Therapist profile
Michelle McHugh, LICSW, LCSW
Arkansas
Licensed social worker - trauma and addiction
Continue with MichelleWhere Michelle stands
- Credentials
- LICSW, LCSW
- License
- LICSW, Alabama / 1799C; LCSW, Arkansas / 9844-C
- NPI
- 1518397785
- Experience
- 23 years
- Languages
- English
- Location
- Arkansas
About
- CBT techniques
- EMDR for trauma
- Motivational interviewing
About Michelle
Michelle McHugh is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 23 years of experience. She is licensed in Alabama and Arkansas and works with adults on problems such as stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma, depression, relationship concerns, grief, sleep problems, self-esteem, bipolar mood issues, and coping with life changes.
She began her clinical career after earning a Master of Social Work from New York University and has worked across settings. Her background includes inpatient addiction treatment, inpatient psychiatric care, and outpatient mental health clinics. That range informs how she approaches practical problems in therapy.
Michelle has substantial experience with military populations through more than a decade of active service in the Army National Guard as a behavioral health officer and years supporting active Guard soldiers and veterans. She also focuses on LGBTQIA concerns, substance use disorders, trauma and post-traumatic stress, and codependency issues.
Her way of working is collaborative and straightforward. She avoids stigmatizing labels and mixes techniques to match what a person needs. Cognitive-behavioral methods, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused work are commonly used in sessions.
Clients can expect focused, skills-based conversations that look at behavior, coping strategies, and patterns that keep them stuck. Michelle draws on practical tools from evidence-based trauma therapies when trauma or PTSD is part of the picture.
How sessions work
Therapeutic approaches and online sessions
Michelle commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in her work. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and testing new ways of thinking to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. EMDR is an approach used to address the impact of past traumatic events and can help reduce the intensity of traumatic memories and related symptoms.Michelle also draws on mindfulness practices to help with present-moment awareness and stress management. Picking the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist and client will discuss goals, preferences, and what feels manageable, then try methods that fit those needs in a collaborative way.
Confirm the current session formats before booking, as formats are not listed here. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. That flexibility can help maintain momentum between sessions and bring therapy into day-to-day life without asking for major schedule changes.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
23+ years
Listed in
Alabama, Arkansas
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, relationship struggles, grief, sleep issues, self-esteem concerns, bipolar mood issues, and coping with life changes.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her approach is collaborative and practical. She combines cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused methods where appropriate.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 23 years of clinical experience, including roles in inpatient addiction treatment, inpatient psychiatric care, and outpatient mental health clinics.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds LICSW and LCSW credentials and is licensed in Alabama and Arkansas. Her practice is listed in Arkansas.
Does she offer sessions in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are accepted.
How are sessions paid for and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I need to do to start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe at home, use the crisis and helpline numbers.