James Johansen, LCSW

Licensed in California · 10 years in practice

James Johansen is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing relationship strain, grief, questions about intimacy, and anger.

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 any license with the state board and any NPI with the national registry.

About James

James Johansen is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing relationship strain, grief, questions about intimacy, and anger. He speaks plainly and aims to make the first step into therapy feel manageable and understandable. He works from the view that each person knows their life best and brings strengths to change.

Sessions focus on clarifying goals, trying practical ways to respond differently, and building small habits that add up over time.

Background and approach

James encourages steady progress rather than quick fixes. Over a decade of practice in California informs his work with people navigating LGBT issues, midlife concerns, and questions about commitment or non-monogamous relationships. He also supports clients dealing with loneliness, jealousy, and the emotional fallout of loss.

Addiction and control issues are addressed with direct, behavior-focused strategies. James draws on several approaches to shape each session to what the client needs. He uses tools from cognitive behavioral methods to notice thought patterns, and attachment-focused ideas to understand relationship dynamics.

He emphasizes present-focused actions and values to guide longer-term choices. Appointments typically move at the client’s pace. Conversations are practical and grounded, with an eye toward skills people can use between sessions.

James aims to make therapy a place where people can sort priorities, rebuild confidence, and try different ways of relating to themselves and others.

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

Approach and online therapy options

James frequently uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people notice what matters to them and take small steps toward those values, even when emotions are hard to handle. He pairs that with Attachment-Based Therapy ideas that look at how early and current relationship patterns shape safety and closeness in adult partnerships.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. He will talk about different methods and together decide what fits a person’s goals, needs, and preferences. Sessions can shift over time as priorities change or new challenges arise.

Online therapy with him is available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and needs. Video calls allow fuller face-to-face conversation, phone sessions can work when bandwidth is limited, live chat works for brief check-ins, and messaging is useful for ongoing support between longer appointments. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent around work, caregiving, and other life demands.

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Questions people ask

What concerns does James often address?

He helps people with LGBT issues, relationship struggles, grief and intimacy-related questions, as well as anger and related challenges.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

He uses a practical, down-to-earth style that emphasizes clients' strengths and small, achievable changes during and between sessions.

What background does he bring to sessions?

James has about 10 years of professional experience working in California settings where he focused on relationship concerns, loss, and emotional regulation.

What are his credentials and where is he based?

He holds an LCSW credential and practices in California.

Can sessions be done in other languages or internationally?

Sessions are offered in English and he is not taking international clients.

What formats are available for meeting online?

Sessions can be arranged as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

How does pricing work for his 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 him?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

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