Richard McGraw, LCSW

Richard McGraw is a licensed clinical social worker with 28 years of experience in Missouri. He has been in private practice since 1997 and brings a long career that includes work in law enforcement, child protective services, medical social work, and hospice. He presents himself as warm and interactive in sessions and focuses on practical steps clients can take to feel better.

He helps people facing depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and relationship struggles. He also works with concerns such as parenting, career challenges, addictions, grief, ADHD, and intimacy-related issues. Aging and geriatric issues are listed among his additional focus areas.

His main approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which he tailors to each person’s needs. In practice that means talking through patterns of thinking and trying new behaviors between sessions. He avoids stigmatizing labels and treats people with respect and compassion.

Sessions are described as collaborative and empowering. He supports clients who want to make practical changes and build skills to handle daily stresses. His style is interactive rather than purely didactic.

People who prefer straightforward talk and hands-on strategies may find his way of working a good fit. He encourages those ready to take the first step toward change and offers support while they work toward clearer goals.

How CBT and online sessions can help you

Richard McGraw primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors. CBT often helps with anxiety, depression, anger, and problems with daily routines by teaching concrete skills clients can practice between sessions.

His approach emphasizes collaboration. He will work with clients to figure out which strategies fit their goals and lifestyle, and he adjusts plans as progress is made. Deciding on an approach is part of the work together rather than a one-time choice.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking since formats were not specified in the profile. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, shorten travel time, and offer a way to check in from different locations. It can also allow more frequent brief check-ins or longer weekly sessions depending on what you need. Licensed professionals can adapt CBT techniques to remote sessions so clients keep practicing skills between meetings.