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Hi, I'm Russ and I am a licensed clinical mental health counselor and an EMDR practitioner. Some of my specialties include: strengthening relationships, assisting clients through difficult life transitions, supporting adolescents and working with those suffering from anxiety, parenting issues and PTSD. Some of my valuable experience includes working as a clinician with teen girls and boys in a residential setting focusing on trauma related disorders, attachment, self mutilation/cutting, sexual identity and the LGBTQ community. I have over 19 years of experience in the field. I acquired my BS in psychology from BYU and my MA in Counseling Psychology from National University of Phoenix. I am currently pursuing a Doctorate in counselor education and supervision.
My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines Solution Focused, Person Centered and CBT counseling with Mindfulness techniques. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you.
You are welcome to message me anytime through Better Help. I usually check messages 1-2 times a day, 5 days per week. I offer messaging, live chat and phone sessions with limited availability in the evenings and weekends. Please note that what you see in my calendar may not reflect my only availability so you always want to check that out with me through messaging first. I look forward to working with you.
Additional areas of focus:Addictions, LGBT, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Control issues, Emptiness, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Men's issues, Midlife crisis, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Post-traumatic stress, Sex addiction
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Russell MacKay. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
He really listens and shows that he listens. He has helped me make some breakthrough's, and i’ve been doing therapy with other therapists for years. I also love that he gives me resources and things to do when between sessions.
Written on Mar 15, 2024 after therapy with Russell for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Great therapist
Written on Sep 09, 2023 after therapy with Russell for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and grief
Very personable and understanding. Very professional and knowledgeable.
Written on Aug 02, 2023 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, grief, parenting issues, and adhd
He really listens and brings up subjects or points I didn’t think of. Truly cares about his patients.
Written on Feb 11, 2023 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Amazing. He responds quickly, shows understanding, and allows me to go at my pace but still moves me through my trauma and impacts.
Written on Nov 30, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue
Russ has been great so far. I feel like I have thrown so much at him and he has been very helpful and supportive. He has challenged me to try and combat my thoughts and overcome them. Although, right now, I am still struggling, he has been by my side to help me and give me the tools to try and fight the negative thoughts. So far so good!
Written on Oct 27, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue,
Russ has given me good resources to use and has asked me thought provoking questions.
Written on Sep 27, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
I'd love to see a little more provocation from Russ, I feel we're on surface level, but I'd like to go deeper, I'm just not sure how to get there myself, and I'd love to be challenged.
Written on Jul 29, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 3 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Great guy for a strange case like me.
Written on Jul 18, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and self esteem
Russell is a wonderful therapist. From the get go he has been patient with me and looked for the subtle clues in my texts and speech that made me feel that he was able to understand me when I couldn't. I have a hard time reaching out in my tines of need so I appreciate the he would check in on how I was doing. He was Empathetic and really tried to understand and help my situation. I really appreciate Russell and all he has done for me.
Written on Jul 06, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
The best!! Quickly identify struggles and help me organize my thoughts and plans!
Written on May 20, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
Can tell that he cares and listens. Gives constructive feedback.
Written on May 04, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Russ listens well and helps me think about my stresses from another angle. I do have to remind him to send me documents he mentions during sessions when he doesn’t send them.
Written on Apr 13, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and anger management
I have enjoyed my sessions with Russell. We haven't done live sessions, but we have messaged quite a bit. He is always quick to respond, and I can tell from his responses that he has paid attention to what I have said and works to help me think through my problems .
Written on Apr 10, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and compassion fatigue
He amazing and easy to talk with. He listens and cares
Written on Mar 29, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Russell is a great listener, very supportive, and responds to my messages quickly. I’m so glad to have his support!
Written on Mar 28, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 1 year and 10 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, and compassion fatigue
Therapy through BetterHelp, has saved me time, money and I feel I got the best Therapist for me, that I could ever have. Thanks Russ MacKay!
Written on Mar 09, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, career difficulties, and adhd
Russell was down to earth and understanding of my situation. He was able to provide helpful guidance and also helped me just talk things out when I was feeling alone.
Written on Mar 01, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues
Russ makes sure I feel safe and comfortable and provides a flexible array of suggestions, mediums, and counsel!
I would highly recommend him, and BetterHelp, to anyone that needs it! (I think that means most of us!)
