Lisa McCarton, LCSW
Virginia LCSW with two decades of experience
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
- CBT and client-centered care
- Focus on families and trauma
About Lisa McCarton
Lisa McCarton is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Virginia with 20 years of clinical experience. An LCSW denotes advanced graduate training in social work and specialized preparation to provide psychotherapy and clinical services. She has concentrated her practice on children, adolescents, and families, offering care for behavioral challenges, trauma, family relationship concerns, mood disorders, school-related difficulties, and issues stemming from sexual abuse.
Lisa earned a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2000 and began her post-master clinical work in a residential treatment facility for children who had experienced emotional and physical abuse. In that role she provided both therapy and case management to support children and their families through complex transitions and healing.
Her clinical approach is goal-oriented and client-centered, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Problem-Solving Therapy, and a Strength-Based perspective. These practical, hands-on methods focus on changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, developing concrete coping skills, and building on individual and family strengths to address life stressors. She emphasizes the importance of a trusting, emotionally supportive relationship as the foundation for growth, acknowledging that seeking help can feel vulnerable while affirming that change is possible with collaborative effort.
Lisa earned a Master of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2000 and began her post-master clinical work in a residential treatment facility for children who had experienced emotional and physical abuse. In that role she provided both therapy and case management to support children and their families through complex transitions and healing.
Her clinical approach is goal-oriented and client-centered, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Problem-Solving Therapy, and a Strength-Based perspective. These practical, hands-on methods focus on changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, developing concrete coping skills, and building on individual and family strengths to address life stressors. She emphasizes the importance of a trusting, emotionally supportive relationship as the foundation for growth, acknowledging that seeking help can feel vulnerable while affirming that change is possible with collaborative effort.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Relationship issuesGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEating and food-related issuesFamily problemsImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Existential Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Lisa McCarton have?
Lisa McCarton has 20 years of clinical experience.
Is Lisa McCarton a licensed therapist?
Yes. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and holds the Virginia license VA LCSW 0904005382.
In which languages does Lisa McCarton provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English and Spanish.
Where is Lisa McCarton located?
She is located in Virginia.
How can I work with Lisa McCarton as my therapist?
You can work with Lisa McCarton through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Lisa McCarton work with international clients?
Lisa McCarton does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Lisa McCarton cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Approaches to Care and the Benefits of Online Therapy
Lisa McCarton integrates several evidence-informed approaches to support clients in an online setting. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors, offering practical skills for managing anxiety, mood concerns, and everyday stressors. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, respect, and collaboration, creating space for people to explore their goals and values while the therapist follows their lead in the healing process. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current patterns, helping clients and families understand connection, trust, and relational needs and develop healthier ways of relating.
Finding the right approach is part of therapy itself; Lisa works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. She tailors techniques over time, combining strategies so care aligns with what the client finds most helpful.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy lives, maintain continuity during transitions, and access licensed professionals from different locations, all while supporting active, goal-focused work on the issues that matter most.