Dr. Thomas Kadela , LCSW

Dr. Thomas Kadela is an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) with 30 years of assessment and treatment experience. He combines clinical training with a practical, down-to-earth style that many find approachable and direct. He balances work for the Department of Veterans Affairs and service as a United States Army National Guard Behavioral Health Officer - neither of which he formally represents here - with a small private caseload so he can offer focused attention to those he works with.

Before his work with the VA, he specialized in helping children and families. He approaches each partnership as collaborative - recognizing that people are experts on their own lives while bringing his professional training to support goals. Sessions can be shaped to individual needs, whether someone wants executive coaching, a reflective sounding board, or a targeted plan to address depression, trauma, anxiety, sleep problems, communication, or anger. He discusses evidence-based psychotherapies and the role of between-session work when that approach fits the client’s aims.

He has formal training in a range of therapies, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral approaches for depression and insomnia, cognitive behavioral strategies for chronic pain, social skills therapy, anger management, solution-focused brief therapy, and problem solving. He favors a holistic view that attends to body, mind, and what each person defines as spirit - using plain metaphors to keep the work accessible.

In addition to clinical practice, he has taught at the graduate and undergraduate levels, published in professional journals, and held senior roles such as Chief Clinical Officer of National Programs, State Director, Chief Administrative Officer, and Training Director. He is board certified in his discipline and is a US Army combat veteran. He welcomes inquiries to see if his approach is a good fit.

Evidence-Based Approaches for Online Care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take committed action despite difficult thoughts or feelings - it can be useful for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes by teaching practical skills to live in line with what matters. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, respect, and a collaborative relationship - the therapist follows the client's lead and creates space for self-discovery, which can support issues like self-esteem, relationship concerns, and caregiving stress. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns - it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and coping with chronic pain.

Choosing the right approach is part of the process. Dr. Kadela works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and he adjusts the plan as progress and circumstances evolve. This collaborative stance helps ensure the work feels relevant and achievable.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for scheduling and access from different locations. These modalities allow licensed professionals and therapists to deliver evidence-based care while accommodating work, family, and mobility needs, making it easier to maintain continuity and momentum in treatment.