Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Trauma / PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Relationships, Life Transition, Addiction, ADHD, Coping Skills
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Russ
Russ MacKay is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, where he has worked with teens, families, couples, and individuals in a variety of settings. He loves to connect with others to help them overcome their current challenges, heal from what they have been through, and learn to thrive in the present and future. Russ specializes in working with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment, and personality disorders, as well as working with relationship issues in couples and families.
Russ earned his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Phoenix. The main therapeutic modalities that Russ uses in therapy include dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, structured family therapy, internal family systems, eye movement desensitization reprocessing, and mindfulness-based therapies.
Russ truly values each person, sees them as an individual with incalculable worth, and works with them to help them find the path they are looking for in life. If you are ready to walk that path, then feel free to reach out today and set an appointment!
"Life can be stressful, busy, and sometimes overwhelming, and I love helping people find their path forward."
Get to know Russ
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
After working with youth and homeless adults as a caseworker and helping them with community resources I wanted to work with them in a clinical capacity. There are so many types of healing, and so many wounds cannot be seen. As I met more and more people I realized that so much of what we go through as people cannot be seen by others, and it is through the stories that we share that we truly learn what our lives are like. I loved learning about others and I also wanted to help them to heal from those past wounds and found that ability through becoming a clinician.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I love working with people, hearing their stories and helping them heal. Working with people from all walks of life and from various backgrounds is one of the best parts of working as a therapist.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
All types! There are so many good people in the world who need support and help, and I am excited to meet them, work with them, and help them find some healing and peace.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
Because it helps bring therapy to people that would otherwise find it hard to access it. Also, because it doesn't just focus on memberships and only work with people who have cash to pay for it. They work with insurance and work with people where they are.
What inspires you?
Life! So much good in the world, and sometimes we lose sight of it. Helping others find the good in their lives and in the world inspires me and keeps me coming back to my job.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
A warm and inviting session. It will be collaborating and supportive where we will work together to help me get to know you, and work together to define what you want to work on and your goals for therapy and your life.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
My main goal in the first session is to help you feel heard. To help you feel that you have found someone who wants to help you find a way forward in your life. To connect and establish a way to communicate and set goals so we work towards what you want to accomplish in therapy.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first session?
That I am here to hear you and to support you.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
I love to attend concerts, live sporting events, read, and spend time with my family and dogs in nature. Traveling, learning and meeting new people make life exciting and enjoyable!
What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
Outside of my professional life I try to be the best father and husband I can be. I try to be a fun and kind person who tries each day to make the world a little better place.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 20 years
- Graduating institute
- University of Phoenix
- Graduating degree
- Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Additional details
Practice information
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