Steven Su, LCSW

Compassionate, Pragmatic, and Deeply Skilled Therapy

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Hi, I’m Steven. As a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience across diverse settings—including private practice, community mental health, and correctional healthcare—I bring a unique depth of knowledge to my work. I don’t just listen; I help you understand, strategize, and transform. My approach is grounded in practical solutions, deep emotional insight, and a commitment to meaningful, lasting change.

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Whether you’re navigating anxiety, complex trauma, life transitions, or relationship challenges, my role is to provide clear guidance, a structured path forward, and a space where you feel truly seen and understood. Therapy with me is a collaborative process—one where we explore patterns, emotions, and behaviors with the goal of building resilience, confidence, and a greater sense of agency in your life.

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What Sets My Approach Apart

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Many therapists provide a listening ear; I provide actionable strategies and deep clinical insight while ensuring you feel heard, respected, and validated. Here’s what makes my therapeutic approach unique:

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✔ Precision in Case Formulation – I don’t rely on generic interventions. I deeply assess how your past, present patterns, and internal beliefs interact, ensuring that our work together is targeted and transformative.

✔ Mastery of Resistance & Self-Sabotage – I help you uncover and shift deep-seated defense mechanisms that keep you stuck while maintaining a compassionate, non-judgmental space.

✔ Balancing Structure with Flexibility – Whether you prefer a structured approach with specific skills or a free-flowing, exploratory conversation, I tailor sessions to your needs.

✔ Integration of Mind & Body Work – We will explore how stress, anxiety, and trauma show up physically, using mindfulness, breathwork, and other somatic approaches to help you regulate emotions effectively.

✔ Deep Clinical Experience – I have worked across a broad range of populations—from teens to high-achieving professionals to individuals navigating complex family dynamics—giving me the versatility to understand and adapt to different needs.

✔ Commitment to Evidence-Based Practice – I utilize CBT, ACT, DBT, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness-based approaches, seamlessly integrating interventions to maximize effectiveness.

✔ Real-World Application – Beyond theory, I help you translate insights into practical tools you can use daily, ensuring that therapy isn’t just insightful—it’s life-changing.

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What to Expect in Therapy

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Our First Session: Understanding the Whole You

 

The first session is about getting to know you—not just your struggles but your strengths, values, and goals. We will explore:

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• Your current concerns and how they impact your daily life

• Past experiences that have shaped your emotional and behavioral patterns

• Your preferred style of therapy—structured or exploratory

• Any questions or hesitations you have about therapy

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By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear understanding of what our work together will look like and initial strategies to begin your journey toward change.

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Ongoing Treatment: A Collaborative & Personalized Approach

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Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your needs, sessions may focus on:

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• Coping Strategies & Emotional Regulation – Learning practical skills to manage anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm.

• Deconstructing Unhelpful Patterns – Gaining insight into behaviors that no longer serve you and replacing them with healthier responses.

• Building Confidence & Assertiveness – Strengthening your sense of self, boundaries, and personal agency.

• Processing & Healing from Trauma – Creating a safe space to explore past wounds, reframe experiences, and develop resilience.

• Enhancing Relationships & Communication – Learning to navigate conflict, express yourself clearly, and build stronger connections.

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Throughout treatment, we will continuously assess progress, adjust goals, and ensure that our work remains relevant, effective, and tailored to your evolving needs.

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What My Patients Say About Me

 

Here’s what some of my patients have shared during our sessions:

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• “I finally feel like someone actually gets me.”

• “You don’t just sit there and nod—you help me figure out what’s really going on.”

• “I always leave feeling like I have a plan, like I know what to do next.”

• “You push me to be better, but it never feels like too much.”

• “This is the first time I’ve felt okay being 100% honest with someone.”

• “I didn’t even realize how stuck I was until you helped me see it.”

• “You explain things in a way that makes so much sense. No one’s ever done that for me before.”

• “I’ve been to therapy before, but this feels different—it’s actually helping.”

