Dr. Stacy Johnston, CA Psychologist 17457
California psychologist for relationships and anxiety
- 32 years experience
- Text messaging preferred
- Relationship and family focus
About Dr. Stacy Johnston
Dr. Stacy Johnston is a licensed psychologist in California with 32 years of professional experience. She has worked extensively with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, and challenges related to self-esteem and motivation. Dr. Johnston approaches therapy from the perspective that each person is the expert on their own life and already carries strengths that can be applied to overcome difficult patterns and situations.
She holds a California psychologist license (CA Psychologist 17457), reflecting longstanding professional practice in the state. Her clinical focus includes a broad range of relationship and attachment concerns - such as abandonment, codependency, communication problems, infidelity, and family of origin issues - as well as struggles with guilt, shame, impulsivity, control, and feelings of emptiness.
Dr. Johnston offers asynchronous text messaging as her primary mode of practice and prefers it for several practical reasons. This format provides scheduling flexibility with no set appointment times, allows clients and the therapist to return to prior exchanges at any time, and typically yields responses within a few hours to no later than 12 hours. When her schedule allows, multiple exchanges in a single day or evening are possible, which can offer more frequent contact than a weekly live session. For some people it is easier to express thoughts and feelings in writing rather than speaking or being on camera. She has worked in this way for over a year and has had success with many clients who find the format a good fit. While asynchronous messaging is not right for everyone, it can provide a practical and consistent form of support, and Dr. Johnston welcomes inquiries from prospective clients interested in this approach.
She holds a California psychologist license (CA Psychologist 17457), reflecting longstanding professional practice in the state. Her clinical focus includes a broad range of relationship and attachment concerns - such as abandonment, codependency, communication problems, infidelity, and family of origin issues - as well as struggles with guilt, shame, impulsivity, control, and feelings of emptiness.
Dr. Johnston offers asynchronous text messaging as her primary mode of practice and prefers it for several practical reasons. This format provides scheduling flexibility with no set appointment times, allows clients and the therapist to return to prior exchanges at any time, and typically yields responses within a few hours to no later than 12 hours. When her schedule allows, multiple exchanges in a single day or evening are possible, which can offer more frequent contact than a weekly live session. For some people it is easier to express thoughts and feelings in writing rather than speaking or being on camera. She has worked in this way for over a year and has had success with many clients who find the format a good fit. While asynchronous messaging is not right for everyone, it can provide a practical and consistent form of support, and Dr. Johnston welcomes inquiries from prospective clients interested in this approach.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Dr. Stacy Johnston have?
Dr. Stacy Johnston has 32 years of professional experience.
Is Dr. Stacy Johnston a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds a California psychologist license listed as CA Psychologist 17457.
In which languages does Dr. Stacy Johnston provide therapy?
Dr. Stacy Johnston provides therapy in English.
Where is Dr. Stacy Johnston located?
Dr. Stacy Johnston is located in California.
How can I work with Dr. Stacy Johnston as my therapist?
You can work with Dr. Stacy Johnston through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Dr. Stacy Johnston work with international clients?
Dr. Stacy Johnston does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Dr. Stacy Johnston 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, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. 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.
Approaches Used in Online Therapy and What They Do
Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes the client’s own experience and strengths, with the therapist providing empathy and support to help the person explore and make meaning of their concerns - this approach is helpful for building self-esteem and addressing relationship or family issues. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and developing practical skills to shift those patterns; it is often effective for stress, anxiety, depression, and impulse-related concerns. Solution-Focused Therapy is brief and goal-oriented, concentrating on concrete steps and small changes that move a person toward desired outcomes.Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Dr. Johnston works collaboratively with each client to determine what fits best based on their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors techniques from these approaches to match the pace and priorities of the person she is working with.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - allowing people to engage in care around work, family, and daily life. Dr. Johnston prefers asynchronous text messaging for its scheduling freedom, the ability to refer back to prior exchanges, and the opportunity for thoughtful written reflection. Different formats suit different people, and using online options can increase accessibility and consistency in care while supporting meaningful therapeutic work.
Ready to start therapy with Dr. Stacy Johnston?
Take the first step toward a better you.