Key details
- CredentialsLCSW
- LicenseLCSW, New Mexico / C-08163
- NPI1558409060
- Experience23 years
- LanguagesEnglish
- LocationNew Mexico
About
- stress and anxiety
- anger management
- addiction recovery
About Hal
Hal Agler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in New Mexico with 23 years of experience. He helps people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, and depression. He also works with LGBT concerns, trauma and abuse, and people coping with life changes.
Hal approaches sessions as a collaboration. He treats the person in front of him as the expert on their own life and looks for existing strengths to build on. Conversations are straightforward and focused on practical steps that can reduce reactivity and improve day-to-day functioning.
In work with anger and addictions, Hal uses clear, goal-oriented conversations. He helps people notice patterns that lead to snapping or resentment. Then he helps them practice specific strategies to respond differently in tense moments.
Hal also supports people dealing with grief from separation, family-of-origin problems, and the aftermath of abuse. He pays attention to mood disorders and the ways they affect energy and relationships. He is familiar with issues tied to aging and fatherhood as part of a wider clinical focus.
Sessions aim to be actionable and direct. Hal encourages small experiments between meetings so people can test what works. He frames progress as learning what helps reduce pressure and regain control over reactions.
To begin, he asks people to complete a short questionnaire and schedule a first session. That first meeting is used to set priorities and agree on practical next steps.
How sessions work
How evidence-based approaches translate to online work
Many of the techniques Hal uses are practical and action oriented. Cognitive-behavioral style work involves identifying thoughts and behaviors that fuel anger and then practicing small changes. This helps with irritability, anxiety, and mood problems by breaking unhelpful cycles.Skills-based approaches focus on learning and rehearsing new responses. That can include calm-down routines, breathing and grounding practices, and clear communication skills for tense moments. These techniques are useful for people managing addictions, stress, and relationship tensions that tie into anger.
Choosing the right approach is a shared process. The therapist and client review what matters, try methods in session, and adjust based on what actually helps. That collaborative testing keeps work practical and focused on the client's goals.
The therapist's profile does not specify session formats, so confirm the available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - they may reduce travel, allow shorter check-ins during a workday, or make it simpler to keep consistent weekly appointments. Discuss format preferences when scheduling so sessions match your daily routine and needs.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
23+ years
Listed in
New Mexico
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of anger-related problems does he address?
He works with snapping at loved ones, built-up resentment, and difficulty controlling reactions. Anger is addressed alongside related issues like stress, addictions, and depression.
How would he approach a session about temper or reactivity?
He uses a collaborative, practical style that identifies patterns and builds on existing strengths. Sessions focus on concrete strategies to notice triggers and respond differently.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 23 years of professional experience working with stress, anxiety, addictions, anger, and related concerns.
What credentials and location does he hold?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in New Mexico and practices there.
Does he offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. He does not accept international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original profile does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to start working together?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to set priorities and goals.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is unsafe, use the crisis numbers.