Richard McGraw, LCSW

Richard McGraw is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 28 years of experience in Missouri. He has run a private practice since 1997 and has worked in law enforcement, child protective services, medical social work, and hospice. He helps people facing depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship strain, parenting challenges, attention issues, and related concerns.

His approach is warm and interactive. He talks with clients respectfully and without labels. He uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - often called CBT - as a primary framework but adapts sessions to each person’s needs.

Sessions focus on clear goals and practical steps. Richard helps people identify patterns in thinking and behavior and then try different ways of coping. He also addresses communication, boundary-setting, and problem solving when relationships or family issues are present.

People who are facing big life shifts, grief, or struggles with addiction and anger may find the process useful. He also works with concerns like self-esteem, career questions, bipolar disorder, and intimacy-related issues. Additional focus areas include adoption and foster care, caregiver stress, blended family concerns, and abandonment issues.

He frames therapy as a collaborative effort. Clients can expect a combination of discussion, skill practice, and follow-up between sessions when helpful. Richard aims to support people ready to take steps toward change and a more fulfilling life.

How CBT and practical work translate to online care

Richard primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. CBT helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and test new ways of reacting. It is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and some mood or attention concerns.

The focus in sessions is on setting clear goals and practicing skills. That can include tracking thoughts and behaviors, trying small experiments between sessions, and working on communication or problem-solving. The therapist will adapt those techniques to the client’s situation and goals through collaborative planning.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options and tailor plans to what feels useful. Clients and the clinician decide together which methods to try and adjust over time.

Session formats are not listed in the profile, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people meet with licensed professionals from different locations, which can be helpful for those balancing work, caregiving, or relocation.