Lisa McCarton , LCSW

Lisa McCarton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has practiced in Virginia for 20 years. She brings deep experience in psychotherapy and social work focused on children, adolescents, and families, and she has worked across a range of presenting concerns including behavioral challenges, trauma and abuse, mood disorders, school-related issues, and family relationship problems.

After earning a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2000, she began post-master’s clinical work in a residential treatment setting serving emotionally and physically abused children. In that role she provided both therapy and case management for children and their families, developing practical skills in assessment, crisis intervention, and coordinated care.

Her approach is goal-oriented and client-centered, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Problem-Solving Therapy, and a strength-based perspective. She focuses on hands-on, practical strategies that help clients identify unhelpful thinking patterns, develop healthier coping skills, and solve concrete problems affecting daily life. Lisa works with issues such as stress and anxiety, trauma, family and parenting concerns, relationship difficulties, grief, depression and bipolar disorder, ADHD, anger, self-esteem, and coping with life changes.

Lisa emphasizes the importance of a trusting, emotionally supportive relationship as the foundation for growth. She recognizes that seeking help can feel vulnerable and approaches change as a collaborative process that is challenging but possible.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Lisa McCarton

Lisa McCarton integrates several proven approaches in her work to meet a range of client needs. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships shape current patterns of relating and can help with attachment issues, abandonment concerns, and family dynamics. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, respect, and collaboration, creating a supportive space where clients lead the pace of change and work on goals like self-esteem, parenting challenges, and relationship concerns. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, anger, and problem solving.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Lisa collaborates with clients to determine which methods fit best given their goals, preferences, and life circumstances. She adjusts techniques as needed so the work remains practical and relevant.

Online therapy offers flexibility for clients who prefer remote options; sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to schedule care around work, school, and family responsibilities, and they expand access to licensed professionals for people in different locations or with mobility or time constraints.