PuttingFamilyFirst

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

MM Portrait of Michael Masters
Online therapist

Michael Masters

Practical, collaborative therapy for family concerns

Book with Michael
Credentials
LCSW
Experience
5 years
Licensed in
New York
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Michael

Michael Masters is a licensed clinical social worker who uses practical, person-focused therapy. He draws on tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and client-centered approaches to help people manage stress, anxiety, grief, and parenting challenges. Michael works from New York and speaks English.

He brings five years of clinical practice with individuals and families in New York. Before his clinical work he spent time as a community organizer, where he supported families and people facing systemic struggles, trauma, abuse, neglect, and problems with anger or anxiety.

Background and approach

That background shaped his straightforward, down-to-earth style. Sessions tend to focus on clear goals and usable skills. Michael helps clients notice patterns that get in the way and try small changes that make daily life easier.

He uses behavioral strategies and values-based work to help people move toward what matters to them. Parents often appreciate his practical suggestions for managing stress and improving family interactions. He also supports people facing addiction, relationship strains, identity questions, and workplace stress.

Additional interests include issues such as adoption and foster care, caregiver stress, chronic illness, and intimacy-related concerns. Michael values collaboration and respect in sessions. He aims to create a calm space where clients can talk through hard topics and try new responses.

For those who want to begin, he offers several online formats and accepts international clients.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people notice unwanted thoughts and choose valued actions despite them. It is useful for anxiety, stress, grief, and managing life changes by clarifying what matters and building small steps toward those aims. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify unhelpful thoughts and test them with practical behavior changes and coping strategies. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and problems with self-esteem. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and supporting each person's pace to explore difficult topics and build confidence.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Michael collaborates with each client to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and preferences. He explains options clearly and adjusts the plan as progress and challenges appear, making decisions together rather than prescribing a single path.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, giving flexibility for busy families and people in different time zones. These options make it easier to fit therapy into daily life, try strategies between sessions, and maintain continuity when schedules change. Licensed professionals can adapt exercises and skills work to each format so clients can practice tools in their real-world settings.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns can be addressed in sessions?
He works with a wide range of concerns including trauma and abuse, grief, anxiety, depression, parenting and family issues, addictions, stress, self-esteem, career questions, and intimacy-related topics.
What is Michael's therapeutic style?
His style blends Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and client-centered methods to focus on values, practical skills, and understanding patterns that cause distress.
How much clinical experience does he have?
Michael has five years of clinical practice working with individuals and families in New York, plus earlier experience as a community organizer supporting people affected by systemic conflicts.
What are his credentials and location?
He is a licensed clinical social worker - LCSW, credential NY LCSW 094415, and practices from New York.
What languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and he is open to working with international clients.
Which session formats are available?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How is cost handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What should I do to begin therapy?
To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
5 years
Licensed
New York
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Michael

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