Richard McGraw , LCSW

Richard McGraw is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Missouri with 28 years of professional experience, including a private practice that began in 1997. He brings a broad background from positions in law enforcement, child protective services, medical social work, and hospice, which informs his work with people facing complex life challenges.

He has supported individuals and families with a wide range of concerns, such as depression, anxiety, stress, trauma and abuse, relationship and family difficulties, parenting questions, career challenges, OCD, ADD and ADHD, addictions, grief, bipolar disorder, and other issues related to life transitions and intimacy. His practice also addresses specialized areas like abandonment, adoption and foster care, caregiver stress, codependency, domestic violence, and communication or commitment problems.

McGraw offers a warm, interactive style and works from a foundation of respect, sensitivity, and compassion. He does not endorse stigmatizing labels and emphasizes tailoring the conversation and treatment plan to each person’s specific needs. His approach is primarily based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, adapted to fit individual goals and circumstances. He welcomes collaboration and aims to support and empower those ready to pursue positive change. He works with international clients and is not currently accepting new clients.

CBT and Coaching in Flexible Online Sessions

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, helps people identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. It is often used to address anxiety, depression, stress, trauma-related reactions, and difficulties in coping with life changes by teaching practical skills and strategies for everyday challenges.

Coaching is an action-oriented approach that focuses on setting goals, building skills, and making measurable progress in areas like career challenges, life transitions, and problem-solving. It complements therapeutic work by emphasizing concrete steps and accountability in pursuit of personal objectives.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and the therapist works collaboratively with each person to determine what fits best given their needs, goals, and preferences. That collaboration helps shape a tailored plan that can evolve as progress is made.

Online therapy offers flexibility by allowing sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit work with family responsibilities, travel, or varied schedules, and they allow licensed professionals to deliver consistent therapeutic support across distances.