Written on Jan 14, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Russel has been awesome. He listens intently, provides great tools so that I can work through my issues, and is very responsive and helpful. Whether we’re doing a video session or just messaging, he is engaged and eager to help.
Written on Jan 11, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, coping with life changes, and adhd
My experience has been great and I definitely recommend. I most appreciate Russ's patient persistence. He's been good at matching my comfort level but continuing to ask questions or exploring concepts to keep progressing. His extensive knowledge on a multitude of topics has made sessions really enjoyable and cool to learn from. He is extremely responsive and has been very accommodating with scheduling whenever I've asked for alternative meeting times.
Written on Nov 25, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, and adhd
Dr. MacKay has been a tremendous help and had made sure to help through my worst issues. He's been simply amazing to work with.
Written on Nov 17, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and self esteem
I have had one session. He got directly to my issue in a calm way. He did not support my going off of the point, which was helpful. I feel he had a solution-oriented approach, while still being empathetic to my feelings. I feel very optimistic about the progress I can achieve with this therapist.
Written on Nov 15, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks
I'm only just getting started, but Russell seems like he knows what he's doing and is dedicated to helping me work on the core issues that are important to me. I appreciate his listening and patience.
Written on Nov 12, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem
Always checks in even when life gets in the way of me responding
Written on Oct 26, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
I have felt a weight off my shoulders ever since I started messaging Russel MacKay. He has the kindest, most thoughtful replies. I find myself repeating his advice to friends. He has made my first experience with therapy very very positive, and has been a real help in my life.
Written on Oct 19, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 2 months
Great counselor. Very timely responses. Checks in on me if he doesn’t hear from me
Written on Oct 01, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 7 months on issues concerning relationship issues
It is awesome to find a therapist who listens, supports and validates. Russ quickly understands the issue and is often able to provide a perspective I haven’t thought of yet. He offers some solutions and practical strategies for dealing with the stuff I bring to the session.
Written on Sep 18, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 1 month on issues concerning family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes
Russell has been shockingly helpful! I cant believe how far I have come in just a month. He really is doing a great job
Written on Sep 14, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, and coping with life changes
I love working with Russell. He’s helped me get through some really tough things I didn’t want to deal with for years. He made it all bearable and has given me my first amazing experience with therapy.
Written on Aug 27, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, and adhd
Russell MacKay has been very helpful in helping me to heal and cope with a stressful time in my life. He has been giving me tools to help navigate life. He has listened and not negated any of my strong feelings. I love the convenience of talking online. I can message when I’m available or in the middle of very strong emotions. It feels less intimidating for me to message online as well with my hard emotions because I dont have to say it to someone’s face. Signing up has been a great decision for me.
Written on Aug 26, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties
Russell is amazing. He provides me with insightful, useful advice and I always feel like it’s personal and catered to my specific experience. I believe he understands what I’m dealing with and really cares about helping me.
Written on Jul 18, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, and trauma and abuse
Russell truly makes me feel hear and seen. He knows how to center the conversation around my needs and asks all the right questions!
Written on Jul 15, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
Russell helped me understand what needs to happen next and do it, instead of dwelling on my issues. He is helping me with my relationship especially with communication but also with figuring out what I truly want or need. He was very quick to respond. Thank you Russell.
Written on May 16, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
He's kind, he listens, he cares.
Written on Apr 07, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
Russ is so kind and I cannot speak highly enough about him. I feel like he really listens and understands me and what I need help with. I don’t know where I’d be without his help!
Written on Mar 26, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and self esteem
Russell, has done great work for me. He is an excellent counselor and a good listener. I am extremely happy with my match with Russell. He has offered great resources in the context of my needs and the expertise he's offered has helped me resolve, renew and begin work on my personal goals. I highly recommend Russell.
Written on Jan 26, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching
I feel like he hears me and is able to address all my concerns and give me solutions. I’m going on five months so far. I have found it to be very helpful and comforting that I can just pull out my phone message him and know that he will respond in a day or less.
Written on Jan 26, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
I appreciate Russell for the opportunity to have a safe place to voice my concerns and help me with my well-being.
Written on Jan 20, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, and anger management
I found Russell to be incredibly supportive and easy to talk to. Additionally, I really appreciated the thoughtful questions. I would highly recommend his work.
Written on Jan 19, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 3 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, parenting issues, and compassion fatigue
Russell is very friendly and knowledgeable.
