Stephen Young
Stephen Young
Welcome. I’m Stephen Young, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and families heal, grow, and thrive. My practice is rooted in culturally responsive, trauma-informed care, with a special focus on supporting Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)—especially Black male youth and men—who are navigating trauma, life transitions, and systemic challenges. I offer individual, couples, and family therapy in a safe, affirming space where your story matters. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, grief, identity exploration, or relationship challenges, I’m here to walk alongside you with compassion, insight, and evidence-based support. My background includes leadership in school-based mental health, community organizing, and educational equity. I currently serve as Coordinator of Mental Health and Wellness for Sacramento County schools, and I’m pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Leadership to deepen my impact. I believe healing is possible—and that therapy can be a powerful tool for reclaiming your voice, building resilience, and creating meaningful change.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
I take a relaxed, open, and client-led approach to therapy. In our first session together, we’ll begin with brief introductions and then gently explore the specific challenges you’re facing. I ask open-ended questions and listen deeply to understand what’s most important to you. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out—sometimes it takes a few sessions to uncover what’s really going on beneath the surface, and that’s perfectly okay. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you can feel comfortable being yourself. I honor your pace and your process. Whether you’re ready to dive in or just beginning to explore what’s bringing you to therapy, I’ll meet you where you are.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What truly sets me apart is my ability to blend clinical skill with authenticity, cultural humility, and a deep belief in people’s capacity to grow. I help clients not only manage their challenges but also reconnect with their purpose, power, and potential. What makes me unique is the intersection of my lived experience, professional expertise, and unwavering commitment to equity and healing. My approach is laid-back, relational, and client-led. I don’t rush the process—I listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, and walk alongside my clients at their own pace.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Do you lie awake at night with thoughts that won’t quiet down? Are overwhelming emotions or racing thoughts affecting your relationships or professional life? Do you feel the pressure to constantly overperform, leaving you drained and disconnected? Have you found yourself neglecting the people you love—your partner, children, or close friends—because you’re simply trying to hold it all together? You may be carrying the weight of generational trauma, systemic injustice, personal loss, or relationship challenges. You might be struggling with work-life imbalance or trying to make sense of your mood, thoughts, or emotions. If any of this resonates, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate it alone. I believe everyone deserves a safe, affirming space to be heard, understood, and supported. Therapy can be that space—a place to reconnect with your most authentic self, restore balance, and begin a journey of healing, growth, and transformation.
About Stephen Young
I identify as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
As a Black male therapist, I offer a space where your culture, identity, and lived experiences are respected and understood. I recognize how racism, discrimination, and generational trauma can affect mental health, and I tailor therapy to honor your unique story. My approach is rooted in trust, cultural awareness, and a commitment to your healing and growth.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
We will work together to understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. By identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and learning new ways to respond, you can build healthier habits and feel more in control.
Psychodynamic
We explore past experiences which may shape your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors today. By bringing unconscious patterns to light, we can better understand the root of emotional struggles and relationship challenges. This deeper insight creates space for healing, self-awareness, and lasting change.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
My focus will be to create a warm, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard and accepted. I see you as the expert on your own life, and my role is to support your growth by offering empathy, respect, and genuine connection. This approach helps you build self-trust, deepen self-understanding, and move toward the changes that feel right for you.
Christian Counseling
This approach integrates faith and psychological support to help you navigate life’s challenges through a spiritual lens. Together, we explore emotional, relational, and spiritual concerns while drawing on biblical principles, prayer, and God’s guidance. This approach supports healing and growth by strengthening your connection to God, yourself, and others.