Scott Underwood, LCSW

Scott Underwood is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 23 years of experience in mental health care. He began his career in the military as a Behavioral Science Specialist and has since worked in community mental health, psychiatric hospitals, private practice, and with active duty service members. Scott offers straightforward, experienced guidance for people navigating stress, anxiety, trauma, depression, and life changes.

He emphasizes practical problem solving and clear goals. Sessions can focus on skill-building for anger management, sleep and eating issues, or improving self-esteem and relationships. Scott also supports people dealing with grief, career strain, bipolar mood challenges, and panic or phobic symptoms.

Scott uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and trauma-focused methods when they fit a person’s needs. He aims to keep counseling approachable and not overly formal. He believes that appropriate humor and a relaxed tone can help reduce tension and make progress easier.

New clients are encouraged to come with an idea of what they want from therapy, whether that is a short focused series of sessions, assessment and recommendations, or longer-term work. He adapts his approach if goals change and will meet people where they are in the process.

Scott offers sessions in English and sees people in California as well as international clients via online formats. He works with a range of concerns from everyday stress to complex trauma and strives to create a collaborative, goal-oriented experience.

Using CBT and Trauma-Focused Methods Online

Scott commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and practice different behaviors; this approach is often used for anxiety, depression, panic, and phobias. He also uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, which is a trauma-focused method that can help reduce the intensity of distressing memories by combining guided processing with bilateral stimulation. Trauma-Focused Therapy in his work means he pays attention to how past events affect current functioning and tailors strategies to address those impacts.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Scott will talk with each person about their goals, symptoms, and preferences, then suggest methods that fit. If the plan needs to change, he will adjust techniques and pacing so clients feel the work matches what they want to accomplish.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video calls work well for longer, interactive sessions and skill practice. Phone sessions can be easier when lower bandwidth or hands-free conversation is needed. Live chat or messaging can serve for brief check-ins, coaching, or when someone prefers written communication. These options make it possible to schedule therapy around work, travel, or family life while keeping continuity of care.