Works with
How Steven works
Practical facts
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- Pennsylvania
- Years in practice
- 32
- Languages
- English
- Session format
- Online, through our partner platform
About Steven
Steven Lai is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than three decades of practice. He brings practical, goal-focused care to people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, grief, depression, anger, and other concerns. Steven aims to help people feel better and resolve the problems they are coping with.
He earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work from The Hunter School of Social Work in 1990 and is a PA LCSW. Over his career he has worked as a therapist, case manager, clinical supervisor, and mental health clinic director.
Background and approach
That range gives him a broad view of how services fit together and what helps people get steady results. Sessions are straightforward and problem-solving. Steven commonly uses cognitive behavioral techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts and build new habits.
He combines that with a client-centered stance - listening closely and following what matters most to each person. People come to him for many issues including relationship strain, parenting stress, trauma and abuse, sleep or eating troubles, career concerns, self-esteem struggles, and intimacy-related issues. He also addresses prejudice and discrimination and works on building self-love.
Steven describes his work as respectful, nonjudgmental, and attentive. He focuses on setting clear goals and keeping momentum so people can notice change. He welcomes questions and aims to make each session practical and focused on real-life steps.
What Steven works with
Everything Steven lists, in the therapist's own terms. Anger is the reason this directory exists; the rest tells you what usually sits alongside it in Steven's practice.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Grief
- Depression
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Trauma and abuse
- Intimacy-related issues
- Eating disorders
- Sleeping disorders
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Self-love
Approaches Steven lists
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How his approaches translate to online therapy
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the person's lead. The therapist creates space to understand concerns and priorities and supports people as they find their own solutions. This approach is useful when someone wants respect, validation, and a tailored plan.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It uses practical exercises and thought-challenging to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and change unhelpful behaviors. CBT often works well for stress, anger, sleep problems, and depression.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals and preferences, try methods that fit the situation, and adjust over time. The client and therapist decide together which strategies to keep or change.
Online sessions offer flexible ways to work together. Video calls let people meet face to face for structured sessions. Phone sessions may be easier when bandwidth is limited or a shorter check-in is needed. Live chat or text-based messaging can support quick updates, homework review, or more frequent brief contact between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life and maintain steady progress.
Questions people ask about Steven
What concerns does Steven commonly address?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, depression, anger, and related issues such as sleep, eating, parenting, and relationship problems.
What is his therapeutic style like?
He uses a goal-oriented, problem-solving approach with a warm, nonjudgmental manner and listens closely to what matters to each person.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has practiced clinical social work for 32 years and has held roles as a therapist, case manager, clinical supervisor, and clinic director.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from The Hunter School of Social Work and is a PA LCSW based in Pennsylvania.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
He is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can take place by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How are costs and scheduling handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time; to begin, use the Start Therapy button and complete a short matching questionnaire.