Rachel McCarthy, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist (she, her)

Hi! I’m Dr. Rachel McCarthy. I am a licensed psychologist, supervisor, and proud member of this community. I’m excited that you are here to learn more about me, how I practice, and how I can help. If it feels like we might be a good fit for each other, let’s connect!

  • Work best with: Children, Teens, Adults, LGBTQ+
  • Manage Medications: Provides therapy and collaborates closely with our psychiatry team for medication management, available through internal referral if needed.
Call Now: (512) 956-6463 Book an appointment

Being entrusted with your vulnerability is an honor and privilege and one that I do not take lightly. Because I believe in the power of the individual to make powerful, positive, growth-oriented changes in their lives, I strive to build a relationship of trust with my patients. I believe that this relationship, while not a remedy for pain, provides more space to effectively address and work through discomfort. My therapeutic style is warm and integrative, guided by an anti-racist framework and trauma-informed that emphasizes healing, empowerment, and strength-based, culturally informed care. I draw upon developmental, psychodynamic, interpersonal, and systems-oriented perspectives to meet patients where they are and support their growth in a holistic and meaningful way.

I have provided therapeutic services for over 10 years to individuals across the lifespan who present with complex trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, interpersonal problems, school and/or work-related challenges, and life and identity transitions. I have received training in and integrate interventions including Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, play therapy, TF-CBT, Parent Child Interaction Therapy, The Nurtured Heart Approach, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I also employ humor, mindfulness, and strategies from ACT among others.

You can expect a collaborative conversation focused on understanding what brings you to therapy, learning about your background, and identifying your goals for our work together. We’ll take time to discuss what feels most important to you, and I’ll answer any questions you may have about the process so that you leave the session with a sense of direction, comfort, and hope for the path ahead. My hope is that your first experience with me conveys warmth, empathy, and a genuine sense of emotional safety.

Credentials

Education

Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, American School of Professional Psychology, 2015

Personal Interests

Prior to obtaining my doctorate, I lived in New York City for several years pursuing dance professionally. I was also born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana (Geaux Tigers! Geaux Saints!). So, I have spent my time on all three coasts! Outside of work, I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, listening to live music, trying new foods (and eating), the beach (it’s my happy place), and most everything Disney, and am a big kid at heart.

Positions

I received my doctorate and masters in clinical psychology with a concentration in children and adolescents from the American School of Professional Psychology in Southern California and received my undergraduate degree from California State University at Northridge. My doctoral internship was at the APA accredited Children’s Institute, Inc in Los Angeles, California; and my postdoctoral fellowship was with Austin Child Guidance Center in Austin, Texas. Alongside my clinical work, I’ve had the privilege of supervising master’s- and doctoral-level students and serving in various leadership roles that have allowed me to support the growth and development of early career clinicians.

In-network and Self Pay

Insurance Accepted

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Seton Health Plan
  • Employers Health Network
  • Aetna
  • Humana
  • Sana Benefits
  • UnitedHealthcare/Optum
  • Cigna/Evernorth
  • Medicare
  • Partners Direct Health

Self Pay

$205
Self-pay and out-of-pocket session costs for clients without insurance coverage for mental health services.

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialities

Complex Trauma, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Interpersonal Problems, School/Work-Related Challenges, Life/Identity Transitions

Expertise

  • Aging
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment Trauma or Insecurity
  • Boundaries / Assertiveness
  • Career Counseling / Professional Growth
  • Childhood Abuse or Neglect
  • Conflict with Friends
  • Cultural Identity / Acculturation Stress
  • Depression
  • Divorce / Breakup
  • Existential Issues
  • Family Conflict
  • Gender Identity
  • Gender Identity (LGBTQ)
  • Life Transitions
  • Not Happy or Satisfied with life
  • Perfectionism
  • Personal Growth
  • Postpartum Depression or Anxiety
  • Self-Harm
  • Shame
  • Social Anxiety
  • Stress / Burnout
  • Trauma / PTSD
  • Women's Issues

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Accelerated Experiential Dynamic (AEDP)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Attachment-based
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Family Systems
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Interpersonal
  • Multicultural
  • Object Relations
  • Process Oriented Psychology ('Process Work')
  • Psychodynamic
  • Somatic
  • Strength-Based
  • Systems Approach

Locations

Steck Office

location_on8140 N Mopac Expressway
Building 4, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78759
Directions on google map
call(512) 956-6463
eventBook an appointment

Client Focus

  • Age Groups Served: Children (9+), Pre-Teens, Teens, Adults, Older Adults (65+)
  • Participant Types: Individuals
  • Language Spoken: English

I celebrate individual differences and approach my work with empathy, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for the intersectionality of each client’s lived experiences, culture, identities, and goals.