CBTTherapistsUSA

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

MM Portrait of Michael Mcbrearty

Michael Mcbrearty

Experienced LCSW blending CBT and mindfulness

LCSW New Jersey

Experience
20 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with Michael

About Michael

Michael Mcbrearty is a licensed clinical social worker who integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with motivational interviewing and mindfulness practices to address a wide range of concerns.

Background and approach

With two decades of experience, he draws on an open, genuine, and accepting stance to create a respectful therapeutic environment where clients can explore stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, and other challenges. His work emphasizes dignity, compassion, and practical strategies to help people manage symptoms and navigate life transitions.

Trained with a Master of Social Work and holding licensure in New Jersey and New York, Michael also has credentials related to alcohol and substance use counseling in New York. He brings a supportive, empathetic presence to sessions and invites clients to collaborate on goals and treatment plans.

Whether addressing career concerns, ADHD, eating-related issues, bipolar disorder, or compassion fatigue, he aims to empower clients through skills-building and reflective work. Prospective clients are encouraged to consider therapy as a committed step toward clearer coping and greater well-being, with Michael available to support that process.

How evidence-informed approaches translate to online care

Michael often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering practical tools for anxiety, mood concerns, and stress management. He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which combines mindfulness and values-based work to help people accept difficult emotions while committing to meaningful actions. These approaches emphasize skills practice and short-term strategies that adapt well to remote formats.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each client to tailor methods to their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques over time to find the best fit for progress and comfort.

Online therapy with this clinician is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, giving flexibility for different schedules and communication styles. Remote sessions make it easier to maintain continuity of care during life transitions or busy periods, while allowing therapists and clients to focus on skills, problem solving, and reflective work without travel time.

Frequently asked questions

What types of concerns does he address?
He works with many issues including stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship and intimacy difficulties, addictions, ADHD, eating concerns, bipolar symptoms, and career-related stress.
What is his therapeutic approach and style?
His style is open, genuine, accepting, and non-judgmental, blending cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices and motivational interviewing to build skills and insight.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 20 years of experience providing mental health and substance use-related care and has worked across a range of clinical concerns throughout his career.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is an LCSW licensed in New York and New Jersey and practices from New Jersey; license details include NY LCSW 081890 and NJ LCSW 44SC05958400.
Does he offer services in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English only, and he is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available with this therapist?
He provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and scheduling needs.
How much do sessions cost and what is the payment structure?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps should I take to begin working together?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule based on the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementDepression

Also works with

AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexualitySmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

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

Experience

20+ years

Licensed

New Jersey, New York

Languages

English