Craig McIntosh, LCSW

Craig McIntosh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 24 years of practice. He holds an MSW from New Mexico State University and has worked in Missouri and Illinois. Craig aims to make the first meeting feel supportive so people leave with hope and a clear next step.

He began with a bachelor’s in anthropology and has lived in St. Louis since 2004. Over his career he has worked with individuals, couples, and groups, and spent twelve years as a social worker for the U.S. Air Force. He also provides licensure supervision in Missouri and Illinois.

Craig uses straightforward, practical conversation. He listens first, then helps people turn insights into real changes. He can be direct, empathetic, serious, or lighthearted depending on what someone needs that day.

His clinical approach mixes familiar methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy and client-centered work. He also draws from Gottman and Imago relationship ideas and existential conversations when those fit the concern.

Common concerns he addresses include stress, anxiety, depression, anger, addictions, relationship strain, parenting challenges, and coping with life changes. He also focuses on attachment and abandonment issues, blended family and fatherhood concerns, codependency, and forgiveness.

People looking for help around sobriety, domestic abuse recovery, or managing anger will find his background relevant. Sessions are offered in English and are scheduled to match each person’s needs.

Approaches that shape online sessions

Craig uses cognitive behavioral therapy to help someone identify unhelpful thoughts and try new behaviors. CBT often suits worry, low mood, and patterns that keep problems stuck. Client-centered therapy is about listening and following the person’s pace; the therapist reflects and supports people as they find their own answers. The Gottman method provides practical tools for improving communication and managing conflict in close relationships.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Craig will talk with each person about goals and preferences and try methods that fit those aims. If one way doesn't feel right, he adjusts the approach together with the person to find a better fit.

Online sessions use video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to make therapy flexible. Video is useful for fuller conversations and nonverbal cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for those who prefer not to be on camera. Chat and messaging allow shorter check-ins and a way to share thoughts between scheduled talks. These options help people fit therapy into busy lives and different routines.