Written on Jan 16, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Russell has taken the time to understand my concerns and has properly addressed them. During the belief time I've been communicating with Russell, he has helped me in various ways.
Written on Jan 14, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and adhd
Russell has been extremely helpful in determining the root causes of my behavior. He always is listening and provides insight at the right time. I feel I can rely on him to share his thoughts about my issues in a timely manner. I trust he understands my predicament.
Written on Dec 09, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse
Russell has been fantastic to work with. Because of COVID, a terminally ill brother, and some marriage issues, my life felt like I was drowning. Russell was calm and very responsive. He had great advice and gave me some tools to help me through my tough times. He's always giving me amazing advice in a very complicated situation. I highly recommend him.
Written on Oct 12, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and coaching
Russell is amazing. I feel heard and supported and he also asks just the right questions. I've already had so many great realizations. I feel like my growth and progress has accelerated in the short time we've worked together and I look forward to working with him for a while.
Written on Oct 09, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, self esteem, and adhd
Russell has been helping me through an extremely difficult time in my life. I was hesitant of the online messaging system but Russell has taken it upon himself to even check in on me if he hasn't heard from me in a while.
Written on Oct 07, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Russell is an awesome therapist. He really helped me through some hard times and was able to give me the confidence I needed to keep going. He is very kind and always available. I would 100% recommend him to anyone who needs a really quality therapist.
Written on Sep 30, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, coaching, and adhd
Russell has been positive, engaging and helpful from the start. He completely and thoroughly addresses my concerns and does not limit my, oftentimes, lengthy explanation of my history while we build this initial relationship. He has identified key issues he feels will be most beneficial to start working on. In addition he has suggested supplemental helps by way of meditations and additional reading. He seems very knowledgeable in a vast arena of mental health issues.
Russ has helped me more, in two weeks time through this virtual program, than I was in months with my previous therapy. I would recommend him to anyone that is looking for therapy and feel that his attention to detail and needs far outweigh the cost of this affordable therapy.
Written on Sep 12, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes
I've only been communicating with Russell for about 2 weeks but I feel like he is more understanding and helpful to me than previous counselors I have met with. He seems extremely knowledgeable in the issues I am having and knows how to help me.
Written on Aug 30, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem
I have only worked with him for a couple of weeks. but in those couple of weeks I have noticed that the questions he asks me I actually have to think about the answers period and it is digging deep into what could be wrong with me. I feel as though he will be very helpful in my road to recovery.
Written on Aug 21, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, and adhd
He is great at matching a mood, and does well at leading the conversation
Written on Aug 10, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Caring, understanding, patient, and always checks in to see how you are doing. Honestly, his advice and his caring attitude has helped me a lot(:
Written on Jul 29, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety
He's been fantastic! I have a hard time remembering to respond but he still checks in frequently and seems to genuinely care for my well being
Written on Jul 29, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and adhd
Had a couple sessions with Russel and been chatting via text. He is very attentive and helpful. I feel comfortable opening up and talking with Russel and looking forward to see how it goes on moving forward.
Written on Jun 07, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem
The rapid response by Russell and the follow up was excellent. The various ways to connect and seek counseling with this app are quite helpful. I would continue with this therapist. Having Covid about in the community makes this process helpful. I have always thought having a therapist available to someone where that person resides, rather than going into an office feels more in tune with my need. But everyone is different. Thank you for your help.
Written on Jun 06, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and bipolar disorder
Russell MacKay has helped me through one of the most trying times of my life. He is patient and understanding and helps me to view things in a manner I hadn’t thought of before. He responds back very timely and I have never felt any bias or judgement from him in our discussions. I feel confident that I will be able to take valuable skills from our discussions to improve myself and my relationship.
Written on Apr 06, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and coaching
Russell MacKay honestly has helped me realize a lot of things I would of never been able to figure out on my own and sense I’ve been talking to him on better help I’ve felt my anxiety slowly get less and less and I love it
Written on Mar 20, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, anger management, coaching, and compassion fatigue
Russell is very good on responding on a timely manner, he makes me feel he understands me and has my best interest, but mostly that he is trying to help me and paying attention to me. He has made me discover things I hadn’t paid attention about myself and really went into a deeper therapy than any other counselor has which makes me think he knows very well what he is doing. I highly recommend him.
Written on Feb 23, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and relationship issues
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