Thomas Johnson , LICSW

Thomas Johnson is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Alabama with a career that spans more than five decades. He earned his degree from the University of Alabama School of Social Work in 1973 and began his professional work in a psychiatric in-patient setting, providing counseling for individuals experiencing chronic mental health challenges. In 1977 he joined the Department of Veterans Affairs as a clinical social worker, contributing as part of an interdisciplinary team that delivered outpatient mental health assessment and treatment to veterans and their family members.

Over a 43-year period he provided individual and group counseling to thousands of veterans, both male and female, addressing combat and non-combat related concerns. His clinical background includes extensive experience with a broad range of adjustment issues, such as anxiety, depression, substance use, marital and family dysfunction, trauma and abuse, grief, and problems with intimacy and self-esteem. He also works with mood disorders including bipolar disorder, ADHD, compassion fatigue, anger, career and workplace issues, and challenges related to life purpose, isolation, finances, and veteran and armed forces matters.

He holds the LICSW credential, which denotes a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker qualified to provide advanced social work and clinical services, and is licensed in Alabama (AL LICSW 0728c). Thomas emphasizes a non-judgmental, empathic foundation in treatment and tailors therapeutic methods to each person’s needs, welcoming client input to determine what approaches work best at different points in therapy.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Care

Thomas Johnson draws on established methods that translate well to remote work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and then developing practical skills to change them; it is often used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented approach that helps people explore and strengthen their own motivation to make changes, which can be especially useful for substance use, ambivalence about treatment, or lifestyle shifts. Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes identifying strengths, setting small achievable goals, and building on what is already working to create forward momentum.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Thomas works with clients and other licensed professionals to determine which methods best fit a person’s needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts the plan over time based on what proves most helpful. The aim is to tailor care rather than follow a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility: sessions can take place by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit support into busy schedules or for those who face geographic or mobility barriers. These options allow ongoing, accessible contact with therapists while maintaining a steady course of care.