Welcome to the BetterHelp community! My name is Lisa McCarton and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, practicing in Virginia for 20 years. I have specialized in psychotherapy and social work with children, adolescents and families. I have been providing psychotherapy for a wide variety of issues and populations, to include: behavioral problems; trauma issues; family relationships; mood disorders; school issues; and sexual abuse issues, among other areas. I graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2000 with a Masters in Social Work. I began my post-masters clinical work in a residential treatment facility for emotionally and physically abused children. I provided therapy, as well as case management, for children and families.
I would describe my approach as goal oriented, and client centered. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Problem-Solving Therapy and Strength-Based Approach. All of these modalities are hands-on, practical approaches to problem-solving. CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns and/or behaviors. The goals are to change patterns of maladaptive or unhealthy thinking in order to improve behavior and life situations. This helps people identify faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking and learn better ways of coping with life's full variety of stressors.
Difficult and painful times are part of the human experience. I understand seeking help can be a vulnerable step to take. Exploring the healing process or enriching one’s personal growth, first and foremost, requires establishing a trusting and an emotional supportive relationship. Change is not easy, but it is possible.
Professional experience
20 yrs in practice
Stress and anxiety Family conflicts Trauma and abuse Anger management Concentration, memory and focus (ADHD)
Additional areas of focus:Relationship issues, Coping with grief and loss, Parenting issues, Motivation, self esteem, and confidence, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes, Abandonment, Adoption and foster care, Antisocial personality, Attachment issues, Autism and Asperger Syndrome, Blended family issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent personality, Dissociation, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Eating and food-related issues, Family problems, Impulsivity, Intellectual disability, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Narcissism, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Personality disorders, Phobias, Post-traumatic stress, Self-harm, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Lisa McCarton. 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.
She deeply cares about her clients and I can tell she has passion for mental health and well-being
Written on Jun 04, 2026 after therapy with Lisa for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes
Lisa has been a huge help and inspiration for me. Together we roll up our sleeves and tackle the past, present and future. I welcome whatever suggestions and advice comes my way. I will be forever grateful for choosing Lisa, and I highly suggest "cloning".
Written on May 25, 2026 after therapy with Lisa for 1 year and 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Lisa is very kind and understanding, she doesn’t judge people for their past mistakes. She’s very encouraging, and very empathetic to my needs.
Written on May 06, 2026 after therapy with Lisa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and anger management
Lisa is a great listener and easy to talk to. I feel very comfortable opening up to her and talking about all my thoughts and feelings. She is very knowledgeable and helps me understand what I am feeling and ways trauma has affected me. She has helped me understand more about myself, helped me set and work towards goals, create healthy boundaries, and prioritize the importance of self love.
Written on Nov 27, 2025 after therapy with Lisa for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
Great listener, knows her stuff, very interesting individual, 10/10 would recommend
Written on Jul 11, 2025 after therapy with Lisa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, anger management, and adhd
Lisa is a great therapist. She understands my plights and helps me talk and think through them. I highly recommend her to anyone!
Written on Feb 06, 2025 after therapy with Lisa for 1 year and 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Lisa is very understand, calm, and very patient. I think she is a wonderful therapist and is very invested in helping me with my goals.
Written on Jan 17, 2025 after therapy with Lisa for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and self esteem
Lisa has been an amazing help to me. She is an excellent listener and amazing therapist. As someone who is very busy Lisa and BetterHelp make it possible for me to fit therapy into my schedule. Lisa has always been flexible with our session times and dates. I really couldn’t ask for a better therapy experience.
Written on Nov 25, 2024 after therapy with Lisa for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
I genuinely didn’t think I would be able to find a good therapist after all the experiences I have had with therapy in the past. Then I met Lisa! We haven’t even really gotten into the crux of why I’m here but she helps me feel calm, heard, understood, and safe. I have always told people about how much I enjoy out conversations and it’s only been two sessions. I look forward to seeing where this will go.
Written on Nov 20, 2024 after therapy with Lisa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, grief, and parenting issues
I’m so grateful to have worked with Lisa for the past six months or so. Our work together began during a very difficult start to the year, and she supported me to move through that time, helping me to understand/set boundaries and be more assertive. Since moving through that more acute challenge, we’ve set specific therapy goals that we check in on just about every other session together. Lisa took time to get to know me and learn what matters to me, and I really like her approach to therapy and look forward to our sessions together. I’ve been more consistent with journaling and trying to do the work in between our sessions, and I’ve felt the effects in a number of my relationships as well as my relationship with myself. I’m so grateful to have been matched with Lisa, and I highly recommend her via the BH platform!
