Lisa OBrien

Experienced LCSW focused on practical change

LCSW Montana

Experience: 32 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing
Languages: English

About Lisa

Lisa OBrien is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than three decades of clinical experience supporting people through stress, anxiety, addiction, trauma, grief, depression, relationship challenges, and life transitions.

Background and approach

She draws on a practical, client-centered stance that adapts treatment to each person’s situation and goals, combining evidence-based techniques to address concerns like self-esteem, communication problems, and intimacy-related issues. Her background includes work across age groups and family configurations, with additional attention to adoption and foster care, aging and geriatric issues, caregiver stress, and substance use concerns.

In practice she commonly integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside motivational strategies and trauma-focused interventions, tailoring interventions to match what the client needs in the moment. Lisa has experience with individuals, couples, and families and welcomes international clients who prefer services in English.

Based in Montana, she brings a steady, experienced presence to therapy and emphasizes collaboration when planning next steps. Prospective clients are invited to consider how her mix of practical skills and long experience might support recovery, improved coping, and clearer communication in day-to-day life.

Using Practical Therapies Online to Support Change

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, making it useful for issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress-related patterns. Motivational Interviewing focuses on exploring a person's readiness for change and strengthening intrinsic motivation, which can be especially helpful for substance use and behavior change goals.

Choosing the best approach is part of the work together. Lisa will collaborate with each client to assess needs, goals, and personal preferences, then adapt techniques so the plan feels manageable and relevant. This collaborative stance helps clients experiment with different strategies and adjust the focus as progress unfolds.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility by allowing meetings via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life transitions, and access care from Montana or abroad. The range of options supports different comfort levels and communication styles while keeping the focus on achievable steps and real-world problem solving.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Lisa address in therapy?

She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, relationship and family concerns, parenting and self-esteem challenges, as well as bipolar disorder and coping with life changes.

How would you describe her therapeutic approach and style?

Her style is client-centered and adaptive, using practical, evidence-informed tools and tailoring the approach to each person while drawing from methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.

What is her clinical experience?

She brings 32 years of clinical experience working across age groups and with individuals, couples, and families facing a wide spectrum of mental health and life challenges.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She holds the LCSW credential with licence details MT LCSW BBH-LCSW-LIC-712 and practices from Montana.

Can non-U.S. clients work with her and what languages are available?

Yes, she accepts international clients and provides services in English.

Which session formats does she offer for appointments?

Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and preferences.

How does billing and cost typically work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps for starting therapy with her?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling an appointment according to her availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Grief Depression

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes Compassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disorders Panic disorder and panic attacks Post-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Visually impaired

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

32+ years

Licensed

Montana

Languages

English