Heather Schwartz, MSW, LCSW
ONLINE THERAPY FOR WOMEN AND LGBTQ+ ADULTS AND COUPLES IN CALIFORNIA
I'm a licensed clinical social worker, and I've spent much of my career helping people navigate life's difficult, complicated, and sometimes unexpected moments.
One of the things I appreciate most about being a therapist is getting to know people beyond the expectations, roles, and labels that often shape their lives.
I believe there's no single right way to live, love, grieve, or find fulfillment. What works for one person may look completely different for someone else, and that's okay.
My role isn't to tell you how you should live your life. It's to get curious with you, challenge some of the patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and help you make choices that feel meaningful to you.
A Little About Me
My Professional Background
I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with approximately 10 years of experience in social work and mental health, including private practice, clinical supervision, and program leadership.
I earned my Master of Social Work from Walla Walla University and also hold a master's degree from Sotheby's Institute of Art in New York City, where I studied contemporary art and painting.
Throughout my career, I've worked with people navigating anxiety, grief, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. I've also supervised and mentored other therapists and helped develop mental health programs.
My experiences have shaped my belief that therapy should be collaborative, thoughtful, and grounded in understanding each person's unique experiences and perspective.
Things I Enjoy
Painting & Poetry
Painting is one of my biggest passions. I love discovering artists whose work challenges social norms, sparks conversations, and inspires social justice and change. I'm also a lover of poetry, especially the work of Sharon Olds and Mary Oliver.
Dogs & Animals
I'm officially a licensed Dog Fancier, a title that still makes me giggle. I needed a special license to have six dogs, but I suppose the title fits! I love watching, learning from, and sharing life with my dogs. I'm also passionate about advocating for animals and their well-being.
Nature & Exploration
Living in Northern California means I get to choose between a chilly walk along the beach or a hike through the redwoods. I love having both so close to home and finding opportunities to get outside, explore, and appreciate the natural world around me.
Why I Love This Work
I believe everyone deserves the freedom to figure out who they are, what they value, and how they want to live their life, without feeling pressured to fit someone else's expectations.
Curiosity · Authenticity · Autonomy · Compassion · Connection · Acceptance
These values shape how I approach therapy, the relationships I build, and the way I try to move through the world.
I'm endlessly curious about people, their experiences, their relationships, and the different ways they make sense of the world. I love being part of conversations where someone begins to see things differently, question an old belief, or recognize that they have more choices than they once thought.
I don't believe there's one right way to live a meaningful life, and I don't think therapy should be about convincing you to live yours a certain way. It's about exploring what matters to you and figuring out how to make more room for it.
Let's See If We're a Good Fit
Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with matters. If something you've read here resonates with you, I'd love to hear a little about what brings you to therapy.
We can start with a free consultation, talk about what you're looking for, and see whether working together feels right.