Written on Aug 05, 2024 after therapy with Lisa for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and family conflicts
Lisa, has been a pillar on my rebuilding process of my self, I have gotten to the point that I am starting to enjoy life again, feel more connected with my self.
Written on Apr 04, 2024 after therapy with Lisa for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
Lisa does a great job. Great guidance, great listener, and very insightful. Definitely recommend.
Written on Mar 14, 2024 after therapy with Lisa for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues
Lisa has helped a lot to face the issues I am going through. I am so thankful for her :)
Written on Jan 09, 2024 after therapy with Lisa for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
This is my first time participating in therapy, I was really nervous getting started. I was someone who didn’t believe I could benefit from therapy. Luckily, Better help couldn’t have matched me with a better therapist. Lisa is excellent. Very professional and she’s passionate about the work she is doing with her patients. Since meeting and working with her, I recommend better help to the majority of friends. Lisa makes me feel like my feelings are valid and helps me express them in a more emotionally intellectual way, that helps me get closer and closer to my goals I’ve established with her while on my healthy lifestyle journey. The improvements we’ve made in just 3 months have been life changing. I hope anyone that has/is going through life looking for transformation to a healthier lifestyle, with that being working through depression, stress or anxiety gets the opportunity to work with Lisa. Her efforts during our sessions have been life changing for me. I couldn’t be happier with this experience. Thank you betterhelp! And thank you, Lisa!
Written on Aug 22, 2023 after therapy with Lisa for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, and self esteem
So far she has been helpful and attentive to my situation and is extremely patient with me. I look forward to working eith her more in the future.
Written on Jun 09, 2023 after therapy with Lisa for 2 weeks 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, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching,
She is more than just a therapist. She gentle but firm. She tells u like it is and does not sugar coat it. She the best. I’m glad I found her
Written on Jun 08, 2023 after therapy with Lisa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and adhd
Lisa is an excellent therapist who prioritizes her patients' needs and goals for therapy. She uses a cognitive behavioral approach, which has been very effective for me. She listens actively, asks thoughtful questions, and is clear and intentional in her feedback. She strikes an appropriate balance between encouragement and pushing her patients to grow and face challenging truths. Lisa also effectively manages time by setting goals for each session, while remaining flexible when other topics or issues arise that need to be addressed. Lisa has been a huge support and motivator for me. She has given me tools and helped me be reflective and self-aware, but in such a way that I have been empowered to overcome my challenges and weaknesses and to grow.
Written on Apr 12, 2023 after therapy with Lisa for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
Lisa has been incremental in the improvement of my mental health over the past few months. I came to therapy very anxious, emotional and unsure how to help myself with my present situation. Lisa helped me articulate my concerns and gave me tools to assist me to help/heal myself. She was the objective voice to guide me through this process. She has been empathetic but also straightforward on what goals need to be met to move forward . She has been a joy to work with and I am appreciative if all her work with me!!!!
Written on Mar 28, 2023 after therapy with Lisa for 8 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and coping with life changes
I cannot begin to explain how helpful Lisa is. I can come to her with any problem and she will respond with thoughtful and extremely effective advice. She is always attentive and responds in a timely manner no matter what. I know that she cares about me. My life is better since going to her, and I cannot thank her enough for it.
Written on Feb 06, 2023 after therapy with Lisa for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem
I cannot say enough good things about Lisa! I’ve had mixed experiences with therapy in the past and I had thus been neglecting my mental health and putting off seeking help for working through some of my struggles for a while. When I initially started BetterHelp, the therapist I was matched with didn’t have a modality that fit my needs. After reaching out to BetterHelp with my concerns, they matched me with Lisa and I couldn’t be happier with my experience thus far. Lisa is very experienced, she takes the time to really get to know you and tailor therapy to your specific needs. In between video sessions, I always know what I need to be working on.
If I ever need additional tools or have questions or concerns between sessions, Lisa happily provides whatever tools she thinks might be useful and is also timely in her response to chat messages. Additionally, I have a variable work schedule and I always feel like Lisa works hard to allow me to change up my session day/times from week to week. Although I haven’t been seeing Lisa for terribly long, I can already sense and feel the positive impact working with her has had on my life and I can’t wait to see how much more I can learn, grow, and maximize my true potential. Thank you Lisa and BetterHelp!
Written on Oct 16, 2022 after therapy with Lisa for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
She’s been great super helpful and caring
Written on Sep 05, 2022 after therapy with Lisa for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and adhd
Lisa is very supportive, offers great advice, and knows how to progress the therapy session. I’m luck today have found her and she has helped me tremendously.
