PuttingFamilyFirst

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

SE Portrait of Steven Emerson
Online therapist

Steven Emerson

Supportive family-focused therapist

Credentials
LCSW
Experience
9 years
Licensed in
New York
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Steven

Steven Emerson is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in New York with nine years of practice. He focuses on common parenting and family concerns such as stress, anxiety, parenting, relationship strain, and coping with life changes. He also supports people dealing with grief, depression, addiction, and LGBT-related issues.

He aims to make the first steps feel manageable and affirms the courage it takes to begin. He keeps the space straightforward and nonjudgmental.

Background and approach

Conversations focus on what matters most to the client. He listens first, then helps people set small, workable goals. Sessions move at a practical pace so parents can apply ideas between meetings.

Steven uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy, which looks at how thoughts affect feelings and behavior. He also draws on client-centered methods that prioritize the person’s experience. Motivational interviewing is used when someone needs help finding their own reasons to change.

For people facing trauma or intense stress, he can use trauma-focused techniques to address symptoms in a stepwise way. He offers solution-focused strategies when the priority is quick, practical change. The mix depends on a person’s needs and goals.

Sessions are offered in English and delivered online through video, phone, chat, or text. Steven describes therapy as a collaborative process and works with each person to find what fits. To begin, he asks clients to complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule sessions according to availability.

Approaches Steven Uses and How They Fit Online

Client-centered therapy puts the person’s experience at the center. The therapist listens closely and follows the client’s lead, helping them name and make sense of what matters most. This approach works well for people who need a supportive space to talk through parenting and life stresses.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, focuses on practical steps. It helps identify unhelpful thoughts and test new ways of thinking and acting. CBT is useful for anxiety, stress, low mood, and problems that respond to clear, skills-based work.

Finding the best approach is a team effort. Steven will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. He often blends methods so the work matches the situation rather than sticking to a single label.

Online therapy offers flexibility for busy schedules. Video calls let people keep visual contact while staying home, phone sessions fit tight days, and live chat or text messaging can work for quick check-ins or ongoing support. These options make it easier to use therapy consistently and try strategies between sessions.

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.

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 he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, parenting challenges, relationship strain, grief, depression, addiction, LGBT-related issues, and several related topics such as body image and fatherhood issues.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He keeps sessions straightforward and nonjudgmental, listening first and then helping clients set small, practical goals they can try between meetings.
What is his professional background?
He is a licensed clinical social worker with nine years of experience working in mental health settings and community-focused care.
Where is he licensed and practicing?
He is licensed in New York as an LCSW, license number NY LCSW 091304, and lists New York as his location.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are offered?
He provides online video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.
How are fees handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start a therapy relationship?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist's availability.

Next step

Talk to Steven

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