Richard McDonald

LCMHC

North Carolina

Practical, goal-focused counseling for life challenges

Continue with Richard

At a glance

Credentials

LCMHC

License

LCMHC, North Carolina / 14159

NPI

1679072805

Experience

5 years

Languages

English

Location

North Carolina

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

1. • Motivational approach
   • Skill building
   • Plainspoken guidance

   About Richard

   Richard McDonald is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) based in North Carolina who helps people facing stress, anxiety, addiction, anger, low self-esteem, depression, relationship strain, grief, trauma, and parenting challenges. He works with people navigating mood disorders, life changes, and concerns like panic, post-traumatic stress, and substance use. Richard writes plainly and focuses on practical steps people can try between sessions.

   He draws on approaches such as Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and client-centered methods. Sessions aim to clarify what matters to the individual, build small workable changes, and teach skills to manage strong emotions and impulses. He adapts conversations to each person rather than using the same plan for everyone.

   Richard holds a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and has five years of counseling experience. His background also includes work across human services that informs how he supports people with complex life histories. He emphasizes straightforward language so busy parents and caregivers can follow along.

   In the room, he focuses on concrete goals, practical coping tools, and honest conversation. People can expect to set clear next steps and practice techniques for anxiety, mood regulation, and decision-making. The work balances exploring what’s getting in the way and trying different, doable actions.

   If a reader wants to start, Richard asks them to complete a short questionnaire and schedule a session so they can align on goals and the best path forward.

2. How therapy methods translate to online care

   Motivational Interviewing helps people find their own reasons to change by guiding gentle, goal-focused conversations. It’s useful for issues like addiction, ambivalence about change, and making big life adjustments.
   
   Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches skills to notice difficult thoughts and feelings while choosing actions that match personal values. That approach is often used for anxiety, depression, and coping with stressful life shifts.
   
   Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing new behaviors. It helps with panic, mood problems, and practical coping strategies for daily stress.
   
   Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each client about their goals, preferences, and what seems to help, and then try methods that fit. That collaborative process can be adjusted over time based on what the client finds useful.
   
   Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week by reducing travel time and allowing more flexible scheduling. It also supports short check-ins or longer weekly conversations depending on needs. Because session formats are not specified here, confirm current online options before booking so you know what will work best for your routine and goals.

4. Areas of expertise

   Primary focus

   Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression

   Also works with

   Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

   Additional focus areas

   Adoption and foster careAntisocial personalityCaregiver issues and stressDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Drug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsGuilt and shameImpulsivityLife purposeMen's issuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSocial anxiety and phobia

   Therapeutic approaches

   Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

   Experience

   5+ years

   Listed in

   North Carolina

   Languages

   English

5. Frequently asked questions

   What kinds of problems does Richard help with?

   He supports people dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, anger, relationship and family concerns, trauma and grief, parenting strains, bipolar and other mood disorders, and life transitions.

   How would you describe his therapeutic style?

   He uses a practical, conversational style that focuses on goals and small changes. Sessions combine listening with hands-on tools to manage emotions and behaviors.

   What is his professional background?

   He has a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and five years of counseling experience, plus earlier work in human services that shapes his approach.

   What credential does he hold and where is he located?

   He is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina and practices from that state.

   Which languages are offered for sessions?

   Sessions are offered in English.

   Can international clients work with him?

   He does not accept international clients at this time.

   How are sessions priced?

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

   What do I do to begin working together?

   Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's 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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