Therapist Howard Acosta Photo

Howard Acosta, LCSW

Stress, Anxiety Addictions LGBTQ+ Parenting issues Anger management
Video Phone Live Chat Messaging

About me

HELLO! Feeling stuck? We live in challenging times and relief doesn't seem fast enough these days. I've been there, I've been counseling 24+ years and I know what works and what works fast. My job as a licensed psychotherapist is to get you in-and-out as soon as possible and to ensure you learn what works by teaching you up-front, rapid, science-based coping methods and strategies that work to quickly move you towards more relaxation, self-control and/or joy as fast as possible. In fact I've written books about it titled "UCoping" and "UCoping: Interactive Edition" available on Amazon. The methods in UCoping are the methods I use in treatment. They CUT TO THE CHASE, without all the PSYCHOBABBLE and instead teach you how to RAPIDLY use science-based coping correctly. Then I teach how to CRYSTALIZE the methods for life in as short of an amount of sessions as possible—usually 2-5 sessions. After then we can triage for transition to long-term therapy if needed! This is how I practice in treatment. It all comes through an active faith, being a licensed therapist and through the academics of clinical psychotherapy.

I treat anxiety, depression, sexual identity distress (not sex addiction) with co-occurring drug/alcohol issues, as applicable. I also treat symptoms of anger management and psychosis (not personality disorders) and provide parenting psychoeducation. I teach clients how to turn evidence-based coping methods into habits for life! I add faith, spiritual and/or religious discussions as needed in a style that is calm, warm and compassionate. I mostly use Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy (CBT), some Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Solution-Focused Treatment (SFT) to name a few. Let's get started working together to get you unstuck fast for life!

Professional experience

24yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety Addictions LGBTQ+ Parenting issues Anger management

Additional areas of focus: Grief, Self esteem, Depression, Coping with life changes, Adoption and foster care, Aging and geriatric issues, Co-morbidity, Domestic violence, Drug and alcohol addiction, Fatherhood issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Men's issues, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Mood disorders, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Sexuality, Smoking / vaping cessation, Social anxiety and phobia

Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy

Services offered

Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging

License information

CA LCSW 74837

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Howard Acosta. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.

He is attentive and understanding

Written on Dec 18, 2024 after therapy with Howard for 1 month on issues concerning addictions, and trauma and abuse

A promising start, he listened well, gave good advice, was very approachable, and I look forward to continuing.

Written on Dec 09, 2024 after therapy with Howard for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, and career difficulties

The therapist i was matched with was Howard Acosta. Im so glad I was. He is knowledgeable and understanding. I don't feel judged talking to him. The more we talk the more I feel comfortable opening up about my past trauma and issues. He is the type that doesn't beat around the bush when it comes to methods to help with my anxiety and depression. He is absolutely amazing and I wouldn't switch therapists for anything. Working with him gives me hope that my future could actually be something I can look forward to.

Written on Dec 04, 2024 after therapy with Howard for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, anger management, and adhd

Howard Acosta is definitely a good therapist by all means. Good listener and objective feedback, such as smart communication and understanding.

Written on Dec 04, 2024 after therapy with Howard for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

Howard is great and easy to talk to. He offers ways to deal with issues.

Written on Nov 23, 2024 after therapy with Howard for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes

Mr. Acosta is very welcoming and understanding. His resources and techniques have assisted my progress.

Written on Nov 15, 2024 after therapy with Howard for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and self esteem