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LMFT

Dr. Stephen Lovato, LMFT

  • Experience45 years
  • LocationCalifornia
  • Focus areasADHD, LGBT, and Relationship
  • Therapy approachesClient-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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About Stephen

Dr. Stephen Lovato offers steady, experienced care for people seeking help with attention-related concerns and a wide range of emotional and interpersonal challenges.

Background and approach

With 45 years in the field and a California LMFT credential (CA LMFT 21379), he focuses on building respectful, sensitive collaborations that begin where each person is, then adapt as needs change. He works with issues such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy and relationship concerns, stress and coping, and self-esteem.

Dr. Lovato tailors conversations and treatment plans to each client's situation, drawing on client-centered principles alongside cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic ideas when helpful.

He emphasizes practical problem solving as well as understanding deeper patterns that affect mood and relationships. Sessions are offered through video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, and scheduling follows therapist availability and a subscription model that may be canceled at any time.

Those ready to begin can start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a brief matching questionnaire to arrange sessions.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Dr. Lovato commonly uses client-centered work to create an accepting space where the client's goals and experiences guide the process; this approach emphasizes empathy, active listening, and tailoring the pace and focus to the individual's needs. He also employs cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to help identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical coping strategies for symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and attention-related struggles. These methods aim to provide both insight and concrete skills for daily life.

Deciding which approach to use is collaborative. The therapist assesses a client's concerns, goals, and preferences and then recommends a mix of strategies that feel like the best fit, adjusting as progress is made. Clients are invited to share feedback so the plan evolves with their needs.

Online formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging increase flexibility for scheduling and support. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care around work, family, and other commitments while still engaging in therapeutic work with licensed professionals.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Dr. Lovato commonly address?
He works with a broad set of issues including ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, addictions, trauma, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, stress, and self-esteem challenges.
What is his general therapeutic style?
His work is client-centered and collaborative, combining respect and sensitivity with practical strategies from cognitive behavioral and solution-focused methods as appropriate.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He brings 45 years of professional experience supporting people through mood, relationship, and life transition difficulties.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California, listed as CA LMFT 21379, and practices from that state.
Does he offer services in languages other than English or accept international clients?
Services are provided in English only and he is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available for meetings?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different communication preferences.
How are costs and subscriptions handled?
Costs vary by location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What is the process to begin working together?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

LGBTRelationship issuesParenting issuesBipolar disorderDepression

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommitment issuesControl issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDParanoiaPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Psychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

45+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English

About

Dr. Stephen Lovato is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in California, not currently accepting new clients.