Richard McCranie, LPC

Richard McCranie is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Georgia with 12 years of clinical experience. He works with people facing stress and anxiety, addictions, LGBTQ+ related concerns, grief and loss, and the many challenges that come with life changes. He also focuses on issues such as abandonment, attachment difficulties, body image, caregiver stress, communication problems, control issues, divorce and separation, guilt and shame, impulsivity, isolation and loneliness, life purpose, men’s issues, midlife crises, and financial concerns.

He views therapy as a collaborative alliance built on clear, honest communication about feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. That two-way exchange guides the work when parts of life feel unmanageable or uncertain. His role is to help clients clarify goals, develop practical coping skills, and strengthen strategies for managing stress. While guarantees in counseling are limited, he commits to applying his training and experience to support each person’s progress.

He earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and history from the University of Georgia in 2004 and later completed a Master of Science in Clinical/Counseling Psychology at Valdosta State University. Early in his career he served as a Primary Therapist at The Marcus Institute working with clients on the autism spectrum and other behavioral health needs for two and a half years. In 2007 he moved to New York City to work as a Case Manager Supervisor with Partnership of Innovative Comprehensive Care, Inc., supporting case managers serving clients with developmental, intellectual, and mental health disorders. After returning to South Georgia in 2011 he worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and intern at Behavioral Health Services of South Georgia. From 2012 to 2014 he provided admission and intake services at Crescent Pines/Anchor Hospital and the DeKalb Community Service Board, then joined Ascena Health (St. Jude’s Recovery Center, Inc.) as an admission counselor in 2014. In 2015 he began providing one-on-one therapy and case management in residential and outpatient settings. He received his Professional Counselor license in 2018 and continued supporting clients with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. In 2019 he served as a Medication Assisted Treatment coordinator and residential manager supervisor and helped launch an outpatient reentry program for federal offenders on probation. In 2023 he accepted the role of Director of Clinical Services overseeing clinical and residential programs, and later that year he established a private practice where he continues to provide care to individuals with addictive, behavioral, and mental health concerns.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Richard McCranie draws on client-centered therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, and he also integrates dialectical behavior therapy skills when appropriate. Client-centered therapy emphasizes a respectful, empathic relationship in which the therapist follows the client’s lead to support self-exploration and personal growth; it is helpful for people navigating life transitions, identity concerns, and relational difficulties. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and adjusting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering practical strategies for managing anxiety, stress, and patterns that contribute to addiction. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) provides concrete skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be especially useful for impulsivity, intense emotions, and relationship strain.

He approaches treatment collaboratively, recognizing that finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work. He will help clients explore which methods align best with their needs, goals, and personal preferences and adapt strategies over time as progress is made.

Offering therapy online allows for flexible access to care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and maintain continuity of care when life circumstances change. Licensed professionals can deliver the same core therapeutic skills through these formats while tailoring delivery to each person’s situation and communication style.