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RM Portrait of Robert McAlister

Robert McAlister

Experienced California psychologist focused on practical change

CA Psychologist 23930 California

Experience
26 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Languages
English
Continue with Robert

About Robert

Robert McAlister is a licensed psychologist in California (CA Psychologist 23930) with 26 years of clinical experience. He focuses on helping people navigate stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, and depression, and brings a practice shaped by multiple therapeutic approaches.

Background and approach

He aims to create an environment where clients can explore thoughts and feelings openly and without judgment, supporting them as they take steps toward change. His work also addresses a range of related concerns such as attachment and abandonment issues, caregiver stress, chronic illness and pain, codependency, communication difficulties, and substance problems.

Robert combines methods from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy to tailor sessions to each person’s needs. He frames therapy as a collaborative process focused on empowerment, practical coping skills, and clearer emotional insight to help clients pursue a more satisfying life.

Evidence-Informed Approaches for Online Care

Robert integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into online work. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and building practical skills to change behaviors, which is useful for anxiety, depression, and many daily stressors. ACT emphasizes values-driven action and acceptance of difficult emotions, helping people move forward even when feelings are intense or unwanted.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and he treats that as a collaborative effort. Together with clients he considers goals, preferences, and how symptoms show up in daily life to decide whether CBT, ACT, or a blend of methods will best support progress over time.

Online sessions are offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility and greater access. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, continue care while traveling, or choose the communication style that feels most comfortable for working on coping skills, emotional processing, and behavioral changes.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does he commonly help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, and depression, and also addresses issues like attachment, caregiver stress, chronic pain, substance problems, and communication difficulties.
What is his therapeutic style?
His approach is collaborative and nonjudgmental, blending practical skills work with opportunities to explore emotions and values to support meaningful change.
How long has he practiced?
He has 26 years of professional experience providing psychological care and support across a variety of concerns.
Where is he licensed and based?
He is licensed in California as CA Psychologist 23930 and practices with that credential in mind.
Can nonlocal clients work with him?
Yes, he accepts international clients and provides services to people outside his immediate region.
What session formats are offered?
Sessions are available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How is pricing handled?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Sex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Existential TherapyEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

26+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English