James Johansen, LCSW

California · 10 years in practice

James Johansen is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on helping people facing relationship strain, grief, identity questions, and intimacy concerns.

License and registration

LCSW, California: 97882 · expires October 2026
NPI: 1669947966 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 10
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check the license with the issuing state board, and the NPI with the national registry.

About James

James Johansen is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on helping people facing relationship strain, grief, identity questions, and intimacy concerns. He works with people who struggle with anger and those navigating aspects of LGBTQ life. James writes simply and aims to make the first steps toward change feel more manageable.

James thinks clients know their own stories best. He uses that starting place to build practical plans that fit each person’s life.

Background and approach

Sessions are conversational and goal-oriented, with room to look at values, meaning, and everyday choices. Over a decade of practice in California has given him experience across a range of issues. He has worked with people dealing with communication breakdown, commitment doubts, jealousy, and isolation.

He also has experience with topics like kink and alternative sex culture, addiction, and military-related challenges. Clinically, James draws on approaches such as Existential Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Attachment-Based work alongside cognitive and client-centered methods. He blends these to suit what a client needs in session, rather than using a single fixed method.

People meet James for honest talk, clear options, and steady support while they try new ways of handling hard moments. He emphasizes small, practical changes that reflect each person’s values and goals.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything James lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

LGBT
Relationship issues
Grief
Intimacy-related issues
Anger management
BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
Commitment issues
Communication problems
Control issues
Drug and alcohol addiction
Family problems
Isolation / loneliness
Jealousy
Life purpose
Men's issues
Midlife crisis
Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
Prejudice and discrimination
Self-love
Sex addiction
Sexual dysfunction
Sexuality

Approaches James names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

Therapeutic approaches and online care

James integrates Existential Therapy with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people explore values, meaning, and choices. Existential work focuses on questions of purpose and freedom and can help when life feels uncertain or stuck. ACT emphasizes taking action in line with personal values while learning to notice difficult thoughts and feelings without letting them drive behavior.

He also uses Attachment-Based Therapy to look at how early bonds affect current relationships and communication. This approach can help people understand patterns of closeness, trust, and conflict and try new ways of relating. James treats choosing an approach as a collaborative process and will work with each person to find the right mix based on goals and preferences.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which make it easier to fit sessions into busy lives. Video is useful for longer, reflective work while phone calls can be a good choice when video isn't convenient. Shorter check-ins or focused topics can be handled by live chat or messaging to keep momentum between longer sessions.

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Questions people ask

What kinds of problems does James focus on?

He helps people with LGBT concerns, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, and anger. He also works with matters like communication problems, jealousy, and life purpose.

What is his therapy style like?

His style is conversational and practical. He combines meaning-focused work with behavior-based strategies to address everyday challenges.

How long has he been practicing?

James has 10 years of professional experience working with a variety of personal and relational concerns in California.

What credentials does he hold and where is he based?

He holds the LCSW credential and practices in California.

Can I work with him if I live outside the United States?

Sessions are offered in English and he does not accept international clients at this time.

What formats are available for sessions?

James offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.

How much do sessions cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule based on therapist availability.

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