- Strengths-based
- Goal oriented
- Trauma informed
About Stephanie
Stephanie Howard is a licensed clinical social worker with 17 years of experience practicing in California. She draws on approachable, goal-focused methods to help people who feel overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, grief, or big life changes. Her style is direct and respectful, and she aims to make the first steps toward change feel manageable.
Stephanie earned her master’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley and has worked in inpatient and outpatient mental health settings. She has also provided care in schools, community clinics, and nonprofit programs. Those varied roles shaped a practical approach to everyday problems.
She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy alongside Client-Centered and Solution-Focused ideas. In practice that means examining unhelpful thinking patterns, looking at how past experiences affect current feelings, and focusing on small, doable steps forward. Trauma-focused tools are used when past hurts are part of the picture.
Stephanie helps people talk through relationship strain, parenting concerns, adoption and foster care related questions, and workplace stress. She also supports those managing depression, bipolar symptoms, substance concerns, ADHD, and compassion fatigue. Her approach centers on each person’s strengths and goals rather than a one-size-fits-all plan.
Conversations in her sessions are tailored to the person in front of her. Stephanie emphasizes clear, practical goals and partners with clients to build skills they can use between sessions. She aims to create an atmosphere of sensitivity and steady support so people can try new ways of coping.
How her approaches work in online therapy
Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes the client’s own goals and perspective. In practice this means the therapist listens carefully, follows what matters most to the person, and shapes sessions around their priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress by teaching practical skills people can practice between sessions.Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss different options and recommend what fits your needs, goals, and preferences. That decision is collaborative and may shift as therapy progresses.
If you are considering online care, confirm the current session options before booking so you know which formats are offered. Many people choose remote sessions because they can fit appointments into a busy day or reduce travel time. Online sessions also make it easier to check in during a work break, use shorter focused visits, or avoid camera use when needed. Licensed professionals can adapt these approaches to remote conversations and assign practical exercises to practice between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
17+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she commonly address?
She helps people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and relationship strain. Her work also covers parenting issues, adoption and foster care related concerns, and workplace problems.
What is her general therapy style?
Her style blends Client-Centered care with practical techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and psychodynamic ideas. Sessions focus on clear goals, exploring patterns, and building everyday coping skills.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Stephanie has 17 years of professional experience across inpatient and outpatient mental health, schools, and community clinics. That background informs a practical, flexible approach to treatment.
What credential and location are listed for the therapist?
She is an LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - practicing in California.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with clients outside the United States?
International clients are not currently accepted; therapy is provided to clients within the stated region.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.