Dr. Scott Lovaas, LCSW, CSW - Therapist in Virginia

About Scott

Dr. Scott Lovaas helps with stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns. He also supports people facing career shifts, grief, trauma, addiction, LGBT issues, sleep problems, self-esteem struggles, and compassion fatigue.

He uses straightforward, practical conversation to help clients sort priorities and find next steps. Scott starts by listening closely to understand what matters most to the person in front of him. He describes his style as direct and candid, while staying curious and kind.

Background and approach

Sessions focus on concrete goals and practical coping strategies rather than abstract theory. He brings 30 years of clinical experience to his work and holds the credential LCSW, which is Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and CSW. Those letters reflect long training and practice in social work and counseling.

Scott draws from several therapeutic approaches to fit each person’s needs. He mixes problem-solving tools, relationship-focused techniques, and deeper exploration of life meaning depending on the issue at hand. He frames therapy as a collaborative process where both people work toward clear, manageable changes.

Outside of clinical work he has three advanced degrees in divinity, social work, and media studies, and a wide range of professional experience across many settings. His varied background informs creative ways to approach difficult topics and everyday struggles. He is based in Virginia and offers sessions in English.

Scott welcomes conversation about what someone hopes to change and will talk through practical next steps during the first meetings.

Therapeutic approaches for online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and understanding each person’s experience. The therapist offers empathy and acceptance while helping clients find their own solutions; this approach is useful for stress, self-esteem and life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, feelings and behaviors interact. It provides practical exercises and clear strategies to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and change unhelpful patterns.

Scott will work with each person to decide which approach or combination fits best. That choice is collaborative - he listens to goals and preferences and adapts methods over time as those goals evolve.

Online sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone appointments, live chat, or text-based messaging to match different needs. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, maintain momentum between meetings, and use tools that feel comfortable for the client.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

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.

Existential Therapy

Takes the larger questions seriously: meaning, choice, mortality, responsibility. Suited to periods when the difficulty is less a symptom than a sense that something has to change.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?

Scott works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, relationship and parenting concerns, depression, addictions, grief, trauma, intimacy-related issues, ADHD, and caregiver or geriatric challenges.

What is the therapeutic style and approach?

The approach is practical and client-centered with direct, candid conversation. He blends methods like cognitive behavioral techniques, psychodynamic reflection, and solution-focused tools to suit each person.

How much clinical experience does he have?

He brings 30 years of experience in diverse settings across multiple states, which informs a flexible and creative approach to common life challenges.

What credentials and location are listed?

He holds LCSW and CSW credentials with license details CO LCSW CSW.09923682 and VA LCSW 0904011371, and is located in Virginia.

Are sessions offered in other languages or internationally?

Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

Which session formats are available?

Sessions can be conducted by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.

How is pricing handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin working together?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Career difficulties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 30 years
Licensed: Virginia, Colorado
Languages: English

Next step

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