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LCSW

Vicki Alexander Hess, LCSW

  • Experience5 years
  • LocationCalifornia
  • Focus areasStress and Anxiety, LGBT, and Trauma and abuse
  • Therapy approachesInternal Family Systems and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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About Vicki

Vicki Alexander Hess is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in California who focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, trauma, identity questions, and professional coaching needs.

Background and approach

She brings five years of clinical experience to her work and aims to create a respectful, sensitive environment where each client’s concerns are treated with compassion and professionalism. Vicki adapts conversations and treatment plans to the individual, drawing from evidence-based methods to address challenges such as depression, grief, intimacy struggles, substance use concerns, and career transitions.

Her work also extends to a range of additional focus areas including family of origin issues, body image, chronic illness, and gender dysphoria. Vicki emphasizes collaboration and tailored strategies so clients can build coping skills and clearer direction.

Her practice integrates practical tools and reflective exploration to support change, helping people take the first steps toward improved wellbeing. She encourages clients who are ready to begin to use a short intake process to match with her and arrange sessions according to availability.

Integrating therapeutic approaches in online care



Internal Family Systems (IFS) views the mind as containing distinct parts that hold emotions, beliefs, and memories; therapy helps people understand and compassionately relate to those parts to reduce internal conflict and heal from trauma. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors to improve mood and functioning, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, and stress management. Mindfulness Therapy teaches practices to increase present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity, supporting emotional regulation and relief from overwhelming feelings.

Choosing the right approach is often a collaborative process. Vicki works with clients to explore goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful, adapting methods over time so therapy reflects current needs and priorities.

Online sessions can make that collaborative work more accessible through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats provide flexibility for scheduling, allow people to engage from their home or workplace, and enable ongoing support between sessions when appropriate.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Vicki commonly address in therapy?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, LGBT-related issues, depression, grief, self-esteem, addictions, career challenges, and many related concerns listed in her specialties.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is respectful and compassionate, tailoring dialogue and treatment plans to each person while using practical, evidence-informed techniques.
What is Vicki's professional background?
Vicki has five years of professional clinical experience providing mental health support and coaching in a variety of areas.
What credentials and location are listed for Vicki?
She holds an LCSW and is licensed in California under CA LCSW 82877.
Which languages are available and can international clients work with her?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats does she offer for online work?
Vicki provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different needs and preferences.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working with her?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to her availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseCoachingCompassion fatigue

Also works with

AddictionsFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping 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 counselingImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-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