PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

MB Portrait of McKenna Belgarde
Online therapist

McKenna Belgarde

Strength-based social worker for family concerns

Credentials
LCSW
Experience
10 years
Licensed in
California, Washington, Oklahoma
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About McKenna

McKenna Belgarde is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with ten years of practice. She centers sessions on what each person wants to achieve and builds from their existing strengths. McKenna approaches care with humility and a focus on practical steps toward better daily functioning.

She helps people name a desired outcome and then looks at small, repeatable changes that support that goal. Sessions often include noticing what already works in a person’s life and using those moments as tools for change.

Background and approach

McKenna values clear, straightforward conversation so people leave with next steps they can try. Her interest in family and parenting topics comes through in how she frames goals and strategies. She pays attention to the role of culture and community in shaping behavior and coping.

This helps people find solutions that fit their life and values rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all method. McKenna also focuses on issues such as stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes. She addresses related concerns like attachment wounds, codependency, communication problems, and caregiver stress.

Her work emphasizes practical supports that reduce distress and improve daily functioning. Conversations with McKenna aim to be collaborative and grounded. She listens for patterns, highlights strengths, and suggests realistic experiments clients can use between sessions.

The goal is steady progress toward clearer thinking and more manageable days.

How evidence-based techniques translate to online care

McKenna works from evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical change. One common approach used in evidence-based work helps people spot unhelpful thinking and test alternative thoughts to reduce anxiety and low mood. This method is useful for stress, worry, and improving daily mood regulation.

Another core technique focuses on strengthening attachment and communication patterns. It helps people notice how past relationships shape current behavior and practice different ways of relating that reduce conflict and increase connection. This approach is helpful for issues like codependency, commitment worries, and family communication problems.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. McKenna collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their goals, pace, and preferences. She checks in regularly and adjusts techniques based on what is helpful in real life.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the session formats available before booking. The practical benefits often include easier scheduling around work and family, shorter check-ins when life is busy, and the ability to keep therapy consistent across everyday locations. A clear conversation about format and timing will help fit sessions into daily life.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does McKenna address?
She works with stress, anxiety, self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include attachment, codependency, communication problems, and caregiver stress.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is client-led and practical. She helps people set clear goals and tests small changes between sessions.
What is her professional background?
She has ten years of experience as a practicing clinician. Her work has emphasized building on clients' strengths and community resources.
Where is she based and what are her credentials?
She practices in California and holds the LCSW credential. The profile lists CA LCSW and WA LCSW.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and billing handled?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What do I need to do to begin?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Next step

Talk to McKenna

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point