I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in 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, 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.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

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.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest 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.

About Stephanie Van Houten