- Skills focused
- Values centered
- Mindfulness based
About Richard
Richard McDonald is a licensed clinical mental health counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina who assists people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, anger, and relationship or family concerns. He also supports those navigating grief, parenting challenges, bipolar mood issues, trauma and abuse, and life changes. Richard mentions adoption and foster care as an additional focus area that may be relevant to some clients.
He uses straightforward talk and practical strategies in sessions. Conversations aim to identify patterns that cause pain and to build small, doable changes. Richard draws from several therapy approaches to match each person’s needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all method.
Richard holds a master's degree in mental health counseling and has five years of counseling experience as an LCMHC. His background also includes work across human services where he helped people with trauma, addiction, and everyday struggles. He keeps treatment plans grounded and goal-oriented.
Common tools in his work include elements from cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, client-centered methods, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. These methods guide skills practice, emotion regulation, and values-based decisions.
Sessions focus on what someone wants to change and on building concrete skills to get there. Richard frames therapy as a collaborative process that moves at a practical pace. He encourages people to bring their immediate concerns and everyday goals into each meeting.
How therapeutic approaches shape online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice what matters to them and take small steps toward those values even when emotions are difficult. It is useful for anxiety, stress, and life changes by combining reflection with action. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. CBT is often used for depression, panic, and mood concerns. Client-Centered Therapy centers the person in the room by listening closely and responding with empathy so people can find their own solutions. This approach supports exploration and self-directed change.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide which methods fit a person’s goals, preferences, and day-to-day needs. That choice can shift over time as progress is made and priorities change.
Session formats are not specified in this profile, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Some people find phone or video meetings help them start sooner or keep momentum between in-person visits; others prefer longer sessions for deeper work. Discussing logistics during the first meeting helps match the format to practical needs and goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Credentials
North Carolina
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Richard address?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, anger, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, bipolar and coping with life changes. Adoption and foster care are listed as an additional focus area.
What is his general therapy style?
He uses clear, practical conversation and goal-focused work. Sessions emphasize skills practice, emotion regulation, and decisions tied to your values.
How much counseling experience does he have?
He has five years of counseling experience as an LCMHC and a longer background in human services. That experience includes supporting people with trauma and addiction concerns.
What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?
He is listed as an LCMHC in North Carolina. The profile uses the credential as provided and locates practice in North Carolina.
Which languages are offered for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How do fees and payment work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule based on the therapist's availability.