CBTTherapistsUSA

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

JJ Portrait of James Johansen

James Johansen

Therapy focused on relationships and resilience

LCSW California

Experience
10 years in practice
Focus areas
LGBT, Relationship, Grief
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with James

About James

James Johansen is a California-licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with a decade of professional experience helping people navigate relationship challenges, grief, intimacy concerns, and anger.

Background and approach

He centers the person’s own expertise about their life and focuses on building on existing strengths to address patterns that feel stuck or painful. James frames therapy as a collaborative process and encourages clients to take the courageous step toward a more satisfying life while he provides practical support and guidance.

His work includes attention to LGBT matters and a wide range of relational and identity-related concerns, along with experience supporting people who face addiction, isolation, communication and control issues, and questions around commitment or non-monogamous arrangements.

James draws from evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-based approaches, client-centered ideas, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy to tailor strategies to each person’s needs. He practices in California and offers services in English.

Approach and Access: Therapy Methods for Online Work

James often integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy when working with clients online. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thought and behavior patterns and developing concrete skills to change them, which can be useful for relationship conflicts, anger, or mood challenges. ACT emphasizes values-based action and learning to live alongside difficult internal experiences rather than trying to eliminate them, which can help with grief, identity concerns, and motivation.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and will be determined collaboratively. The therapist will work with each person to choose techniques that match their goals, life circumstances, and preferences, and can blend methods so sessions feel tailored and practical rather than one-size-fits-all.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for scheduling and communication style. These formats make it possible to maintain continuity of care across different locations and daily routines while allowing therapists and clients to focus on skills, values, and relationship patterns in ways that fit a client’s life.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does James address?
He works with issues including LGBT-related matters, relationship and intimacy difficulties, grief and loss, anger, and related areas such as addiction, communication problems, and self-worth.
What is his general therapeutic style?
James works collaboratively and emphasizes the client as the expert in their own life, using practical, strengths-based strategies to help people move toward goals.
How much clinical experience does he bring?
He has 10 years of professional experience providing mental health support and counseling in California.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
James holds an LCSW credential and practices in California; his license number is CA LCSW 97882.
Does he offer services in languages other than English or accept international clients?
He provides services in English and is not accepting international clients at this time.
Which session formats are available for working together?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps are involved in getting started?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

LGBTRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger management

Additional focus areas

BDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSexuality

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family SystemsSystemic Therapy

Experience

10+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English