Michael Masters, LCSW

Michael Masters is a licensed clinical social worker with five years of clinical practice in New York. He uses clear, evidence-informed methods to help people manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Michael aims to make sessions straightforward and practical so people can use what they learn right away.

He draws on cognitive behavioral ideas to identify unhelpful thinking and build healthier habits. He also uses acceptance and commitment methods to help people clarify values and take meaningful steps, and client-centered techniques to keep the work grounded in each person's experience.

In earlier work as a community organizer Michael supported people affected by systemic conflicts, trauma, abuse, neglect, and high stress situations. That background shaped his focus on practical coping skills and attention to how life circumstances influence mental health.

Michael often helps people facing grief, relationship and intimacy struggles, identity and LGBT concerns, addiction, parenting strain, career stress, and compassion fatigue. He also works with issues like abandonment, attachment concerns, chronic illness, and blended family stress.

Sessions aim to be collaborative and goal-directed. Michael will work with each person to set clear steps, practice new skills between meetings, and measure progress so the work stays useful and focused.

Approach-based care through online therapy

Michael commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot unhelpful thoughts and change behaviors that keep problems going. CBT is practical and often focuses on clear steps and at-home practice, which can help with anxiety, depression, and stress.

He also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people clarify what matters most to them and take action toward those values, even when emotions are difficult. Client-centered work keeps the conversation focused on each person's experience and priorities so goals reflect what the person wants to change.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michael collaborates with each person to pick methods that fit their goals and preferences, and he adjusts strategies as progress is made. That shared decision-making helps keep therapy relevant and forward-moving.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video is useful for full sessions and face-to-face interaction, phone can be a simpler option when bandwidth is limited, and messaging or chat can support brief check-ins or skill practice between meetings. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy routines and to keep steady momentum on goals.