Michelle McHugh

Compassionate, evidence-informed therapy for life challenges

LICSW, LCSW Arkansas

Experience: 23 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Languages: English

About Michelle

Michelle McHugh is a licensed clinical social worker with more than two decades of clinical experience and a focus on practical, evidence-informed care.

Background and approach

She blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with trauma-focused methods and mindfulness practices to address stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, grief, relationship concerns, sleep problems, self-esteem challenges, bipolar mood issues, and coping with life transitions. Her background includes work in inpatient addiction and psychiatric settings as well as outpatient mental health clinics, which informs a pragmatic approach to treatment.

Michelle holds LICSW and LCSW credentials and brings experience working with LGBTQIA concerns, substance use disorders, trauma and PTSD, codependency, shame reduction, and related areas such as aging and geriatric issues, family of origin matters, and sexual health topics.

She also has significant military behavioral health experience through service in the Army National Guard and work with active Guard soldiers and veterans. Sessions are offered in English and Michelle accepts international clients, adapting therapeutic tools to each person’s goals and circumstances.

Evidence-Informed Approaches Delivered Online

Michelle often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical skills for reducing anxiety, improving mood, and managing day-to-day stressors. EMDR is another method she employs to address traumatic memories and the distress they cause by working with the way memories are processed to reduce their emotional impact.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. She works with clients to explore which methods align with their history, concerns, and goals, and adjusts techniques over time so care fits each person’s needs rather than applying a one-size-fits-all plan.

Online sessions are offered through video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility and access. These options make it easier to schedule work around busy lives, accommodate different communication preferences, and continue care when in-person visits are difficult, while still allowing for structured therapeutic work guided by a licensed professional.

Frequently asked questions

What types of concerns does this therapist address?

She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, relationship struggles, grief, sleep difficulties, self-esteem problems, bipolar mood concerns, and coping with life changes.

What is her therapeutic style and approach?

Her style is collaborative and client-centered, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy alongside mindfulness, motivational interviewing, EMDR, and other trauma-focused techniques tailored to each person.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 23 years of professional experience across inpatient and outpatient settings and more than a decade of behavioral health service with the Army National Guard and military veterans.

What credentials and licensure does she hold and where is she based?

She holds LICSW and LCSW credentials with licensure details AL LICSW 1799C and AR LCSW 9844-C, and she practices from Arkansas.

Can she work with clients who live outside the United States or who speak other languages?

Sessions are conducted in English and she does accept international clients.

Which session formats are available for remote care?

She offers multiple remote formats including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different preferences.

How does cost and payment work for sessions?

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

What are the first steps to begin working with her?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to the therapist’s availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuse Depression

Also works with

Relationship issuesGriefSleeping disordersSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesCodependencyDrug and alcohol addictionFamily of origin issuesFirst responder issuesGender dysphoriaVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disorders Post-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)SexualityWomen's issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

23+ years

Licensed

Alabama, Arkansas

Languages

English