 

These are just a few examples of the feedback I’ve received, and they mean the world to me. My goal is always to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and supported while working toward real, lasting change.

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Why Private Pay?

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Investing in therapy is ultimately investing in your growth, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. Here’s why my services are a worthwhile investment:

✔ Personalized, High-Quality Care – I keep a smaller caseload to ensure that every client receives the time, attention, and tailored support they deserve.

✔ No Insurance Limitations – Many insurance plans limit session length, frequency, or even dictate treatment approaches. Private pay allows for truly individualized, effective therapy.

✔ Flexible & Comprehensive Treatment – You receive therapy that isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about real transformation.

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If you're committed to doing the deep, meaningful work of self-exploration and change, I’m here to guide, challenge, and support you every step of the way.

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Areas of Specialty

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Anxiety & Overthinking

✔ Struggling with racing thoughts, perfectionism, or social anxiety?
✔ Feeling paralyzed by self-doubt or decision fatigue?
✔ Overanalyzing interactions or fearing judgment from others?

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Together, we will explore the root of your anxiety, teach nervous system regulation techniques, and develop strategies to help you break free from the cycle of overthinking and avoidance.

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Trauma & Complex Family Dynamics

✔ Do you find yourself replaying past wounds or struggling with toxic family relationships?
✔ Are you navigating the effects of a controlling or emotionally manipulative parent?
✔ Do you want to move beyond survival mode and feel more in control of your life?

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I help clients process both acute and complex trauma, addressing emotional wounds in a way that feels safe, structured, and empowering.

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Burnout & High-Achieving Professionals

✔ Feeling disconnected, exhausted, or unfulfilled, even if you’re “successful”?
✔ Struggling with work-life balance, perfectionism, or imposter syndrome?
✔ Unsure of how to reignite passion and purpose in your personal and professional life?

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I specialize in helping driven individuals redefine success on their own terms while implementing boundaries, stress management techniques, and self-care strategies.

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Teens & Young Adults

✔ Navigating academic pressure, self-doubt, or identity struggles?
✔ Struggling with friendship challenges, social anxiety, or family conflict?
✔ Feeling stuck between who you are and who others expect you to be?

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I provide a judgment-free space where teens and young adults can process stress, emotions, and life transitions while building self-confidence and emotional resilience.​

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My Background & Training

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✔ Master’s in Social Work - Mental Health, University of Southern California (A top-tier program known for its rigorous clinical training and selectivity in placing interns at prestigious institutions.)

✔ Bachelor’s in Sociology, University of California, Irvine (A research-driven university recognized for its strong focus on social sciences and evidence-based practice.)

✔ Clinical Supervisor & LCSW, California Department of State Hospitals
Currently working within one of the most selective and specialized forensic mental health settings in the nation, supervising clinicians and providing care in a highly complex, high-stakes environment.

✔ Former Clinician, California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (CDCR)
Secured a highly competitive position in correctional healthcare, a field that demands expertise in crisis intervention, severe mental illness, and trauma-informed care within an extremely challenging setting.

✔ Former Clinician, UCLA Health
Worked within one of the nation’s top medical institutions, known for its selective hiring process and commitment to clinical excellence. UCLA Health attracts and retains top-tier mental health professionals to provide cutting-edge care.

✔ Former Intern, USC Clinical Placement
Selected for an exclusive internship at USC’s prestigious clinical training program, which only admits top-performing students for hands-on experience in advanced mental health settings.

✔ Diverse Expertise in Mental Health & Leadership
Bringing extensive experience in correctional healthcare, private practice, highly selective government mental health roles, community mental health, and leadership training.

✔ Trained in Multiple Evidence-Based Therapies:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and somatic-based interventions.

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Let’s Work Together

 

I understand that finding the right therapist is a personal decision, and I want you to feel confident in your choice. If my approach resonates with you, let’s connect. Therapy should feel like a space where you can bring your whole self—without judgment, without pretense, and with the trust that real change is possible.

📍 Serving clients in California via Telehealth & In-Person Sessions
💡 Ready to get started? Contact me today to get added to my waitlist.