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Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 4 ratings

Albert Nguyen

LCSW, 12 years of experience

Solution oriented
Warm
Authentic
Virtual
Next available on

About me

Hi, I’m Albert. I’m a Licensed Psychotherapist with more than a decade of experience. I help people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or hard on themselves learn to understand their patterns and make choices that align with what matters most. Therapy with me is collaborative and active. We use CBT and mindfulness to work with thoughts, emotions, and habits. We bring in trauma-informed care when relevant. We can also explore meaning, values, and purpose if that fits you. The goal is not a stress-free life. The goal is a life you can stand behind with clarity, courage, and care for yourself and others. You set the direction. I provide structure, tools, and steady accountability. If this resonates, book a first session. We will map what’s not working, define what you want more of, and take one practical step right away.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Our first session is a calm starting point, not a test. You can expect a safe and judgment-free space where you can slow down, breathe, and share what’s been weighing on you. I’ll invite you to talk about what brought you here, what you’ve been carrying, and what you hope to gain from therapy. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Many people come to therapy unsure of where to begin. I’ll guide the conversation with care, asking thoughtful questions to help us understand the patterns, emotions, and experiences that shape your life. This first meeting is about connection and understanding. We’ll explore what matters to you, discuss what’s working and what isn’t, and start to identify small steps toward meaningful change. You’ll also have a chance to ask me anything about the therapy process so that you know what to expect moving forward. My goal is for you to leave feeling seen, understood, and hopeful that growth is possible. Therapy is not about fixing you; it’s about understanding you and helping you live with greater clarity, compassion, finding a sense of peace and alignment with your values.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My greatest strength as a therapist is authenticity. I don’t pretend to have it all figured out. Like everyone else, I’m a work in progress. Doing my own inner work helps me show up with honesty, humility, and full presence for my clients. Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of working with people from many different backgrounds, including CEOs, foster youth, unhoused individuals, and those involved in the justice system. These experiences taught me that while our stories differ, our needs for understanding, belonging, and growth are universal. Because of this, I approach each person with compassion and curiosity rather than judgment. My style blends evidence-based methods with real-world understanding to help you feel seen, supported, and equipped to move forward. What makes my work effective is the balance between professional expertise and genuine connection. I bring both structure and empathy to help you explore difficult truths safely while taking practical steps toward lasting change.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal clients are self-directed, open-minded, and ready to look inward. They use therapy as a space for honest reflection, insight, and personal growth. Many see our sessions as an open journal, a place to think out loud, explore emotions, and better understand themselves. I work best with people who want to strengthen their emotional resilience, manage stress more effectively, and live with greater awareness and authenticity. Together we’ll use practical tools for managing anxiety, anger, or loss while also exploring the deeper layers of meaning behind your experiences. I’m a good fit for those who are curious about their inner world and motivated to grow. You don’t need to have everything figured out; you just need the willingness to show up, share openly, and do the work. Our sessions are not only about coping but about understanding what makes life worth living. I’ll meet you where you are, offering a balance of compassion, insight, and evidence-based guidance to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Specialties

Top specialties

Anger Management
Anxiety
Coping Skills

Other specialties

Child or Adolescent
Men's Issues
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Sexual Abuse
Spirituality
Suicidal Ideation
Trauma and PTSD

I identify as

Asian / Asian American
Buddhist
Man
Person of Color (POC)

Serves ages

Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Drawing from my rich experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I’ve seen firsthand the transformative impact it can have on clients struggling with negative thought patterns. I’m passionate about working together to reshape these thoughts, behaviors, and emotions, facilitating meaningful and lasting change in their lives.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

My practice with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is all about empowering clients to accept their thoughts and feelings with compassion rather than avoidance. I find joy in guiding individuals towards living a life that truly reflects their values, helping them find clarity and purpose amidst life's challenges.

Compassion Focused

I create a supportive and empathetic environment where clients learn to extend kindness to themselves. This approach is particularly close to my heart, as it addresses the critical need for self-compassion in overcoming deep-seated shame and self-criticism.

Trauma Informed Care

My commitment to Trauma-Informed Care stems from a profound understanding of the delicate nature of trauma. I approach every session with gentleness and respect, aiming to provide a safe haven for clients to explore and heal from their traumatic experiences, fostering resilience and a renewed sense of safety.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

I encourage clients to embrace the present moment with openness and curiosity. This technique has been a cornerstone of my approach, helping clients reduce stress and find peace in the here and now, enhancing their overall quality of life.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

California

Accepts

Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - WebTPA
All Savers
Anthem
Blue Cross
AvMed
Blue Shield
Blue Shield (MHSA) Magellan
Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
Cash - $160 per session
Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)
Cigna
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Net (Medi-Cal)
Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal)
CalViva Health (Medi-Cal)
Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)
San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal
Scripps Health Plan
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 4 ratings

1 rating with written reviews

May 2, 2025

Albert was an incredible listener, and most importantly he understood what I was saying and feeling. He helped me understand a very important situation that I have not been able to decipher for years.

Verified client, age 35-44

Review shared after session 1 with Albert