Therapist profile
Howard Acosta, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Stress and Addiction
Continue with HowardAbout
- CBT techniques
- Mindfulness tools
- Motivational interviewing
About Howard
Howard Acosta is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with 24 years of experience. He works with adults who are coping with stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, grief, parenting strain, anger, and self-esteem concerns. Sessions also address related areas such as adoption and foster care, fatherhood issues, and challenges linked to aging and end-of-life circumstances.
Howard uses practical, skills-based methods in sessions. He draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice thinking patterns that feed anxiety or low mood. He uses Mindfulness Therapy to teach simple attention and breathing practices that reduce reactivity. Motivational Interviewing supports people who want to change substance use or other habits.
People can expect straightforward conversations about what is happening at home and concrete steps to try between meetings. Howard can help with coping during major life changes and with decisions that affect family roles. He also works with concerns tied to gender identity and LGBT experience, and offers support for veterans and men facing isolation or impulsivity.
Howard emphasizes practical pacing and goal-focused work. He often frames sessions around one or two specific skills or shifts to practice, then reviews progress the following week. That approach can make therapy feel manageable when daily life already feels full.
Sessions are offered in English and Howard welcomes international clients. Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
How sessions work
How Howard uses CBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing online
Howard commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT sessions often include a practical plan for testing new behaviors, tracking mood, and shifting unhelpful thinking patterns over weeks.He also brings Mindfulness Therapy into sessions to teach brief attention and breathing practices. These techniques aim to reduce reactivity and help people respond more calmly to stress at home or work.
Motivational Interviewing is used when someone wants to change a habit such as substance use. That approach focuses on clarifying personal reasons for change and building small, achievable steps forward.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Howard will discuss goals, preferences, and day-to-day demands to decide which methods to use. He makes that choice with the client rather than for them, and adapts as needs evolve.
Session logistics should be confirmed before booking since formats were not specified in the original profile. Many people prefer online sessions because they can fit meetings into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, or choose a shorter check-in when time is tight. Talk with him during the intake about what will best fit routine and comfort.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
24+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he help with?
He works with adults on stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, grief, parenting strain, anger, and self-esteem concerns.
What is his therapeutic style like?
Sessions are practical and skills-focused, often targeting one or two techniques to try between meetings.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 24 years of experience as a clinician in California.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an LCSW licensed in California and practices from that state.
Does he work in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking, as the original profile does not list specific formats.
How much does therapy cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with him?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.