Very understanding of needs and goals.
Joel Stephens, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Joel is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- FSA/HSA accepted
- 4.0 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Joel. View 1 review
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in Oregon, Washington, and 1 more
Recent reviews
More about Joel
- 25 years' experience
- Male
- LCSW, LICSW, LIMHP
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing telehealth therapy in Washington and Oregon, I bring over three decades of experience grounded in warmth, authenticity, and evidence-based care.
My integrative approach draws from person-centered therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness-based counseling, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and cognitive processing therapy (CPT). These approaches allow me to meet each client exactly where they are—helping them cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and meaningful growth at their own pace.
I specialize in working with individuals navigating depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, and other mental health challenges. Through compassionate and strength-based therapy, I help clients develop practical tools to manage emotional and physical pain while rediscovering balance, clarity, and purpose.
My work is guided by three core values that reflect both my philosophy and my practice:
Life Before Death – embracing meaning and purpose in the present.
Strength Before Weakness – focusing on what empowers and uplifts.
Journey Before Destination – honoring growth as an ongoing process.
These principles shape a safe, nonjudgmental, and deeply human space where healing can unfold naturally. Therapy with me is a collaborative partnership built on trust, understanding, and respect for your unique path.
Your story matters. Together, we’ll create space for healing, discovery, and lasting change—one mindful step at a time.
Specialties
Relationship issues
Trauma and abuse
Grief
Depression
Coping with life changes
Abandonment
Attachment issues
Caregiver issues and stress
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Communication problems
Divorce and separation
Forgiveness
Guilt and shame
Isolation / loneliness
Life purpose
Men's issues
Midlife crisis
Mood disorders
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Pregnancy and childbirth
Women's issues
Workplace issues
Insurance Accepted
- Cigna
- GEHA
- Optum
- UMR
- UnitedHealthcare
Treatment Approaches
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Licenses
Joel Stephens's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1902798929.
- LCSW · Oregon · L16988 · Renews March 2028
- LICSW · Washington · LW00007198 · Renews January 2027
- LIMHP · Nebraska · 4284 · Renews September 2026
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.
Reviews for Joel Stephens
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
Very understanding of needs and goals.
Frequently asked questions
Does Joel Stephens offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Joel Stephens works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Joel Stephens speak?
Joel Stephens speaks English.
How many years of experience does Joel Stephens have?
Joel Stephens has 25 years of experience.
Where is Joel Stephens licensed to practice?
Joel Stephens is licensed to practice in Oregon, Washington, and Nebraska.
Does Joel Stephens accept FSA/HSA?
Yes, Joel Stephens accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.
Does Joel Stephens accept insurance?
Yes, Joel Stephens accepts Cigna, GEHA, Optum, UMR, and UnitedHealthcare.
Does Joel Stephens accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Joel Stephens does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Joel Stephens offer?
Joel Stephens offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Joel Stephens?
Joel Stephens can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Joel Stephens?
Just tap the BOOK NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap BOOK NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation.
FSA/HSA
eligible