Vicki Alexander Hess

Compassionate, practical therapy for real-life challenges

LCSW California

Experience: 5 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy
Languages: English

About Vicki

Vicki Alexander Hess is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and a spectrum of life transitions. She draws on five years of clinical experience in California to create individualized care that honors each person’s background and priorities.

Background and approach

Vicki emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion while tailoring conversations and treatment plans to fit what matters most to the client. Her practice includes support for LGBT concerns, grief, intimacy-related issues, addiction, compassion fatigue, career adjustments, and coaching for executive and professional challenges.

Vicki integrates evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside mindfulness and brief solution-oriented strategies to help clients build practical skills and clearer perspectives. She values collaborative work and encourages those taking the first step toward therapy as recognizing a meaningful act of courage.

Online approaches that build skills and clarity

Vicki uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, offering concrete strategies for problems like anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption. Mindfulness Therapy is offered to cultivate present-moment awareness and stress reduction through brief practices that support emotional regulation and coping with difficult feelings. Motivational Interviewing is used when clients want to explore readiness for change and build motivation for goals such as recovery, career shifts, or lifestyle adjustments.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Vicki aims to collaborate with each client to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and personal preferences. She adapts techniques across sessions so the plan evolves with progress and feedback, making therapy a shared effort toward clearer priorities and actionable steps.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for varied schedules and comfort levels. These formats allow clients to access care from wherever they are in California while maintaining regular contact and the option to use brief check-ins or longer sessions depending on what supports their progress.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?

She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, LGBT matters, grief, addictions, and career or coaching-related concerns.

What therapeutic approaches does she use?

Her practice draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness techniques, solution-focused work, motivational interviewing, and Internal Family Systems to tailor interventions to each client.

How long has she been practicing?

She has five years of professional experience as a licensed clinician practicing in California.

What are her credentials and where does she practice?

She is an LCSW licensed in California with license number CA LCSW 82877 and maintains practice within that state.

Does she work with clients who speak other languages or international clients?

She provides services in English and is not accepting international clients at this time.

In what formats are sessions offered?

Sessions are available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.

How is pricing handled for her services?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

To begin, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseCoachingCompassion fatigue

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepression Coping with life changes

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careBlended family issuesBody imageChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivity Isolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disorders Panic disorder and panic attacks Post-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-harmSelf-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

5+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English