SL Portrait of Steven Lai

Steven Lai, LCSW

Experienced LCSW focused on practical change

32 years in practice · based in Pennsylvania · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Steven

Steven Lai is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than three decades of clinical experience. He practices in Pennsylvania and brings a calm, respectful manner to sessions. He aims to help people manage pressing problems and feel better in day-to-day life.

He focuses on practical, goal-oriented work. Sessions are often problem solving and use tools from cognitive behavioral therapy alongside a client-centered stance. That means he listens closely, helps people name their goals, and then works on steps to meet them.

Book with Steven Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Background and approach

Over 32 years he has held roles as a therapist and counselor, a case manager, a clinical supervisor, and a clinic director. That variety gives him a wide view of how different stressors affect day-to-day functioning. He draws on this experience when people bring concerns like anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or addiction.

Steven also supports work around relationships, parenting, intimacy, eating and sleeping problems, anger, self-esteem, career concerns, and bipolar disorder. He notes an additional focus on issues connected to prejudice and discrimination and on building self-love. Sessions are straightforward and collaborative.

He helps people challenge unhelpful thoughts and keep motivation up while they try new behaviors. The overall aim is steady, manageable change rather than quick fixes.

How his approaches translate to online therapy

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and working at the client’s pace. Online sessions use that same focus to help people feel heard and to set goals that matter to them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions and then practices specific changes. That method is useful for anxiety, depression, and other concerns where small behavior changes can make a difference.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. He will talk with clients about their needs and goals, and together they decide which methods to try first. Adjustments are made as progress is tracked, so the plan stays practical and relevant to the person’s life.

Online therapy offers ways to fit sessions into busy lives. Video calls let people work face-to-face from a convenient location. Phone sessions can be a simpler option when bandwidth is limited or when someone prefers not to be on camera. Live chat and text messaging are useful for brief check-ins, homework review, or steady support between longer sessions. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent while juggling work, family, and other commitments.
Book with Steven Now Review online therapy options and next steps.

Questions people ask

What issues does Steven commonly address
He works with a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma and abuse, addictions, relationship and family issues, and problems with eating or sleeping.
How would he describe his therapy style
He blends a client-centered approach with goal-oriented techniques and cognitive behavioral strategies to help people set goals and practice concrete changes.
What is his professional background
He has practiced clinical social work for 32 years and has experience as a therapist, case manager, clinical supervisor, and mental health clinic director.
What credentials and location apply
He holds a Master of Social Work and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania.
Which languages are available for sessions
Sessions are offered in English only and international clients are not accepted.
What session formats are offered
He works with video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs.
How are fees and payment arranged
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

What this therapist works with

Also listed

Experience
32 years
Licensed
Pennsylvania
Languages
English

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