Amanda McLean , LCSW, LICSW

Amanda McLean is a Washington-based clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, and depression. She also supports those navigating LGBT concerns, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting strain, grief, and major life transitions. Amanda uses a down-to-earth, interactive style aimed at practical steps people can use between sessions.

With 13 years of experience, Amanda blends talk and action. She focuses on what matters now and what can change next. Sessions center on clear goals and simple tools that fit daily life rather than long technical explanations.

Her background includes work with trauma, attachment challenges, ADHD, and people exploring nontraditional relationship dynamics or sexuality. Amanda also helps with career stress, caregiver burnout, family of origin issues, fertility concerns, and questions around gender identity.

Her clinical methods draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered work, mindfulness, and Motivational Interviewing. Those approaches are used to build skills for emotion regulation, to shift unhelpful thinking, and to clarify values and motivation.

Amanda values honesty, warmth, and practicality. She treats each person as the expert on their life and collaborates to create realistic plans. Her aim is to help people find manageable steps toward better coping and greater clarity.

Approaches that guide remote sessions

Amanda commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her online practice. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice what matters to them and take small, committed actions toward those values even when emotions are difficult. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and practicing different behaviors to change how someone feels.

She also incorporates client-centered and mindfulness-based techniques to create space for reflection and to reduce reactivity. These approaches are practical and hands-on, aimed at building skills for stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, and mood challenges. Amanda works together with each person to decide which combination fits their goals and preferences, revising the plan as progress is made.

Online formats offered include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls are useful for full face-to-face conversations and deeper interventions. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth or camera use is limited. Live chat and text-based messaging support quick check-ins, real-time problem solving, or ongoing encouragement between longer sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy into work, caregiving, or other busy schedules.