Craig McIntosh , LCSW

Craig McIntosh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in both Missouri and Illinois with 24 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, and groups. He earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Texas A&M University in 1992 and a Master of Social Work from New Mexico State University in 1997. Since 2004 he has made St. Louis his home and he is certified to provide licensure supervision in both Missouri and Illinois.

He approaches therapy with the aim of creating a supportive, encouraging environment from the first meeting so people leave feeling they made a good decision and look forward to the next session. He believes that having someone on your side and a sense of hope can provide the momentum needed to begin meaningful change.

McIntosh brings substantial experience with 12-Step recovery and sober living, and he is a Gottman Level I Certified couples counselor who helps partners relearn how to listen, talk, and reconnect. He offers parent coaching to help caregivers get the best from their children and rediscover enjoyment in those relationships. He is also comfortable engaging in existential conversations about life’s big questions and has many years of work in domestic abuse, anger management, and issues affecting men such as fatherhood, relationships, masculinity, and abuse. He has spent the past twelve years serving as a social worker for the U.S. Air Force.

Drawing on a range of evidence-based practices, he tailors his approach to each person and can be direct, empathetic, serious, or lighthearted as the situation calls for. He listens for what matters most to a client and then helps translate those priorities into practical steps toward change. He looks forward to hearing from you.

Approaches That Guide Online Sessions

Craig McIntosh integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the Gottman Method into his online practice. Client-centered therapy focuses on offering an accepting, nonjudgmental space where the client’s perspective guides the work - it is useful for building self-understanding, coping with life changes, and reducing stress and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; it is commonly used for anxiety, depression, addictions, and managing anger. The Gottman Method provides practical tools for couples to improve communication, repair conflict patterns, and rebuild emotional connection.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and he works collaboratively with each person or couple to choose methods that fit their needs, goals, and preferences. The selection of techniques evolves as progress is made and circumstances change.

Online therapy through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offers flexibility for scheduling around work, family, and other responsibilities. These options make it easier to maintain regular appointments and to access therapists and licensed professionals from home or while traveling, supporting continuity in care and progress toward treatment goals.