Therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp. We will earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you use our links to purchase.

Licensed clinical social worker recordNew Jersey

Michael Mcbrearty

Michael Mcbrearty, LCSW

New Jersey

Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Stress and Addiction

Continue with Michael
NJ

Credentials check

Credentials
LCSW
Licensed in New Jersey
LCSW, licence 44SC05958400
Licensed in New York
LCSW, licence 081890
NPI
1790842946
Experience
20 years
Languages
English
Location
New Jersey

These details come from information Michael supplied to BetterHelp. A licence can be checked with the social work board of the state that issued it, and an NPI with the national registry.

AAbout

  • CBT methods
  • Mindfulness practices
  • Motivational interviewing

About Michael

Michael Mcbrearty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New Jersey and New York with 20 years of clinical experience. He works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, and other life changes. He uses straightforward, practical methods to help people manage daily pressures and make concrete changes.

Michael trained at Rutgers University where he earned a Master of Social Work. Early in his career he chose the helping field and has since focused on substance use work as well as broad mental health concerns. He also holds a credential as an alcohol and substance abuse counselor in New York.

In sessions he draws on cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness practices. That means he helps clients notice thought patterns, build motivation for change, and practice present-moment skills to reduce distress. He prefers an open, genuine, non-judgmental approach that keeps conversation direct and practical.

Michael helps people talk through relationship stress, family problems, career strain, ADHD, compassion fatigue, and recovery from trauma. He also addresses eating and intimacy-related issues, bipolar mood concerns, and grief. Sessions focus on small, achievable steps as well as clearer thinking about choices.

People choosing him can expect a focus on real-life problems: communication, coping skills, managing emotions, and planning next steps. He emphasizes collaboration and clear goals. To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.

BHow sessions work

How Michael uses practical therapies online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take small actions toward them even when feelings are difficult. It is often useful for chronic stress, avoidance, and making decisions during life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them with real-world experiments to reduce anxiety or depression. It suits problems that benefit from specific skill-building and action plans. Motivational Interviewing is a short, collaborative method to build readiness for change when motivation feels mixed, often used for addictions and behavior change.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Michael will work with each person to identify goals and try practical methods that fit their needs and preferences. That collaborative process helps select whether CBT, ACT, motivational interviewing, or a mix is best for the situation.

Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. They also let people use mindfulness and behavioral homework in their actual daily settings, which often helps translate skills into everyday life.

CAreas of focus

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

Listed in

New Jersey, New York

Languages

English

DQuestions

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does he focus on?

He works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, grief, relationship and intimacy concerns, and related life changes such as career strain and caregiver stress.

What is his therapeutic style?

He uses a direct, non-judgmental approach that combines cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. Sessions emphasize practical steps and clearer thinking.

How much experience does he have?

He has 20 years of clinical experience, including work in substance use and general mental health.

Is he licensed and where does he practice?

He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New Jersey and New York and practices from New Jersey.

What languages are used in sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the U.S. work with him?

International clients are not currently accepted.

What should I know about session formats?

Confirm current session options before booking, as the biography does not list specific formats. Please check the platform or contact support for format details.

How are fees and getting started handled?

Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, call 911, or call or text 988. More crisis numbers

Back to all social workers

Michael Mcbrearty

Continue with Michael