Steven Smith, LMFT
Therapist in California
Steven Smith is a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in California.
- License 124809 · California Expires March 2027
- NPI 1528439957 · national registry
- Experience and languages 10+ years in practice English
Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check any license with the state board and any NPI with the national registry.
About Steven
Steven Smith is a licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in California. He helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, trauma, mood disorders, addiction, and questions around identity and intimacy. Steven listens and works with each person to set clear, achievable goals rather than imposing one plan on everyone.
He favors a collaborative, person-focused style. Sessions begin with understanding what matters most to the client. From there he and the client build small, practical steps to reduce distress and improve communication.
Background and approach
Steven emphasizes straightforward talk and practical strategies over jargon. Steven draws on client-centered and existential approaches to help people clarify values and make choices that reflect who they want to be. He also uses elements of mindfulness to help manage anxiety and Motivational Interviewing to support change when addiction or ambivalence are present.
The Gottman Method informs his work with couples and communication patterns. Over a decade in practice, he has supported people through grief, parenting stress, sexual identity questions, and complex trauma symptoms. His experience includes working with mood disorders such as bipolar and depression, ADHD, and co-occurring substance concerns.
He aims to help clients feel less overwhelmed and more in control of daily life. People can expect a calm, respectful space where their goals shape the work. Steven helps clients track small wins and adjust plans as life changes.
He encourages steady progress and realistic steps toward better relationships and emotional balance.
Credentials
- LMFT (California)
- License 124809 · expires March 2027
- NPI
- 1528439957 · national provider identifier
Both are public records. A state board register will confirm a license and its standing, and the national registry will confirm an NPI. This directory copies what the therapist lists and checks neither.
Focus areas and approaches
Everything Steven lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Addictions
- LGBT
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Coping with life changes
- Compassion fatigue
- ADHD
- Avoidant personality
- BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
- Blended family issues
- Co-morbidity
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
- Dissociation
- Divorce and separation
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Gender dysphoria
- Guilt and shame
- Impulsivity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Mood disorders
- Multicultural concerns
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Phobias
- Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
- Post-traumatic stress
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Sex addiction
- Sexual assault and abuse
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Trichotillomania
Approaches Steven names
- Gottman Method
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Existential Therapy
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
- Internal Family Systems
These are the approaches Steven names on their own professional profile. Naming an approach is not evidence of training or certification in it, and this directory checks no training records. Ask directly if it matters to you.
Online support
How therapeutic approaches translate to online care
Steven often uses the Gottman Method to help partners notice interaction patterns and learn specific communication habits that reduce conflict and increase connection. That approach is useful for couples or partners who want concrete tools for handling arguments and rebuilding trust.He also draws on client-centered work which focuses on listening and following the client's priorities. This approach helps people clarify values and decide on goals that matter to them. Existential therapy is used to support people dealing with big life questions and choices, helping them find personal meaning and direction when facing life changes.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapy journey. Steven works collaboratively to choose methods that fit a client's goals, preferences, and needs. He checks in regularly to adapt the plan if something does not feel helpful.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls are used for in-depth sessions that benefit from face-to-face interaction. Phone sessions can be a good option when bandwidth is limited or someone prefers not to use video. Live chat and text-based messaging work well for brief check-ins, homework support, or when a shorter touchpoint fits into a busy day.
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Frequently asked
What issues does Steven commonly address?
He supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma and abuse, addiction, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting strain, grief, ADHD, and gender identity concerns.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses a collaborative, person-centered style that focuses on listening, setting client-led goals, and taking practical steps. Sessions emphasize honest conversation and skills that can be used between appointments.
What experience does he bring to therapy?
Steven has ten years of clinical experience working with a range of concerns including mood disorders, trauma, addiction, and relationship difficulties.
What are his credentials and where is he located?
He holds the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist credential, listed as CA LMFT, and practices in California.
Can I work with him in another language or from another country?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats are available for meetings?
He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are billed through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin therapy with him?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session based on the therapist's availability.
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