Work with Russell MacKay (LCMHC, NCC, SSW) - BetterHelp Online Therapist

About Me

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.

I look forward to working with you!

Specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Relationship issues
Family conflicts
Trauma and abuse
Depression

Also experienced in:
Addictions , LGBT , Grief , Intimacy-related issues , Parenting issues , Anger management , Self esteem , Career difficulties , Coping with life changes , Coaching , Compassion fatigue , ADHD

Years of Experience: 3

Services Offered

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

Licensing

LCMHC #5935490-6004 (Expires: 2022-09-30)

Reviews

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.

Written by B.O. 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

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 by J.A. 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

Great guy for a strange case like me.

Written by S.H. 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

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 by J.E. 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

The best!! Quickly identify struggles and help me organize my thoughts and plans!

Written by A.D. 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

Can tell that he cares and listens. Gives constructive feedback.

Written by K.E. on Apr 13, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and anger management

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 by L.A. on Apr 10, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and compassion fatigue

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 by K.A. 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

He amazing and easy to talk with. He listens and cares

Written by J.E. 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

Russell is a great listener, very supportive, and responds to my messages quickly. I’m so glad to have his support!

Written by V.E. on Mar 23, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and grief

He is a good listener and provides good feedback.

Written by M.A. 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

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 by J.A. on Mar 01, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, relationship issues, and intimacy-related issues

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 by D.Y. 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

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 by M.A. 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

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 by M.E. on Nov 25, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 4 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders, 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 by K.A. 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

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 by J.A. on Nov 12, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, and self esteem

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 by L.Y. 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

Always checks in even when life gets in the way of me responding

Written by M.E. on Oct 19, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 2 months

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 by C.A. on Oct 01, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 7 months on issues concerning relationship issues

Great counselor. Very timely responses. Checks in on me if he doesn’t hear from me

Written by K.A. on Sep 18, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 1 month on issues concerning family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes

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 by M.I. 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

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 by S.O. on Aug 27, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, and adhd

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 by N.A. 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 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 by A.M. on Jul 18, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, and trauma and abuse

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 by K.A. 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 truly makes me feel hear and seen. He knows how to center the conversation around my needs and asks all the right questions!

Written by S.I. 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

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 by B.O. on Apr 07, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, and trauma and abuse

He's kind, he listens, he cares.

Written by M.C. on Mar 26, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and self esteem

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 by K.E. on Jan 26, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, career difficulties, and coaching

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 by L.A. 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 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 by A.L. on Jan 20, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 1 month on issues concerning relationship issues, and anger management

I appreciate Russell for the opportunity to have a safe place to voice my concerns and help me with my well-being.

Written by J.E. on Jan 19, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 3 weeks on issues concerning family conflicts, parenting issues, and compassion fatigue

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 by E.R. 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 is very friendly and knowledgeable.

Written by K.I. 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 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 by J.A. 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 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 by B.L. 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 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 by M.I. 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 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 by C.O. 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 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 by J.A. 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 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 by M.E. 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

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 by B.R. on Aug 30, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and self esteem

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 by A.M. 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

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 by C.O. 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

He is great at matching a mood, and does well at leading the conversation

Written by E.R. on Jul 29, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety

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 by T.A. on Jul 29, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and adhd

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 by M.O. on Jun 07, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem

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 by H.E. 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

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 by S.P. 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 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 by C.H. 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 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 by A.N. on Feb 23, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and relationship issues

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.

Work with me!