Joel McNamara, ACA
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Joel is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- Great news, Joel is accepting new clients!
- He is normally fully-booked.
- Speaks English
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in Australia
More about Joel
- 4 years' experience
- Male
- ACA
I am an experienced Counsellor specialising in life challenges, and supporting clients in changing their relationship with unwanted behaviours such as symptoms of anxiety, depression, and/or addiction. I am highly motivated to support anyone who is curious to explore what a valued life means and what that will be for them moving forward.
I believe therapy is inherently a form of non-judgemental exploratory communication in which a counsellor and a willing expert (of their own life) can collaborate to clarify a problem, uncover the implicit want or need the problem represents, and then to develop and implement a plan of action to make that desire a consistent reality.
My approach is person-centred, and is supported by modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. I also strongly believe in the benefits of incorporating bottom-up processing approaches (body/nervous system) to assist in emotion and behavioural regulation. I also believe therapy is to be tailored to the client and their unique presenting needs and personal contexts, not the client to any one modality.
I am eager to work with anyone seeking support, and I have extensive history working cross-culturally. I have a personal interest in supporting young adults given my specialised training, as well in men's mental health.
Specialties
Treatment Approaches
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing
- Narrative Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
Licenses
- ACA · Australia · 27050 · Expires November 2025
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 allows you to receive care from a mental health practitioner via phone, video chat, or instant messaging. It is convenient for those who may have trouble getting to or would prefer not to have in-person therapy appointments. Starting at $65 per week, online counseling is generally more affordable than in-person counseling. A study by researchers at University of California, Berkeley found that online counseling can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy while being more convenient, affordable, and accessible.
Reviews for Joel McNamara
Frequently asked questions
Does Joel McNamara offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Joel McNamara 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 Joel McNamara speak?
Joel McNamara speaks English.
How many years of experience does Joel McNamara have?
Joel McNamara has 4 years of experience.
Where is Joel McNamara licensed to practice?
Joel McNamara is licensed to practice in Australia.
Does Joel McNamara accept clients outside of Australia?
No, Joel McNamara does not accept clients outside of Australia.
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 Joel McNamara offer?
Joel McNamara offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Joel McNamara?
Joel McNamara 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 Joel McNamara?
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.