- Practical coping skills
- Respectful and compassionate
- Goal focused
About Stephen
Stephen Schottgen Jr greets people with a steady, straightforward approach. He is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 13 years of experience. He practices in Alabama and aims to make first steps feel smaller and more manageable.
He helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, panic attacks, grief, low self-esteem, and depression. He also supports those facing addiction, sleep problems, anger, career uncertainty, and major life changes. Conversations focus on what the person notices day to day and what practical steps feel possible next.
Sessions are collaborative. Stephen listens first, then shapes the conversation and the plan to fit each person’s needs. He tries to be respectful, sensitive, and compassionate in how he talks and offers options.
His background includes many years working across clinical settings in Alabama and Mississippi. That experience informs how he supports people through common problems like coping after loss, dealing with guilt or shame, or managing stress during difficult life events.
People who come to him for issues such as panic disorder and panic attacks can expect straightforward conversation about triggers, patterns, and coping skills. He works with concerns related to relationships, sexual orientation, ADHD, post-traumatic stress, and other areas listed in his specialties. He encourages clear goals and small, achievable steps toward feeling better.
To begin, he invites people to acknowledge the courage it takes to start. From there he helps set a pace and plan that suit the individual.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online care
Stephen uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on clear skills and step-by-step work. One common approach emphasizes learning coping skills for anxiety and panic - noticing physical cues, practicing breathing and grounding, and building routines that reduce overwhelm. Another approach focuses on problem-solving and behavioral changes to lift mood and manage daily stressors by breaking larger problems into small, doable tasks.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the person about their goals, what has helped in the past, and what feels doable now. Together they try different techniques and adjust the plan based on how the person responds and what fits their life.
Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week and to continue care when travel or weather makes in-person visits difficult. Because the biography does not list specific session formats, confirm current session options before booking. The practical benefits often include fewer disruptions to a workday, easier access from different locations within the same region, and the ability to follow up with shorter check-ins when needed.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
13+ years
Listed in
Mississippi, Alabama
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Stephen commonly address?
He works with stress, anxiety, panic attacks, grief, depression, low self-esteem, addictions, sleep issues, and many life changes.
How does he approach therapy?
He listens first and then tailors conversations and plans to each person. Sessions focus on practical steps and skills people can use day to day.
What is his professional background?
He has 13 years of professional experience working across clinical settings in Alabama and Mississippi.
What credentials and location are listed?
He holds LICSW and LCSW credentials and practices in Alabama.
In which language are sessions offered?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.