Thomas Johnson , LICSW

Thomas Johnson is a licensed clinical social worker practicing in Alabama with a career that spans decades of direct mental health work. After earning his degree from the University of Alabama School of Social Work in 1973, he began providing counseling in a psychiatric in-patient setting, helping individuals facing long-term mental health challenges. In 1977 he joined the Department of Veterans Affairs as a clinical social worker, contributing to an inter-disciplinary team that provided outpatient assessment and treatment for veterans and their families. Over the following 43 years he delivered both individual and group counseling to thousands of veterans, addressing a broad range of concerns across combat and non-combat experiences.

He holds the LICSW credential - Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker - and brings that clinical training to a wide spectrum of adjustment issues. Throughout his practice he has addressed anxiety, depression, substance use, marital and family dysfunction, trauma and grief, addictions, anger, self-esteem, career concerns, bipolar and mood disorders, ADHD, and other life transitions that affect quality of life. His approach emphasizes empathy, a non-judgmental stance, and a collaborative planning process that relies on the client’s perspective to identify what works best. He uses a flexible mix of treatment modalities chosen to suit each person’s needs and remains open to discussing options to help clients move in a positive direction.

Practical Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Thomas Johnson integrates evidence-informed methods into his practice to help people address specific problems and build practical skills. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and developing new coping strategies - it is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and mood concerns. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented approach that helps people resolve ambivalence and strengthen their own motivation for change - it can be especially helpful for substance use, behavioral changes, and readiness for treatment. Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes finding and amplifying practical solutions and strengths in the present rather than dwelling on problems, which can support people facing relationship, career, or adjustment challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Thomas works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits their needs, goals, and preferences. He values client input and adapts methods over time to match progress and changing priorities.

Online therapy offers flexible options for connecting with a licensed professional. Video calls and phone sessions allow real-time conversation, while live chat and text-based messaging provide shorter, more frequent ways to check in. These options can make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, manage transportation or geographic barriers, and maintain continuity of care during life transitions.