Written on Aug 21, 2022 after therapy with Lisa for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, and eating disorders
After a horrible experience with another online therapy company, Lisa and BetterHelp were such a breath of fresh air. I was very apprehensive about "starting all over again" once again, but after just my first session with Lisa, I knew that I was in the right place. We have been able to connect/relate which has been quite helpful in my sessions, and she truly makes me feel validated and heard. She is very responsive to messages, respectful and unbiased, and also tells me what I need to hear, whether I want to hear it or not. Working with Lisa is exactly what I had in mind when I thought of the benefits of working with a therapist.
Written on Aug 17, 2022 after therapy with Lisa for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse
Lisa is great to talk to, she really makes you feel comfortable. I’ve been seeing her for a few months and I already feel like my anxiety levels have gone down, and I’ve improved in some other aspects I wanted to work on with her as well. She is super kind and nonjudgemental, and gives you valuable feedback that you can carry with you when you’re going about your days. I look forward to talking with her every week.
Written on Aug 12, 2022 after therapy with Lisa for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and career difficulties
Lisa is incredibly helpful. I am extremely busy and she always made an effort to fit me in her schedule and she effectively utilizes the time we have to meet. When I needed additional support, she was available. My favorite thing about Lisa has been all the tools she has given me to be a better version of myself. It has made me incredibly self aware and much stronger. I could not recommend Lisa enough.
Written on Aug 04, 2022 after therapy with Lisa for 10 months on issues concerning family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Lisa likes to take the time to get to know the client and to get the client comfortable with knowing her and I really appreciate that. She works in a way that creates the openness required to work through therapy.
Written on Jul 19, 2022 after therapy with Lisa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, and adhd
Lisa has been there for me through a lot of issues, from personal to professional. Life can throw a lot of things at us and no matter how big or small, she has been able to help me with coping techniques and methods so I can take back control of my life.
Written on May 17, 2022 after therapy with Lisa for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Idk how y’all matched me so perfect with a therapist I both admire and respect. In the short time we’ve interacted, she’s helped me through significant issues and offered multiple modalities to work towards building a better me. I’m very grateful for her and look forward to continuing with her as my therapist on a weekly basis.
Written on May 14, 2022 after therapy with Lisa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
I could not recommend Lisa more. She helped me work through one of the toughest times of my life to a point where I've never happier and more confident in myself. She was always there when I needed and was a great resource throughout the whole process. I will miss catching up with her on a regular basis.
Written on May 10, 2022 after therapy with Lisa for 1 year and 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, and anger management
She has helped me come a long way with my mental health. I wouldn't be doing as well as I am without her. She was awesome for me!
Written on Mar 06, 2022 after therapy with Lisa for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, and self esteem
Lisa has done a tremendous job helping me deal with my stress and overcoming negative thinking. I look forward to the sessions we have and the feedback she provides.
Written on Feb 24, 2022 after therapy with Lisa for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and anger management
I found Lisa to be very helpful. She gave me some new insight and aloud me to look at my situation from a different prospective.
I found the most helpful thing she gave me was the concept of self care. Our lives get so busy that we just forget to take care of ourselves. It was something that i needed greatly.
Thank you Lisa.
Written on Feb 17, 2022 after therapy with Lisa for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
Lisa has been wonderful to work with. She is very easy to talk to and I have been comfortable discussing the issues for which I have sought assistance. We have very productive and engaging sessions that have helped me immensely.
Written on Jan 19, 2022 after therapy with Lisa for 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, grief, intimacy-related issues, coping with life changes, and coaching
This was my first interaction with a therapist but Lisa is so easy to talk to, she made it less intimidating. She recognized when I was feeling off and always ended the session on a good note. She helped me realize some things about my self and sent a lot of useful resources through the app to help me reflect after our sessions. I’d definitely recommend her to my friends!
Written on Jan 04, 2022 after therapy with Lisa for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
Lisa is great. She’s very insightful and helped me gain tools necessary to handle my issue.
Written on Jan 03, 2022 after therapy with Lisa for 3 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and family conflicts
Lisa is so easy to talk to. She does a good job of responding quickly, listening, offering advice, providing helpful worksheets/resources, and coming up with a plan to resolve issues. I’ve never felt judged.
Written on Dec 29, 2021 after therapy with Lisa for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Lisa is thoughtful and kind. She has helped me find areas where I can be the same and ways to practice being my best self.
Written on Dec 19, 2021 after therapy with Lisa for 7 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, coaching, compassion fatigue, and adhd
Lisa has been a great therapist. I feel very comfortable talking to her and she is always very knowledgable, supportive, understanding and nonjudgmental. She is helping me work through depression and anxiety. She really listens to what I have to say about it and provides thoughtful feedback and useful strategies. I would definitely recommend her to anyone dealing with the same issues.
