Richard McDonald , LCMHC

Richard McDonald holds a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's degree in mental health counseling. He is licensed in North Carolina as a Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and is also credentialed as a Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS). In addition, he is a nationally certified trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapist and is affiliated with professional groups including the American Counseling Association, the National Board for Certified Counselors, and the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC).

With 26 years of experience in human services and four years specifically in counseling across a variety of settings, he has supported people facing an array of concerns. His work has included helping individuals with depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting challenges, attention-related concerns, career transitions, and recovery from physical or emotional trauma. He emphasizes practical, evidence-based approaches tailored to each person's needs.

Richard draws from several therapeutic models when designing treatment plans, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). He adapts dialogue and interventions to the unique goals and circumstances of each person to promote meaningful change. He invites those ready to pursue a more fulfilling life to explore counseling as a step toward growth and resilience.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Richard McDonald

Richard McDonald draws on structured, experiential, and client-focused methods to help people navigate difficult emotions and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an approach that helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and mood-related challenges. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes values-based action and learning to accept difficult feelings rather than fighting them - it can be useful for stress, anxiety, and coping with life changes. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a collaborative, empathetic relationship where the client’s own goals guide the work; it supports self-esteem, relationship concerns, and personal growth.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process, and Richard works collaboratively with each person to select methods that fit their needs, preferences, and goals. He tailors interventions over time, combining elements from different models when that best serves progress.

Online therapy with Richard is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to make care more accessible and flexible. These options allow scheduling around work and family commitments, reduce travel time, and make it easier to maintain continuity of support during life transitions. Licensed professionals and therapists can adapt the same core techniques to virtual formats, helping clients move toward their goals from wherever they are.