Brett McGillivray, LCSW

Licensed in California · 18 years in practice

Brett McGillivray welcomes people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, or depression.

License and registration

LCSW, California: 23132 · expires August 2027
NPI: 1669512737 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 18
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check any license with the state board and any NPI with the national registry.

About Brett

Brett McGillivray welcomes people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, or depression. He helps clients navigate relationship struggles, sexual identity or LGBT concerns, and workplace pressures. Brett presents a calm, respectful presence and aims to make first steps feel manageable.

Brett is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW - practicing in California with 18 years of experience. He adapts conversations and plans to fit each person's needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

Background and approach

Sessions focus on practical changes and clearer thinking that can be used between meetings. He also draws on lived experience with long-term sobriety and offers support for people exploring addiction concerns. That background informs how he talks about motivation, guilt, and rebuilding confidence.

Brett frames recovery as a process and works at the client’s pace. Conversations often address communication patterns, feelings of shame or guilt, and questions about life purpose and self-love. Brett helps people break down goals into small steps and practice new ways of responding when stress rises.

He keeps language straightforward and focuses on what is useful right now. People who want steady, practical guidance and someone who listens with sensitivity may find his style helpful. Brett aims to empower clients to make changes that fit their life and values.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Brett lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Online support

Approaches and remote care that fit your life

Brett uses straightforward, evidence-based techniques to help people manage mood and stress. One approach focuses on practical skills for changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. It teaches ways to notice negative thoughts, test them, and try different responses to reduce anxiety and lift mood.

Another strand of his work centers on improving communication and relationships. This involves practicing clearer ways to express needs, set boundaries, and repair misunderstandings so interactions feel less draining.

Choosing the right approach is a shared process. Brett will talk with each person about goals, what has helped before, and how they prefer to work. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Online formats offered include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video allows face-to-face conversation and visual cues, phone calls can be easier when bandwidth is limited, and text or chat are useful for brief check-ins or when a written reflection is helpful. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule and keep contact between sessions if needed.

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Questions people ask

What concerns does Brett commonly help with?

He works with stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and LGBT-related issues, plus relationship and workplace challenges.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

The approach is practical and conversational, focusing on clear steps, better communication, and rebuilding confidence over time.

How long has he been practicing?

Brett has 18 years of professional work experience in behavioral health and related supports.

What are his credentials and where does he practice?

He holds the LCSW credential and is licensed in California.

Which languages are available for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can international clients work with him?

International clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats does he use?

He meets by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging.

How do I begin working with him and what are the costs?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session. Cost varies by location and therapist availability and uses a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

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