Therapist Scott  Novotny Photo

Scott Novotny, LCSW

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Self esteem, Motivation Depression Coping with life changes
Video Phone Live Chat Messaging

About me

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in San Francisco with experience working with clients who struggle with addictions, depression, anxiety and other distressing experiences. Although I use a variety of therapeutic interventions, I find myself most often using ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) because it focuses more on goal orientated actions, rather than just symptom suppression. With ACT we will establish values, goals, and plan actions/behaviors which move you towards your desired goals. Together we will look at how thoughts, feelings, and emotions work against your goals as well as which are assets. If you're looking for just general talk therapy or task/solution focused therapy, I can do that as well. I believe in client centered therapy, which means we work together and in a direction that you feel comfortable with.

I have a strong background in Substance Use Disorder treatment and I'm both harm reduction and 12-step friendly. I am not the type of therapist who will require ,or push, you to stop using substances if that is not something that you want. I believe that clients can choose their own relationship with substances, including abstinence, while also working on other areas of life and functioning. When working with clients with substance concerns, I view substance use as a relationship between the person and the substance. As with any relationship we will look at what is working and what is not. We will set goals for a new relationship and work together to make that relationship work.

AVAILABILITY: I am only available to meet with client Tue/Wed/Thu between 6-9pm. If those times don't fit your schedule, it would be best to find one of the other great therapists on this platform.

Professional experience

10yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety Addictions Self esteem, Motivation Depression Coping with life changes

Additional areas of focus: LGBT, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Codependency, Commitment Issues, Communication Problems, Control Issues, Coping with Natural or Human-Caused Disaster, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Forgiveness, Guilt and Shame, Impulsivity, Men's Issues, Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks, Personality Disorders, Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling), Self-Love, Sex Addiction, Sexuality, Smoking/Vaping Cessation

Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Services offered

Video
Phone
Live Chat
Messaging

License information

CA LCSW 97367