Keith Nelson, LCSW
Insightful LCSW guiding practical change
Continue with Keith
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- 18 years experience
- Values-driven care
- Evidence-informed methods
About Keith
Keith Nelson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California. He brings 18 years of clinical experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, and major life changes. He focuses on practical, collaborative work that aims to reduce suffering and build a more manageable life.
Keith meets clients where they are and looks for strengths to build on. Sessions are conversational and goal-focused. He emphasizes learning skills that help with everyday problems like sleep, eating, overwhelm, and work stress.
His approach treats the whole person and their situation. That means he pays attention to physical, social, and emotional influences on behavior. He helps people make changes that match their life, values, and limits rather than pushing one fixed method.
Keith uses evidence-informed approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Attachment-Based ideas. He also draws from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and client-centered work when helpful. These methods are used to address concerns like trauma, relationship and intimacy issues, ADHD, grief, and compassion fatigue.
He has experience supervising other therapists and conducting research on substance use and emotional distress. People who come to him for midlife concerns often find support for rethinking priorities, coping with losses, and facing career or identity shifts. The first step is a short questionnaire and a scheduling choice to begin the collaborative process.
Keith meets clients where they are and looks for strengths to build on. Sessions are conversational and goal-focused. He emphasizes learning skills that help with everyday problems like sleep, eating, overwhelm, and work stress.
His approach treats the whole person and their situation. That means he pays attention to physical, social, and emotional influences on behavior. He helps people make changes that match their life, values, and limits rather than pushing one fixed method.
Keith uses evidence-informed approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Attachment-Based ideas. He also draws from Dialectical Behavior Therapy and client-centered work when helpful. These methods are used to address concerns like trauma, relationship and intimacy issues, ADHD, grief, and compassion fatigue.
He has experience supervising other therapists and conducting research on substance use and emotional distress. People who come to him for midlife concerns often find support for rethinking priorities, coping with losses, and facing career or identity shifts. The first step is a short questionnaire and a scheduling choice to begin the collaborative process.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
LGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFatherhood issuesFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual dysfunctionSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryTrichotillomaniaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
18+ years
Credentials
California
Languages
English
Therapeutic approaches and online care
Keith commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people clarify what matters to them and take manageable steps toward those values. ACT focuses on accepting difficult thoughts while committing to actions that support a meaningful life, which can be helpful for stress, anxiety, and midlife shifts.He also draws on Attachment-Based Therapy, which looks at how early and current relationships shape patterns of trust and connection. This approach is useful for intimacy issues, relationship struggles, and recovering from emotional hurt.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't helped in the past. Treatment choices are adjusted over time so methods fit the person and their changing needs.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the available session formats before booking. Online options can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Many people find that remote sessions help maintain continuity during life transitions, while still allowing the therapist to use ACT and attachment-informed work effectively.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship and intimacy issues, trauma and abuse, grief, eating and sleeping problems, ADHD, and other life changes.
How would you describe his therapy style?
Sessions are collaborative and conversational. He looks for strengths and teaches practical skills to manage emotions and behavior.
What background and experience does he have?
He has 18 years of experience providing therapy, supervising clinicians, and researching substance use and emotional dissonance.
What credential does he hold and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California and practices in California.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can international clients work with him?
He does not accept international clients at this time.
How does cost and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start therapy with him?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.