Brian Olden, LCSW

California · 45 years in practice

Brian Olden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California with 45 years of experience.

License and registration

LCSW, California: 10507 · expires June 2027
NPI: 1790762797 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 45
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check the license with the issuing state board, and the NPI with the national registry.

About Brian

Brian Olden is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California with 45 years of experience. He presents a calm, practical approach for people facing relationship strain, trauma, mood challenges, or big life changes. He speaks plainly and focuses on clear goals the client wants to reach.

Brian uses a range of methods to match each person’s needs rather than a one-size-fits-all plan. He often combines client-centered work with cognitive behavioral ideas and narrative techniques to help people notice patterns and try new behaviors.

Background and approach

He also uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma-related concerns when appropriate. Many clients come for help with anxiety, depression, grief, or problems with intimacy and parenting. He has experience addressing complicated situations like chronic illness, caregiver stress, adoption and foster care topics, and issues that arise after divorce or separation.

He also offers support around career questions, impulsivity, and first responder stress. In sessions Brian emphasizes listening, practical steps, and building on what already works. He invites clients to choose goals together and then test small changes between meetings.

That approach is aimed at steady progress rather than quick fixes. He offers therapy in English and works by video, phone, live chat, or text messaging. Prospective clients begin by answering a short matching questionnaire and then schedule according to availability.

Brian encourages people who are ready to make changes to start the first step toward their goals.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Brian lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Relationship issues
Trauma and abuse
Depression
Coping with life changes
Coaching
Stress, Anxiety
Family conflicts
Grief
Intimacy-related issues
Sleeping disorders
Parenting issues
Anger management
Self esteem
Career difficulties
Bipolar disorder
Compassion fatigue
ADHD
Adoption and foster care
Aging and geriatric issues
Blended family issues
Caregiver issues and stress
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Communication problems
Divorce and separation
Family problems
Fatherhood issues
First responder issues
Hospice and end-of-life counseling
Impulsivity
Infidelity
Intellectual disability
Men's issues
Midlife crisis
Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
Post-traumatic stress
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Sexual dysfunction
Social anxiety and phobia
Traumatic brain injury
Workplace issues

Approaches Brian names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

Approaches that translate well to online therapy

Client-centered therapy focuses on the person’s priorities and perspectives. It emphasizes empathetic listening and working at the client’s pace to set meaningful goals and try doable changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical strategies to shift unhelpful patterns. It is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR, is used for trauma-related memories and distress; it involves guided processing and can be adapted to remote sessions when appropriate.

Finding the right approach is part of the first conversations. The therapist works collaboratively to identify goals, try methods that fit the client’s needs, and adjust plans over time. Clients are invited to share preferences and to review what helps and what does not as therapy progresses.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video allows face-to-face interaction for skills practice and deeper conversation. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a camera isn’t wanted. Live chat and text messaging work well for quick check-ins, brief coaching, or layered support between longer sessions. These options make scheduling more flexible and help people fit therapy into work, caregiving, or busy home routines.

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Questions people ask

What concerns does he help with?

He addresses relationship issues, trauma and abuse, depression, anxiety, grief, parenting and intimacy-related problems. He also supports people facing chronic pain, caregiver stress, career changes, and first responder challenges.

What is his therapeutic style like?

His style is straightforward and goal-oriented while staying client-centered. He listens first, helps set clear goals, and works on small practical steps clients can try between sessions.

How much experience does he have?

He has 45 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. That background includes work with trauma, life transitions, and long-term counseling relationships.

Where is he licensed and based?

He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in California and practices from that state.

In which languages can someone meet with him?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the U.S. work with him?

He does not accept international clients at this time.

What formats are available for sessions?

He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexible ways to meet and check in.

How are fees and getting started handled?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability and use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on availability.

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