CBT Therapist Directory

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Daniel Smolen, LCSW

Experienced LCSW for stress and relationships
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Relationship and family
  • Mindfulness and CBT

About Daniel Smolen

Daniel Smolen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California with 30 years of professional experience. He draws on a long career supporting people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family conflicts, parenting challenges, and anger management concerns. His practice also includes work with trauma and abuse, LGBT issues, self-esteem, and a range of young adult and caregiver-related stresses.

Smolen brings attention to blended family dynamics, communication problems, and conditions such as Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder and post-traumatic stress when they arise in a person or a family system. He is also experienced addressing self-harm, self-love, social anxiety and phobia, and other issues that affect daily functioning and relationships. His approach is strengths-focused, honoring that each person knows their own story while offering professional tools and perspectives to navigate change.

He emphasizes the courage involved in beginning therapy and acknowledges the importance of that first step. Smolen works collaboratively with individuals and families to identify practical strategies and personal resources that support progress over time.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger management

Also Specializes In

Additional Focus Areas

Blended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Post-traumatic stressSelf-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Daniel Smolen have?

Daniel Smolen has 30 years of professional experience.

Is Daniel Smolen a licensed therapist?

Yes. He holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and is licensed in California as CA LCSW 20178.

In which languages does Daniel Smolen provide therapy?

He provides therapy in English.

Where is Daniel Smolen located?

He is located in California.

How can I work with Daniel Smolen as my therapist?

You can work with Daniel Smolen through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Daniel Smolen work with international clients?

Daniel Smolen does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Daniel Smolen cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, just click the 'Start Therapy' button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just click the 'Start Therapy' button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Evidence-Informed Approaches and Online Support



Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is an action-oriented approach that helps identify unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with more balanced thoughts and behaviors. It is often used for stress, anxiety, depression, and specific problems like communication or anger management.

Mindfulness Therapy focuses on developing present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental observation of thoughts and feelings, which can reduce reactivity and build resilience when facing stress, trauma-related symptoms, or ongoing worry.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is a collaborative process. Daniel Smolen works with clients to explore which methods fit their goals, preferences, and day-to-day needs, adjusting techniques as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility for individuals with busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or mobility constraints. Through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, therapists can provide consistent support without the need for in-person visits, making it easier to maintain continuity of care and integrate therapeutic work into everyday life.

Ready to start therapy with Daniel Smolen?

Take the first step toward a better you.