Licensed Psychotherapist Registered Play Therapist LGBTQ Therapy Clinical Social Worker Psychotherapy Services
pronouns: He/Him/His (Fluent in American Sign Language & English)
- Licensed Behavioral Specialist (L.B.S.)- Pennsylvania
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.)- States of Florida, Pennsylvania, & Virginia
- Qualified Supervisor (Q.S.)- State of Florida,
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor (L.I.C.S.W.-S.)- States of Alabama & Minnesota.
- Certified PreK-12 School Social Worker- State of New Jersey
- Board Certified Diplomate (B.C.D.) in Clinical Social Work
- Registered Play Therapist™
- Registered Sand Therapist™
- LiGPP Certified Playmaker
- Certified ADA Coordinator
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)- Basic Training
- Certification in Professional Development Series (C.P.S.) in Emergency Management
Professional Continuity Practitioner, Level I
About Kurt W. Oster, LICSW-S, LCSW-S
About Play Therapy
Welcome to my page! I'm thrilled you've taken the next step toward healing and transformation. As a multi-state Licensed Psychotherapist, I am honored to serve clients in Florida, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
My roots trace back to sunny Southern California, where I spent my formative years in the Central Valley. My connection to the field of therapy stems from having a younger sibling diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, inspiring my commitment to helping others navigate their unique challenges.
Following high school, I pursued higher education at Rutgers University, graduating with Honors in Urban Studies and a minor in Art History in 2006. Building on this foundation, I furthered my academic journey by earning a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from the prestigious University of Pennsylvania.
During my M.S.W. program, I immersed myself in training related to School Social Work, Social Work Practice with At-Risk Youth, and Developmental Disabilities. This comprehensive education equipped me with the skills and knowledge to address diverse issues and effectively support those in need. My professional journey is driven by a deep passion for facilitating positive change in the lives of individuals seeking growth and healing.
I look forward to working with you and supporting you on your path to wellness.
I am a Licensed Behavioral Specialist (L.B.S.) in Pennsylvania, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor (L.I.C.S.W.-S.) in Alabama and Minnesota, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker- Qualified Supervisor (L.C.S.W.-Q.S.) in Florida, and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.) in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Recently, I became a qualified supervisor for social worker licensure in Alabama, Florida, Minnesota and Pennsylvania. Additionally, I am a Board-Certified Diplomate (B.C.D.) in Clinical Social Work.
My roles as a certified preK-12 School Social Worker (C.S.S.W.) in New Jersey and with a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in educational settings. I am well-versed in Special Education, 504 Plans, Behavioral Plans, and I.E.P.s and have successfully applied this knowledge to support students and their families.
With over 16 years of clinical experience with children and families, I have worked with reputable agencies, private practices, and schools across Arizona, California, Florida, Maryland, and New Jersey. In addition to my clinical work, I am an accomplished and published scholar in Youth Leadership, Civic Engagement, and Special Education.
My expertise as a Subject Matter Expert in Employment for youth with disabilities, civic engagement, and Service Learning has been recognized at collegiate and federal levels. I have had the privilege of making significant contributions in these areas, furthering the understanding and application of best practices. My commitment to making a positive impact is evident in my diverse experiences and ongoing dedication to enhancing the lives of those I serve.
In 2012, I embarked on an academic journey, earning my Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) from the University of Southern California, proudly joining the esteemed Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Continuing my commitment to education, I achieved my third graduate degree—a Master of Science (M.S.) in Homeland Security, with a focus on Emergency Management and Public Health, from Colorado Technical University in 2017.
With a prosperous 16-year career, I've undergone specialized training as a social worker, delving into Adoptions, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Art and Expressive Art Therapies, Child Welfare, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), LGBTQ+, Neurodiversity, Play and Sand Tray Therapies, Supervision, and Trauma.
As a Registered Play Therapist (R.P.T.) certified by the Association for Play Therapy, I utilize the language of play to support children in healing, promoting emotional regulation, processing trauma, and cultivating emotional resilience. Lastly, I am a certified playmaker through the Life Is Good Foundation.
My diverse certifications include the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Certified Clinical Services Professional (A.D.H.D.-C.C.S.P.), Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist (A.S.D.-C.S.), Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (C-DBT), and also as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (C.C.T.P.). Lastly, I also hold the Certified Veteran Ready Healthcare Professional (C.V.R.H.C.P.) accredited by the PsychArmor Institute.
Furthermore, I hold certifications in the Professional Development Series in Emergency Management and a Professional Continuity Practitioner designation from FEMA's Emergency Management Institute. To deepen my expertise in trauma and adopt innovative approaches for my clients, I completed specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Trauma in Schools (C.B.I.T.S.).
My commitment to ongoing education and diverse certifications reflects my dedication to providing holistic and practical support to those I serve, as well as in the consultations I provide.
In my role as a mental health therapist, my specialization encompasses LGBTQ+ therapy and community training, trauma, PTSD, and developmental/intellectual disabilities. I am also available to provide consultation and assessments upon request.
As a trained LGBTQ+ therapist, I focus on assisting clients grappling with issues related to coming out, gender identity/fluidity, and sexual orientation. Additionally, I offer LGBTQ+ Couples therapy to support diverse relationship dynamics. I take pride in being among a select group of therapists in the Northeast region who provide consultation on LGBTQ+ issues, offer counseling to the community, and contribute as an adjunct professor, educating emerging social workers on LGBTQ+ Social Work Practice.
My mental health treatment approach is client-centered and strength-based. I believe in the transformative power within each client, which fosters insight and enables them to reshape their life situation. Passionate about helping my clients achieve their goals, I am a dedicated therapist who actively engages with families throughout the therapeutic process. My commitment extends beyond the therapy room, as I contribute to the broader community through education and consultation.
My counseling and consulting services cover an array of areas, such as Autism, ADD/ADHD, Assessments, Developmental & various intellectual Disabilities, OCD, Men’s Issues, Single Fathers, Behavioral challenges/concerns, Disaster Counseling, Case Management, Mood Disorders, School-Based Problems, P.T.S.D., Trauma, C.B.T., Psychoeducation, Individualized Educational Plans (I.E.P.s), Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Play Therapy, Art Therapy, Sand-Tray Therapy, school-based interventions, siblings of individuals with disabilities, and children from military families.
In addition to my involvement in the social work and mental health field, I've also served as an organizational consultant, extending my expertise to communities, businesses, and nonprofits. In addition to my diverse professional background, I hold multiple certifications in advanced emergency management, Disaster Preparedness, and Psychological First Aid training.
My extensive background and varied experiences uniquely position me to offer counseling, life coaching, and consulting services to a broad spectrum of individuals. I work with diverse client groups, including children, adolescents, young adults, families, and adults, addressing a range of intellectual, social, and mental health concerns and issues.