Robert McAlister, CA Psychologist 23930
California psychologist for trauma and recovery
- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions and trauma
- Licensed California psychologist
About Robert McAlister
Robert McAlister is a licensed psychologist in California (CA Psychologist 23930) with 26 years of professional experience. He works with people facing stress and anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, bipolar disorder, and depression, bringing a broad understanding of related struggles such as abandonment and attachment issues, body image concerns, caregiver stress, chronic pain or illness, codependency, communication problems, domestic violence, substance use, family conflict, first responder challenges, guilt and shame, hoarding, and impulsivity.
He cultivates an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and emotions can be explored and named, and he supports clients in taking steps toward a more fulfilling life. Drawing on evidence-informed methods, Robert tailors his work to each person - balancing skills-based strategies with attention to emotional experience and relational patterns. He emphasizes collaboration, helping people clarify goals, build coping skills, and develop practical plans for change.
Those who work with him can expect a steady, respectful presence and guidance aimed at increasing resilience, improving daily functioning, and addressing the root contributors to distress. His practice blends clinical knowledge with a compassionate approach to help people move forward from painful patterns and regain a sense of agency.
He cultivates an open, nonjudgmental space where thoughts and emotions can be explored and named, and he supports clients in taking steps toward a more fulfilling life. Drawing on evidence-informed methods, Robert tailors his work to each person - balancing skills-based strategies with attention to emotional experience and relational patterns. He emphasizes collaboration, helping people clarify goals, build coping skills, and develop practical plans for change.
Those who work with him can expect a steady, respectful presence and guidance aimed at increasing resilience, improving daily functioning, and addressing the root contributors to distress. His practice blends clinical knowledge with a compassionate approach to help people move forward from painful patterns and regain a sense of agency.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAttachment issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Sex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryWorkplace issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Robert McAlister have?
Robert McAlister has 26 years of professional experience.
Is Robert McAlister a licensed therapist?
Yes. He is a licensed psychologist in California - CA Psychologist 23930.
In which languages does Robert McAlister provide therapy?
He provides therapy in English.
Where is Robert McAlister located?
He is located in California.
How can I work with Robert McAlister as my therapist?
You can work with Robert McAlister through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Robert McAlister work with international clients?
Yes, Robert McAlister works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Robert McAlister 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.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Robert McAlister integrates approaches that emphasize values, practical skills, and emotional clarity. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and focuses on acting in ways that align with what matters most - a useful approach for anxiety, stress, and recurring patterns that interfere with valued living. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) identifies unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and offers structured techniques to change them, which can be especially helpful for depression, anxiety, and many addictive behaviors. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combines acceptance and change strategies with skills training in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, making it a strong fit for intense emotions, impulsivity, and relationship challenges.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Robert works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. He adapts interventions over time based on what proves most helpful for the individual.
Online therapy with Robert offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging - allowing people to access licensed professionals from different locations and to choose formats that fit their schedules and comfort. This range of options supports continuity of care and makes it easier to integrate therapy into everyday life.