- Stress and anxiety
- Family of origin
- Self esteem
About McKenna
McKenna Belgarde is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with ten years of experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem concerns, family issues, and life transitions. McKenna emphasizes client-led sessions and helps people identify what they want to change and how to get there.
Her approach centers on practical steps and building on things that already work in a person's life. She asks about strengths and past successes and uses those as starting points for new patterns. Sessions focus on concrete goals and small changes that feel manageable.
McKenna also pays attention to family of origin issues, attachment and abandonment concerns, and patterns like codependency or avoidant personality traits. She helps people notice how family roles and expectations continue to shape behavior now, and looks at ways to shift those roles when they no longer fit.
She addresses relationship communication problems, commitment and control issues, and parenting-related stress such as fatherhood concerns and caregiver strain. McKenna will talk through coping strategies for sudden life changes, separation and divorce, and coping after natural or human-caused disasters.
Her work highlights cultural and community strengths as resources people already have. She invites straightforward conversation about goals, and supports practical skills for managing emotions and improving everyday functioning.
How evidence-based approaches are used in online sessions
McKenna uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on skills and behavior change. One common approach emphasizes identifying thoughts and behaviors that keep problems going and trying small, concrete changes to test new ways of responding. This helps with anxiety, low mood, and unhelpful coping patterns.Another approach centers on attachment and family patterns. It looks at how early relationships shaped expectations and roles, and works on changing interaction patterns and communication to reduce conflict and increase predictability in relationships.
Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist and client review goals, try methods, and track what helps. McKenna will discuss options and adjust the approach based on the client’s needs and preferences.
Confirm the session formats available before booking, as the biography does not list specific options. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and avoid travel time. It can also allow sessions without video if that better suits a client’s needs or bandwidth.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
California, Washington, Oklahoma
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address related to family?
She works with issues tied to family of origin, family problems, fatherhood concerns, and communication difficulties. The focus is on how early patterns affect current relationships.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Sessions are client-led and practical. She emphasizes identifying goals and building on existing strengths and successes.
What is her professional background?
She has ten years of clinical experience and practices as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Where is she located and licensed?
She practices in California and holds LCSW licensure in California and Washington as listed.
Can I work with her if English is not my first language?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she take international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and paid for?
Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time and cost varies by location. Confirm exact pricing during the booking process.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.