About
- Stress and anxiety
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Parenting support
About Richard
Richard McGraw is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Missouri with 28 years of experience. He has worked in law enforcement, child protective services, medical social work, and hospice, and has been in private practice since 1997.
He works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship tensions, parenting challenges, addictions, grief, and issues around intimacy and self‑esteem. He also lists support for ADHD, career concerns, bipolar mood issues, and coping with life changes.
Richard describes his style as interactive and direct. Sessions tend to involve straightforward conversation about what is happening at home and in daily life. He draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) ideas to help people spot patterns of thought and behavior that get in the way of practical goals.
Clients can expect the therapist to use discussion and problem‑solving alongside behavior‑focused work. He aims to avoid labels and to treat people with respect and sensitivity. That means practical steps and clear feedback rather than long theory talks.
His background in child protective services and hospice informs how he approaches difficult topics such as trauma, grief, and caregiving stress. He also brings experience with adoption and foster care, blended family issues, and communication problems that often surface in household life.
How sessions work
How CBT ideas shape online sessions
Richard largely uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in session. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them against real life. It is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and problems that repeat in relationships.His prior roles in child protective services, medical social work, and hospice also inform how he talks about trauma, grief, and caregiving stress. That background can affect the questions he asks and the steps he suggests when people are dealing with intense or complex situations.
Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and help decide whether CBT techniques or another practical focus fits best. This is decided together and can change as the work progresses.
The biography does not specify which online session types he offers, so confirm the current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit appointments around parenting, work, or caregiving responsibilities. It can also allow for shorter check‑ins, sessions that do not require video, or scheduling that avoids travel, depending on the formats offered.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
28+ years
Listed in
Missouri
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Which home and family concerns does he address?
He lists stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, parenting, grief, trauma and abuse, addictions, intimacy issues, and related concerns.
What is his therapy style like?
He describes an interactive, direct style that uses conversation, problem solving, and practical feedback rather than long theoretical explanations.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 28 years of experience and has been in private practice since 1997, with prior roles in law enforcement, child protective services, medical social work, and hospice.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Missouri and practices from that state.
Does he work with people who speak other languages or live abroad?
Sessions are offered in English and he accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.