Howard Acosta, LCSW - Therapist in California

About Howard

Howard Acosta is a licensed clinical social worker in California with 24 years of experience. He focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, low self-esteem, and major life changes. He uses practical, evidence-based methods to address everyday problems.

Howard communicates clearly and keeps sessions straightforward so parents can follow along easily. Parents often call about struggling with anger, changes after adoption or fostering, or challenges tied to fatherhood issues.

Background and approach

Howard also supports people facing mood disorders, compulsive behaviors, and substance-related problems. He draws on training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to tailor work to each person. In sessions he helps people identify what is getting in the way and then tests small, doable changes.

He teaches simple skills to reduce racing thoughts, manage impulses, and cope with loss. He also works with issues linked to aging, hospice and end-of-life concerns, and co-occurring conditions when they come up. Howard aims for clear goals and step-by-step progress rather than long lists of abstract techniques.

He respects each person's background and identity, including LGBT and gender dysphoria concerns. His practice is practical and oriented toward everyday results that fit family life and schedules. Howard offers sessions in English and accepts international clients.

He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How Howard’s approaches translate to online care

Howard uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot unhelpful thoughts and change behaviors that keep problems going. CBT is hands-on and teaches clear skills to ease anxiety, depression, and compulsive behaviors. Mindfulness Therapy shows simple practices to notice stress and stay present, which can reduce reactivity and support mood regulation.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. He talks with clients about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. Together they test methods and adjust the plan so the work fits the person’s life and the family’s schedule.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to make care more flexible. These formats let people fit sessions around work, school, and parenting duties. The variety also makes it easier to use brief check-ins, practice new skills between sessions, and keep momentum when life gets busy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Mindfulness Therapy

Attention training: noticing thoughts and physical feelings as they arrive without being carried off by them. Much of it is practice you do yourself, so guidance over video or audio works much as it would in person.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Howard focus on?

He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, self-esteem, anger, and coping with life changes among other issues.

What is his style in therapy?

Howard uses clear, practical methods and collaborative goal-setting. Sessions emphasize simple skills and small steps that fit into daily life.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He has 24 years of clinical experience as a licensed practitioner in California.

What credentials and location apply?

He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, CA LCSW 74837, practicing in California.

Which languages are supported and can international clients connect?

Sessions are offered in English and he does accept international clients.

What session formats are available?

Work is offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How are costs handled?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 24 years
Licensed: California
Languages: English

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