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MD Portrait of Mark Duarte

Mark Duarte

Compassionate guidance for life transitions

LCSW California

Experience
46 years in practice
Focus areas
LGBT, Trauma and abuse, Anger
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Explore online therapy options

About Mark

Mark Duarte is a licensed clinical social worker in California who brings 46 years of professional experience to clients navigating identity, purpose, and life transitions.

Background and approach

He focuses on supporting people facing anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addiction, stress, relationship and intimacy concerns, grief, sleep and self-esteem problems, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and a range of family and caregiving issues. His practice also addresses abandonment, attachment and family of origin dynamics, domestic violence, codependency, and related challenges.

He combines client-centered listening with practical, skills-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), along with existential reflection when deeper meaning and values are central. His style emphasizes presence, respect, sensitivity, and compassion while collaborating with clients to develop personalized plans for change.

Mark encourages practice of new coping strategies and supports gradual steps toward improved functioning and greater fulfillment. Clients can expect a steady, nonjudgmental partner who honors the courage it takes to seek help and who aims to empower people to resolve dysphoria, reduce personal and social dysfunction, and pursue a more satisfying life.

Approaches for Online Growth and Coping



Mark employs cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering concrete tools for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and mood regulation. He also uses client-centered therapy to create an accepting, empathic space where people can explore identity, purpose, and emotional distress at their own pace. These approaches can be used together to address both practical skill-building and deeper personal exploration.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and he aims to collaborate with each person to determine which methods best match their goals, needs, and preferences. That collaborative planning helps tailor session focus, pacing, and practice between meetings so therapy feels relevant and feasible.

Online formats available include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which provide flexibility for working around schedules, mobility, and geographic constraints within California. These options allow consistent access to licensed professionals and make it easier to integrate therapeutic work into a busy life while maintaining momentum between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What types of concerns does he address?
He works with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, addictions, relationship and family problems, grief, sleep and self-esteem difficulties, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and more.
How would you describe his therapeutic approach and style?
He blends client-centered listening with practical, evidence-informed techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy while also using existential reflection when questions of meaning arise.
What is his professional background?
He has 46 years of professional experience supporting people through identity and life transition issues and focuses on helping clients practice new coping strategies and resolve personal and social dysfunction.
Where is he licensed and practicing?
He is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California and holds the credential CA LCSW 8636.
Does he offer services in other languages or to international clients?
He provides services in English and is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different communication preferences.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are offered via a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

LGBTTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-harmSelf-loveSexualityYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential Therapy

Experience

46+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English