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.


I look forward to working with you!


Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Relationships
  • Family conflicts
  • Trauma, 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 , Abandonment , Control Issues , Emptiness , Read more...

Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy

Years of Experience: 11

Services offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

UT LCMHC 5935490-6004


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 Teen Counseling might be different.

Written on Mar 15, 2024 after therapy with Russell for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes

He really listens and shows that he listens. He has helped me make some breakthrough's, and i’ve been doing therapy with other therapists for years. I also love that he gives me resources and things to do when between sessions.

Written on Jan 26, 2024 after therapy with Russell for 2 months on issues concerning relationship

Russell was amazing at showing compassion and understanding, while also helping us find what we needed to work on. Both my partner and I were able to identify are individual struggles and strengths to then be a team with our new family. Thanks Russell!

Written on Sep 09, 2023 after therapy with Russell for 1 year and 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and grief

Great therapist

Written on Aug 02, 2023 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, grief, parenting issues, and adhd

Very personable and understanding. Very professional and knowledgeable.

Written on Feb 28, 2023 after therapy with Russell for 1 month on issues concerning relationship

Russell is a really stable, solid therapist, who allows discussion and prompts conscious thinking in a calm and positive way.

Sensitive and not-evasive in his directing of conversion.

Really great.

Written on Feb 11, 2023 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd

He really listens and brings up subjects or points I didn’t think of. Truly cares about his patients.

Written on Dec 19, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship

Russell has been great in our initial sessions. We appreciate his candor and open style.

Written on Dec 11, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship

Russel has been helping in asking insightful questions to made me feel heard

Written on Nov 30, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning trauma and abuse, self esteem, career difficulties, and compassion fatigue

Amazing. He responds quickly, shows understanding, and allows me to go at my pace but still moves me through my trauma and impacts.

Written on Oct 27, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue,

Russ has been great so far. I feel like I have thrown so much at him and he has been very helpful and supportive. He has challenged me to try and combat my thoughts and overcome them. Although, right now, I am still struggling, he has been by my side to help me and give me the tools to try and fight the negative thoughts. So far so good!

Written on Sep 27, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem

Russ has given me good resources to use and has asked me thought provoking questions.

Written on Aug 11, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship

I feel as though I can recount every situation to him and he does a good job of stating his perspective. Often it gives me a better perspective about how to continue to grow in this situation and be better the next day.

Written on Aug 03, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 3 months on issues concerning relationship

he is great! responds promptly and is a skilled therapist. highly recommend!

Written 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 on Apr 06, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 4 weeks on issues concerning relationship

Therapist understood some of the complexities of our relationship in the first meeting! Asking all of the right questions and participated in a thought-provoking dialogue!

Written 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 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 on Mar 14, 2022 after therapy with Russell for 3 months

Great, very thorough and has helped our daughter. She has less anxiety and she feels like she can trust Russell. It’s so hard for teenagers these days and he’s been a huge help boosting her confidence and giving her the tools she needs to use every day.

Written 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 teencounseling.com, has saved me time, money and I feel I got the best Therapist for me, that I could ever have. Thanks Russ MacKay!

Written 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 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 teencounseling.com, to anyone that needs it! (I think that means most of us!)

Written 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 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 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 on Nov 15, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks

I have had one session. He got directly to my issue in a calm way. He did not support my going off of the point, which was helpful. I feel he had a solution-oriented approach, while still being empathetic to my feelings. I feel very optimistic about the progress I can achieve with this therapist.

Written 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 on Mar 12, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 1 year

Russell has been so great to work with. Our son really likes talking to him. He has been so helpful with the issues our son is facing.

Written on Jan 27, 2021 after therapy with Russell for 4 weeks

I enjoyed my conversation with Russell and am confident in his abilities. He was a great listener. I plan to continue to use his services.

Written 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 on Oct 27, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 5 months

Russell McKay has been an excellent therapist for our son! The therapy sessions that her son has had with Russell have given our son tools to use in challenging situations. Russell continued communicate with us through the app, about our sons progress and psychological needs. Russell’s calm demeanor set our son at ease and allowed our son to feel comfortable sharing his feelings so that he could Truly benefit from the therapy sessions.

Written 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 on Aug 13, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship

Russell is an amazing counselor with great experience he really listens

Written on Aug 11, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 5 months on issues concerning relationship

My wife and I have been meeting weekly with Russell for several months and he's been fantastic to work with. He is easy to talk with and has helped us work through several challenges. He has also shared additional resources (books, websites) that have been helpful for our family.

Written 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 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 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 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 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 on Jun 04, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship

Russell listens to both parties abnd treats each individual with the most upmost respect. He guides and gives us things to work on weekly. I highly recommend him and this amazing app teencounseling.com! Five star in my books!

Written on Apr 24, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship

Very respectful, knowledgeable, friendly, and dependable! Great counselor.

Written 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 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 teen counseling I’ve felt my anxiety slowly get less and less and I love it

Written on Feb 26, 2020 after therapy with Russell for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship

My wife and I have only attended 2 session with Russell but were immediately impressed with his ability to listen and discern the situation. He's great at providing us both an equal platform to express our feelings and responds with compassion and understanding. He seems to have a large breadth of experience and resources to draw from. We have really appreciated the opportunity to work with Russell.

Written 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!