.

That background informs how she helps people manage cravings, setbacks, and life stressors that make recovery harder. She also addresses workplace and career pressures and burnout known as compassion fatigue. She prefers to meet people where they are and build on their strengths rather than relying on labels.

The focus is on practical change, clearer relationships, and steady progress toward goals you set together. Hiroko supports each client’s pace and choices through direct, compassionate guidance.

Therapeutic techniques and online access

Hiroko uses evidence-based techniques focused on concrete steps and coping skills. One approach emphasizes relapse prevention strategies that help people identify triggers and build workable plans to avoid or manage cravings, which is helpful for drug and alcohol addiction. Another common approach centers on stress and anxiety management with practical tools like breathing and grounding exercises plus problem-focused planning to reduce everyday overwhelm.

Finding the best approach is a collaborative process. The therapist works with each person to identify goals, try techniques, and adjust methods based on what feels most helpful. Together they decide which ways of working fit the client’s needs and preferences.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, or recovery commitments and to use check-ins when something urgent arises. The format supports steady progress while keeping care accessible across different routines and locations.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Hiroko commonly address?
She works with issues such as addictions, stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, intimacy-related issues, self-esteem, career questions, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue.
How would you describe her therapeutic approach?
Her approach is straightforward and strengths-based, focusing on practical steps, problem-solving, and building on what already works for each person.
What is her professional background?
She has ten years of experience as a clinician and practical experience helping people with drug and alcohol addiction.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - with license CA LCSW LCSW26404 and practices from California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Sessions may be conducted by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How do fees and starting therapy work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time; to begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Experience
10 years
Licensed
California
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Hiroko

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point