LCSW

Janel Guinane, LCSW

Therapist in California

Janel is a LCSW therapist in California.

10+ years of experience
Focus areas include Stress, Anxiety, Addictions
Approaches include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

See availability and next steps on BetterHelp.

About Janel

Janel Guinane began her work in helping professions in 1997 at a residential program in San Francisco, supporting adults with substance use issues and co-occurring mental health disorders. Over the years she combined hands-on experience with formal education, earning a Bachelor of Social Work in 2008 and a Master of Social Work in 2010. Her clinical background includes work with children, teens, transition-age youth, former foster youth, people experiencing homelessness, adults with serious mental illness, and individuals arrested for alcohol or drug-related offenses.

She currently serves as a Program Manager of a clinic that assesses individuals with mental health disorders for county treatment services and oversees a homeless day respite center that connects unhoused people with housing, food, and healthcare. Her practice is informed by a Client-Centered, strengths-based, humanistic philosophy and she uses Motivational Interviewing to understand each person’s perspective and goals. Janel views clients as experts in their own lives and positions herself as a collaborator and guide rather than an advisor.

Her experience includes supporting people with depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, eating disorders, PTSD, schizophrenia, and other conditions. Janel brings practical guidance, empathy, and a focus on client-defined goals to help individuals find clarity and make meaningful changes. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a credential that indicates advanced training and licensure in clinical social work.

Therapeutic Approaches for Online Support and Healing

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist listens closely and helps clients explore their own values and solutions; it is useful for people seeking support with self-esteem, life transitions, relationships, and general emotional concerns. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative conversation style that helps people clarify their own motivations for change and resolve ambivalence - it is often used in work with addictions, behavior change, and goal-oriented work. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused approach that works with distressing memories and associated reactions; it is frequently used for people coping with PTSD and difficult traumatic experiences.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Janel collaborates with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences and then recommends or blends approaches that best fit the situation, adjusting the plan as progress unfolds. This collaborative stance helps ensure therapy aligns with what matters most to the client.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can happen by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - which makes it easier to fit care into busy schedules, manage transportation limits, and connect with licensed professionals from various locations. These options support continuity of care and make it possible to access therapy in ways that feel most comfortable and accessible for each individual.

Frequently asked questions

How much experience does Janel Guinane have?

Janel Guinane has 10 years of experience.

Is Janel Guinane a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details: CA LCSW 70118.

In which languages does Janel Guinane provide therapy?

Therapy is provided in English.

Where is Janel Guinane located?

Janel Guinane is located in California.

How can I work with Janel Guinane as my therapist?

You can work with Janel Guinane through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Janel Guinane work with international clients?

Yes, Janel Guinane works with international clients.

How much does therapy with Janel Guinane cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.