Dr. Mark Chustz , LICSW

Dr. Mark Chustz is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with 34 years of clinical experience supporting people through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. He works with a broad range of concerns, including addictions, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, career and life-purpose questions, anxiety and stress, trauma and abuse, parenting and family problems, and mood disorders such as depression.

He brings a compassionate, nuanced approach to therapy, especially for those coping with social anxiety, workplace stress, midlife shifts, caregiver burdens, and men's issues. His practice includes helping clients navigate intimacy and communication difficulties, healing from traumatic experiences, and addressing challenges related to substance use and recovery.

Dr. Chustz emphasizes partnership and empowerment in the therapeutic process. He creates a space where clients can explore patterns rooted in family of origin, examine feelings of guilt or shame, and develop practical coping strategies for everyday life. Through collaborative work, he helps people clarify values, rebuild self-esteem, and pursue meaningful personal growth and transformation.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Dr. Chustz uses client-centered therapy to place the client's experience and values at the center of treatment, offering a supportive stance that helps individuals explore concerns and clarify goals. This approach can be especially helpful for those seeking a safe space to reflect on relationships, identity, and personal meaning.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another core approach he applies, focusing on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and developing practical strategies to reduce anxiety, manage stress, and address mood difficulties. CBT is often used for symptoms related to depression, anxiety, and stress management.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) is used when relationship patterns and emotional bonds are central to the problem. EFT helps people understand and shift emotional responses in close relationships, improving communication and attachment.

Finding the right approach is part of the collaborative process. Dr. Chustz works with clients to identify which methods best align with their needs, goals, and preferences, and adapts the plan over time as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers flexible options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, making it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to connect across distances. These formats allow licensed professionals to provide consistent, ongoing support and practical tools that clients can apply between sessions.