Dr. Stracener was amazing to work with. At 35, I’d tried many therapist and none ever just clicked. I felt like he listened intently to my stories (always making notes and he remembered little details!) but also provided guidance, tips, and strategies rather than just letting me ramble the entire session. He had a gentle way of sharing difficult points, and I will greatly miss having him as my therapist.
Dr. Michael Stracener, LCSW
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Michael is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- 5.0 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Michael. View 5 reviews
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in Arkansas and New Mexico
Recent reviews
If therapy feels overwhelming, Dr. Stracener is your guy. He approaches each session with a sense of direction and keeps the conversation productive without feeling rushed or rigid. He is a compassionate listener and a proactive guide in helping you navigate through life’s hurdles.
More about Michael
- 21 years' experience
- Male
- LCSW
I am licensed in New Mexico and Arkansas for Independent Private Practice with 28 years of professional experience and a doctorate specializing in public health. I am on the faculty of New Mexico State University, School of Social Work. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I am specially trained and sensitive to issues experienced by the LGBTQIA+ community. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Specialties
LGBT
Self esteem
Depression
Coping with life changes
Stress
Anxiety
Grief
Career difficulties
Abandonment
Aging and geriatric issues
Caregiver issues and stress
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Emptiness
Family of origin issues
Forgiveness
Gender dysphoria
Guilt and shame
HIV / AIDS
Life purpose
Men's issues
Midlife crisis
Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
Mood disorders
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
Prejudice and discrimination
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Sexuality
Workplace issues
Treatment Approaches
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Jungian Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Licenses
Dr. Michael Stracener's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1124008545.
- LCSW · Arkansas · 865-C · Expires January 2025
- LCSW · New Mexico · SWB-2022-0518 · Expires July 2026
About online counseling
- Affordable.
- Pay a low flat fee.
- Convenient.
- Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
- Available now.
- There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.
Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.
Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.
Reviews for Dr. Michael Stracener
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
Dr. Stracener was amazing to work with. At 35, I’d tried many therapist and none ever just clicked. I felt like he listened intently to my stories (always making notes and he remembered little details!) but also provided guidance, tips, and strategies rather than just letting me ramble the entire session. He had a gentle way of sharing difficult points, and I will greatly miss having him as my therapist.
If therapy feels overwhelming, Dr. Stracener is your guy. He approaches each session with a sense of direction and keeps the conversation productive without feeling rushed or rigid. He is a compassionate listener and a proactive guide in helping you navigate through life’s hurdles.
Dr Stracener is very thorough and efficient in his assessment. He is wonderful to talk to. He helps me develop goals and skills to work on. The skills he helps me work on have helped me move forward in my healing. I would definitely recommend Dr Stracener.
Great job. Very personable.
Dr. Stracener’s experience and expertise has been very beneficial to me. His techniques developed for me on coping with trauma have really helped me turn the corner. I really appreciate all the help.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Michael Stracener offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Dr. Michael Stracener works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.
What language(s) does Dr. Michael Stracener speak?
Dr. Michael Stracener speaks English.
How many years of experience does Dr. Michael Stracener have?
Dr. Michael Stracener has 21 years of experience.
Where is Dr. Michael Stracener licensed to practice?
Dr. Michael Stracener is licensed to practice in Arkansas and New Mexico.
Does Dr. Michael Stracener accept clients outside of the United States?
No, Dr. Michael Stracener does not accept clients outside of the United States.
Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."
What treatment approaches does Dr. Michael Stracener offer?
Dr. Michael Stracener offers clients Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Jungian Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Dr. Michael Stracener?
Dr. Michael Stracener can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.
How do I get started with Dr. Michael Stracener?
Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.
Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.
And recovery is possible.
When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.