About Michelle
Michelle McHugh is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 23 years of experience. She holds a Master of Social Work from New York University and bases her practice in Arkansas while maintaining professional licensure in Alabama and Arkansas.
Michelle takes a collaborative, down-to-earth approach in sessions. She uses straightforward tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, and she draws on motivational interviewing and trauma-focused methods when helpful. Conversations focus on practical steps clients can try between sessions to improve sleep, manage stress, and handle daily challenges.
Her background includes work in inpatient addiction and psychiatric settings as well as outpatient mental health clinics. She also has long-standing service in the Army National Guard as a behavioral health officer, and she has supported active Guard soldiers and veterans from multiple branches for several years.
Michelle often helps people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, relationship strain, grief, and sleep difficulties. She pays attention to identity-related concerns such as LGBTQ issues and gender dysphoria, and she also addresses codependency and family of origin questions when relevant.
Sessions are collaborative and avoid stigmatizing language. Michelle aims to tailor tools so they fit each person’s life and goals, with a focus on small, manageable changes that can improve rest and daily functioning.
Approaches that translate to online care
CBT uses practical steps to change unhelpful thinking and behaviors. Online CBT sessions can focus on sleep routines, thought records, and small behavior changes that fit into daily life.EMDR addresses distress tied to traumatic memories through structured processing. When used in remote sessions, it involves guided bilateral stimulation and careful pacing to help reduce the intensity of traumatic reactions.
Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to calm the body and mind. These skills can be practiced during brief check-ins between sessions and applied at bedtime to improve rest.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to choose which methods to try based on their goals, symptoms, and preferences. Goals and techniques are adjusted as progress is reviewed so the plan fits what actually helps.
The biography does not specify which session formats are offered, so confirm available options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. It also supports continuing care after inpatient stays and can help people keep momentum on homework between visits.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
23+ years
Credentials
Alabama, Arkansas
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Michelle address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, relationship concerns, grief, sleep problems, and self-esteem challenges.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is collaborative and straightforward, mixing cognitive behavioral strategies, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused approaches to fit each person.
What is her clinical and professional background?
Michelle has 23 years of clinical experience including inpatient addiction and psychiatric work, outpatient clinics, and military behavioral health service with the Army National Guard.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds LICSW and LCSW credentials and practices from Arkansas with licensure in Alabama and Arkansas.
Are sessions offered in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English, and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.