Written on Nov 16, 2021 after therapy with Lisa for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem
As the child of a rough divorce and custody battle, I've had to see a handful of therapists in my life; both privately and court appointed. Most of the time I felt as thought I was being talked down to and my feelings were never validated. I was just a patient whom they could check the boxes. Lisa is one of only 2 therapists I've met in my life that doesn't make me feel like I'm just talking to a wall. She engages with me, gives feedback and ways to work on issues, and genuinely takes the time to listen, assess, and provide help.
Written on Oct 13, 2021 after therapy with Lisa for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and career difficulties
She has been very helpful and caring and I havw not even got to meet with her yet! I look forward to it
Written on Oct 12, 2021 after therapy with Lisa for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, and self esteem
I have had two sessions with Lisa. Both were helpful in sorting out what I’m trying to address. She listens well and has helped me get my head around the challenges I’m facing.
Written on Oct 04, 2021 after therapy with Lisa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Lisa has been good at listening and providing unbiased observations of scenarios I have described. While we have only had two sessions, I feel confident she will provide the guidance I need.
Written on Sep 30, 2021 after therapy with Lisa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and adhd
Lisa has been a great help, she's great at listening and makes you feel appreciated. She tries hard to understand how you're feeling and helps to work with you on what to do next.
Written on Sep 15, 2021 after therapy with Lisa for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and adhd
Lisa is an amazing therapist. I recently lost my grandfather and had an incomplete grieving process. Lisa has been able to help me sort through my feelings and emotions and has coached me through my mourning. The exercises and tools she gave me have helped me implement real, lasting change into my life.
Written on Aug 22, 2021 after therapy with Lisa for 8 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
Lisa is exceptional! She is an active listener and holds space for me to share my feelings openly without judgment. We have worked together for a month so far and she has already helped me a great deal. She really takes the time to get to know you, your goals and what you would like to work on with her. I highly recommend Lisa :)
Written on Jul 01, 2021 after therapy with Lisa for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
I'm very impressed with Lisa, she's kind, intelligent and very understanding to many different circumstances as well as being easy to relate to.
Written on May 17, 2021 after therapy with Lisa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Lisa is a great person to talk to and always strives to understand where exactly I’m coming from and where I want to go. I feel extremely comfortable talking to her and she’s always willing to support which Avenue I want to take.
Written on Apr 16, 2021 after therapy with Lisa for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and family conflicts
I am so happy to have Lisa as my counselor. She is so awesome and very understanding. I feel like I am in a judgement free zone and she makes me feel comfortable about sharing my feelings. She always on time and always gives her full attention when we are talking. I am so thankful that Better Help chose her for me, they did an awesome job with matching me with a counselor that would understand what I am going through. I highly recommend Lisa!!
Written on Mar 21, 2021 after therapy with Lisa for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and self esteem
Doc has been a real help to me in what I consider one of the darkest times in my life. She really cares about me, she doesn't see me as a bunch of problems or a statistic, she sees me as a person. She's one of the most compassionate and empathic people I've ever met, she's firm when she needs to be and extremely helpful. She has provided me with necessary tool to cope with my situatuon. She pays attention to my needs, checks up on me and makes sure I'm ok.
I would strongly recommend Doc Lisa to anyone that is in need of someone that could guide them through a journey of change, she's been excellent so far and with her help, I feel I'll make it through my journey.
Written on Feb 18, 2021 after therapy with Lisa for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and anger management
Lisa is amazing, in the few weeks we've worked together she's been a great help and I really look forward to continuing our sessions. She's a great person and very easy to open up to.
Written on Feb 03, 2021 after therapy with Lisa for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, anger management, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I have had a great experience with Lisa so far. She’s been open, receptive and accommodating to me and what I’m trying to accomplish for myself personally through therapy. She makes me feel very comfortable, calm and relaxed when it comes to discussing and talking to her about my personal life. This has been a great therapy experience for me after being hesitant to step back into therapy after many years. I would absolutely recommend her to others. I genuinely feel like she cares about me and her role.
Written on Jan 28, 2021 after therapy with Lisa for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
She is a very beautiful human. This is the first I see a counselor that actually care about my well-being, and truly wants to support me. When you talk with her she gives you her full intention and try various ways to help you cope with the condition you have
Written on Dec 25, 2020 after therapy with Lisa for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and adhd
Calming and understanding of everything. Very nice therapist.
Written on Dec 24, 2020 after therapy with Lisa for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes
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