- Years in practice
- 23
- Credentials
- LCSW
- Licensed in
- California
- Languages
- English
- Focus
- Stress, Anxiety
- Focus
- Trauma and abuse
- Focus
- Parenting issues
About Scott
Scott Underwood is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 23 years in mental health. He began his career as a Behavioral Science Specialist in the Army in 1984 and has worked in community mental health, psychiatric hospitals, independent practice, and with active duty Air Force personnel. He practices in California and offers services in English, including to international clients.
Scott prefers a straightforward, down-to-earth style. He aims to make sessions feel manageable rather than overwhelming.
Background and approach
He uses clear problem solving and practical skills for stress, anxiety, anger, and mood concerns. He also addresses parenting challenges and life transitions. His background includes work with trauma, depression, and anxiety, and he has experience with both serious conditions and with people who are usually high functioning but hit a rough spot.
He tailors sessions to what a person wants - short-term check-ins, a focused assessment and recommendations, or longer-term work. Humor and relief are sometimes part of the process when appropriate. Scott uses approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and Trauma-Focused Therapy to guide sessions.
He encourages clients to state their goals early so time can be used efficiently. He also stays flexible when goals shift. Appointments can be by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Scott notes many people appreciate the convenience of online formats and he adapts his work to fit each person’s needs and preferred pace.
What Scott works with
Everything Scott lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Scott helps people with.
- Stress, Anxiety
- Trauma and abuse
- Parenting issues
- Anger management
- Depression
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Eating disorders
- Sleeping disorders
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
- Bipolar disorder
- Coping with life changes
- Coaching
- Family problems
- Midlife crisis
- Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
- Mood disorders
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress
- Social anxiety and phobia
Approaches Scott lists
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.
How these approaches work online
Scott uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and test different behaviors; CBT is useful for anxiety, depression, panic, and stress. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing focuses on reducing the emotional charge of traumatic memories through guided processing; it can help with post-traumatic stress and trauma-related symptoms. Trauma-Focused Therapy centers on gently processing traumatic events and building coping skills to manage reactions and daily functioning.Choosing an approach is collaborative. Scott will listen to your goals, previous treatment history, and comfort level, then suggest what may fit best. He adjusts the plan if your needs or preferences change so the work stays relevant and usable.
Online sessions give practical flexibility. Video calls let you use visual cues and a fuller conversation. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when a quieter check-in fits your schedule. Live chat and text-based messaging are good for brief updates, quick coaching, or for people who prefer writing to talking. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into a busy life while using the approaches above to address symptoms and goals.
Questions people ask about Scott
What concerns does he help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, anger, relationship and family concerns, grief, intimacy issues, eating and sleeping problems, self-esteem, career challenges, bipolar and mood disorders, panic and phobias, post-traumatic stress, social anxiety, and coping with life changes.
What is his general therapy style?
Sessions are straightforward and practical. He uses problem solving, skill-building, and sometimes humor to ease tension while addressing difficult topics.
How much experience does he have?
He brings 23 years of clinical experience, including early work as an Army Behavioral Science Specialist and later roles in community mental health, hospitals, independent practice, and work with active duty Air Force personnel.
What are his credentials and where is he located?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in California. His practice is based in California.
What languages are supported and can international clients participate?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
Which session formats are available?
Appointments can be held by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different schedules and preferences.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.
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