Stephanie Van Houten
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in both California and Nevada as well as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor. For over a decade I have specialized in working with individuals who are suffering from alcohol and drug addiction and the criminal justice/re-entry populations,
My journey to becoming a therapist began with the heartache of seeing so many people I cared about impacted negatively as a result of addiction.
as well as anxiety, depression, trauma and occupational/ social stressors. I am a lifelong learner and always challenge myself to stay on top of the new information being researched in the mental health and substance use disorder fields.
First session
My first priority is to make sure that you feel safe and heard, and that I am here to support and empower you as you begin your journey to positive change. My style is client centered, collaborative and solution focused. You are the expert of your story and I honor that every step of the way. Together, we will complete the intake process and establish goals that are geared to what you would like to work on. I encourage feedback from my clients along the way so we can adjust things as we move forward. We will work closely to identify coping skills, stressors, and concerns. My passion is helping clients find their “aha" moment and heal themselves.
Strengths
My journey to becoming a therapist began with the heartache of seeing so many people I cared about impacted negatively as a result of addiction. I know firsthand how addiction and alcoholism can destroy relationships. Seeing this all around me challenged me to go to school and learn how I could help. School allowed me the space to become well-versed in anxiety, stress, and general mental health concerns. I have worked in many different practice settings, including private practice, inpatient and outpatient programs, community mental health clinics, social model detox, and sober living. During sessions, I will utilize relapse prevention techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused brief therapy, and motivational interviewing to support clients as they fulfill their goals.
Ideal clients
Feeling overwhelmed? Unheard and trying to find your way through life's stressors? I would like to be a part of helping you move forward. My priority is to make sure that you feel safe and heard, and I am here to support and empower you as you begin your journey to positive change. My style is client centered, recovery oriented, trauma informed and solution focused.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is used throughout our therapy sessions as a way to assist clients in understanding how negative thinking can impact emotions and behaviors and how to respond to them in a healthy and more appropriate way.
Motivational Interviewing
I utilize MI as a way to assess and work on readiness to change with a client to move them forward in their journey.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness work can help clients understand and cope with uncomfortable and unhealthy emotions, reduce stress levels, and protect against depression and anxiety.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- CaliforniaLicense 100583
- NevadaLicense 11179-C