LMHC

Emily McBay, LMHC

Experience13 years
LocationFlorida
Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Relationship
Therapy approachesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Attachment-Based Therapy

Check the available next steps for working with Emily online.

About Emily

Emily McBay is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with 13 years of clinical experience who combines a person-centered sensibility with practical therapeutic tools.

Background and approach

She trained in counseling and psychology, completing a master's degree with a concentration in Family and Forensics, and has worked in settings ranging from correctional facilities to university counseling and treatment centers before serving a diverse community through a local nonprofit in Florida.

Her background informs a flexible, integrative approach that draws on multiple evidence-based methods to meet each client's needs. Emily emphasizes a collaborative, holistic practice that centers the individual’s values and goals rather than relying on a single technique.

She commonly integrates approaches such as cognitive behavioral strategies, acceptance and commitment ideas, attachment work, and skills from dialectical behavior therapy to address concerns like stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family difficulties, parenting challenges, trauma and abuse, ADHD, self-esteem, and life transitions.

Clients can expect a supportive ally who helps set realistic goals and practices concrete skills while validating personal strengths and motivations.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Care

Emily commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; CBT is practical work that often targets mood, anxiety, and coping skills. She also draws on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which focuses on clarifying personal values and building psychological flexibility through acceptance and mindful action. Attachment-based work appears in her practice as well, helping clients explore relational patterns and improve emotional connection and communication.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Emily works with each person to assess goals, preferences, and responses to different methods, then adapts treatment so techniques fit individual needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all plan. This partnership aims to build skills and progress at a pace that feels manageable.

Her online offerings include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which make scheduling more flexible for people balancing work, family, and other demands. These formats support ongoing access to therapy tools and regular check-ins while allowing therapists and clients to match the communication style that best supports the work.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Emily commonly address?

She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family problems, parenting, trauma and abuse, ADHD, self-esteem, and coping with life changes.

What is her therapeutic approach and style?

Her style is collaborative and holistic, blending person-centered support with practical techniques from cognitive behavioral, acceptance and commitment, attachment-based, and dialectical approaches.

How much experience does she bring to sessions?

Emily brings 13 years of clinical experience across correctional settings, university counseling, treatment centers, and nonprofit work, which informs a flexible, applied approach.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is an LMHC licensed in Florida under FL LMHC MH16116 and practices with clients who are located in Florida.

Does she work with non-English speakers or international clients?

Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.

Which session formats are available?

Emily offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How are costs and payments handled?

Costs vary depending on location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin working with her?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression

Also works with

Trauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveWomen's issuesWorkplace issues Young adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Attachment-Based TherapyClient-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Solution-Focused Therapy

Experience

13+ years

Licensed

Florida

Languages

English

What Emily can help with

Emily McBay works with clients on stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, and depression.

Emily spent her early counseling years working with those in incarceration.

Emily is experienced in working with depression, anxiety, and marital and family.

How Emily approaches therapy

Emily's clinical approaches include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Experience and training

Emily is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor practicing in Florida, with 13 years of clinical experience.