- 24 years experience
- LCSW in California
- Skills focused care
About Howard
Howard Acosta is a California-based licensed clinical social worker with 24 years of practice. He works with men and others facing stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, and big life changes. He uses a direct, respectful style and aims to make sessions practical and focused on what matters now.
Howard begins by listening to each person's story and priorities. He helps people set clear goals and break them into small steps. Sessions commonly include skill practice, short problem-solving tasks, and checking what worked between meetings.
His background includes long experience supporting LGBTQ+ people, veterans, and older adults. He also has focused work around parenting concerns, fatherhood issues, adoption and foster care, and end-of-life and hospice-related challenges. That range informs a flexible approach that fits different life stages and situations.
Howard draws on several structured methods to guide sessions. He emphasizes practical tools from cognitive behavioral work, mindfulness practices to manage tension, and motivational interviewing to support change. He pairs these with solution-focused tasks to keep progress visible and steady.
Meetings are collaborative and paced to each person. Howard aims to create an affirming atmosphere where clients can talk through grief, anger, addiction, or feelings of isolation without judgment. People who want clear steps and a skills-based, compassionate therapist often find his approach useful.
Approaches that guide online therapy
Howard uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help people notice and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT often involves brief experiments and skills to reduce anxiety or depressive symptoms and to manage compulsive urges.He also uses mindfulness therapy to teach simple attention and breathing practices that reduce reactivity and improve focus. Mindfulness can help with stress, anger, and urges linked to addiction.
Finding the right method is part of the work. Howard will talk with each person about goals, what has helped before, and practical preferences, then try approaches together to see what fits. That process is collaborative and adjusted as progress is tracked.
Confirm which session formats are offered before booking, as the profile does not list specific options. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around work or family schedules, shorten travel time, and allow check-ins from different locations. Some formats also let people choose shorter phone check-ins or video work when deeper connection is helpful. Discuss format preferences during the matching step to find the best practical fit.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
24+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he help with?
Howard works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, anger, self-esteem, and coping with life changes. He also focuses on men's issues, parenting and fatherhood concerns, LGBT matters, and related areas listed in his profile.
How would you describe his therapy style?
He uses a practical, goal-oriented style. Sessions combine skill practice, short problem-solving tasks, and collaborative goal setting to make steady progress.
What is his clinical background?
Howard brings 24 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker. His work has included supporting LGBTQ+ people, veterans, older adults, and those facing major life transitions.
Where is he licensed and based?
He is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California and practices from that state.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He does accept international clients. Confirm time zones and scheduling when you book to ensure sessions fit both schedules.
How are fees handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Confirm pricing details when you begin the matching process.
What are the first steps to start therapy?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability. The questionnaire helps match your needs and preferences before scheduling.