Michelle McHugh

LICSW, LCSW

Arkansas

Collaborative counselor focused on recovery and resilience

Continue with Michelle

At a glance

Credentials

LICSW, LCSW

License

LICSW, Alabama / 1799C; LCSW, Arkansas / 9844-C

NPI

1518397785

Experience

23 years

Languages

English

Location

Arkansas

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

1. • Motivational strategies
   • Trauma-informed care
   • Mindfulness and CBT

   About Michelle

   Michelle McHugh is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Arkansas. She brings 23 years of clinical experience to her work and aims to help people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, or life changes.

   Her style is collaborative and nonjudgmental. Sessions avoid stigmatizing language and focus on practical steps people can use between meetings. Michelle blends motivational interviewing with cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques to help clients find motivation and change unhelpful patterns.

   Michelle has worked in inpatient addiction and psychiatric settings, outpatient clinics, and military behavioral health. That background shapes her approach to substance use, trauma, and mood disorders. She also addresses grief, sleep problems, self-esteem, and relationship concerns.

   She lists work with LGBT and gender dysphoria concerns, first responder and veteran issues, and family of origin patterns among her focus areas. Michelle also supports people dealing with codependency, seasonal affective disorder, and aging and geriatric issues.

   Michelle holds social work licenses in Alabama and Arkansas and has served more than a decade in the Army National Guard as a behavioral health officer. Her experience with service members and veterans informs how she helps people navigate trauma, recovery, and transitions.

2. How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

   Motivational Interviewing is a conversational way to help people find their own reasons to change. It uses open questions and reflective listening to build motivation for steps like reducing substance use or improving routines.
   
   Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors. It often involves short exercises and practical homework to try between sessions, which can be reviewed remotely.
   
   Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR, is a trauma-focused approach that works with memory processing. When used carefully, parts of this approach can be integrated into an online plan for people dealing with post-traumatic stress and related symptoms.
   
   Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels doable. Together they decide which mix of methods to try and adjust the plan as needed.
   
   Confirm the therapist's available session formats before booking, since the biography does not list them. Online sessions can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. They also let people work through mindfulness practices, review CBT exercises, and use motivational conversations from wherever they are able to meet.

4. Areas of expertise

   Primary focus

   Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression

   Also works with

   Relationship issuesGriefSleeping disordersSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

   Additional focus areas

   Aging and geriatric issuesCodependencyDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)SexualityWomen's issues

   Therapeutic approaches

   Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingTrauma-Focused Therapy

   Experience

   23+ years

   Listed in

   Alabama, Arkansas

   Languages

   English

5. Frequently asked questions

   What concerns does this therapist help with?

   She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, sleep issues, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, relationship difficulties, and coping with life changes.

   What is the therapeutic style and approach?

   The approach is collaborative and client-focused, using motivational interviewing alongside cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques tailored to each person.

   What background and experience does she bring?

   Michelle has 23 years of clinical experience across inpatient and outpatient settings and more than 11 years of service in the Army National Guard as a behavioral health officer.

   What credentials and location are listed?

   She holds LICSW and LCSW credentials and practices from Arkansas; her licenses include AL LICSW and AR LCSW.

   Which languages are supported and can international clients connect?

   Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.

   What session formats are available?

   The original biography does not specify formats; please confirm current session options with the service before booking.

   How is cost handled for sessions?

   Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

   How do I begin a therapy match and schedule?

   Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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