- 24 years experience
- California LCSW
- Affirming approach
About Howard
Howard Acosta is a licensed clinical social worker with 24 years of practice in California. He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, addiction, depression, grief, and changes in life circumstances. Howard focuses on creating a respectful, affirming space where people can talk honestly about hard things and figure out practical next steps.
Howard approaches each person as an individual. He draws on methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused work to match what feels useful to the person in front of him. Sessions aim to identify patterns, try small changes, and build skills that help day-to-day functioning.
People bring a wide range of issues to Howard. He has experience supporting LGBT individuals, veterans, people facing aging or hospice concerns, and those affected by addiction or domestic violence. He also offers help for parenting stress, fatherhood questions, adoption and foster care matters, and feelings of isolation or low self-esteem.
Howard describes his role as a collaborator rather than an authority. He listens for values and goals, then helps set short-term steps that add up. The work can include skill practice, focused conversation, and checking what works in real life.
For someone feeling overwhelmed or stuck, Howard aims to make therapy straightforward and relevant. He helps people find manageable ways to reduce distress, improve coping, and move toward clearer decision making.
How therapeutic approaches shape online work
Howard often uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help people spot unhelpful thoughts and test small behavior changes that reduce worry or low mood. CBT focuses on practical steps and homework that you can try between sessions.He also draws on mindfulness therapy to build present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity. Mindfulness exercises can help with anxiety, impulsivity, and coping with strong emotions. Motivational interviewing is used when change feels uncertain; it helps people clarify their reasons for change and find their own motivation.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Howard will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before. He aims to blend methods so therapy fits the individual rather than forcing a single model.
The profile does not list specific online session formats, so please confirm the available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let people join from different locations. Licensed professionals, including therapists, adapt exercises, between-session tasks, and discussion so the work remains focused and practical even when not in person.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
24+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Howard commonly address?
Howard works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, parenting strain, anger, self-esteem issues, and coping with life changes. He also focuses on adoption and foster care issues plus areas like aging, veteran concerns, and mood disorders.
How would you describe his therapy style?
He uses a practical and collaborative style that blends cognitive behavioral, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused techniques to set clear steps and test what helps in daily life.
What is his background and experience?
Howard is a licensed clinical social worker with 24 years of clinical experience working with diverse adult populations, including LGBT individuals and veterans, and people facing major life transitions.
What credentials and region are associated with this practice?
Howard holds a California LCSW credential and practices in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and the practice accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original profile does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options with the platform before booking.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Howard?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.