Exceptional therapist. He is more humanizing and not just clinical. He comes from an understanding, caring and thoughtful perspective with outlooks and solutions. He is why I enjoy sessions and why I continue with BetterHelp. He’s a huge support!
Dr. Robert McAlister, Psychologist
Experienced mental health professional
Provides online counseling through BetterHelp
At a glance
Robert is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.
- FSA/HSA accepted
- 4.5 stars
- Clients are very satisfied with Robert. View 2 reviews
- Great news, Robert is accepting new clients!
- He is normally fully-booked.
- Offers Telehealth visits
- Licensed in California and New York
Recent reviews
I instantly could feel the care and compassion from Dr. McAlister. His warmth, listening and ability to humanize as well as help me set realistic goals and expectations, is exactly what I was searching for in a therapist. He made me feel very comfortable and that’s importance for this type of service. I’ll be sticking with him!
More about Robert
- 34 years' experience
- Male
- Psychologist
I'm a licensed psychologist in California & New York with extensive experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging moments. Over my career, I've worked with clients navigating depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions, PTSD, trauma, addiction, and bipolar disorder, among many other concerns.
My approach is grounded in compassion and genuine understanding. I work with clients across all life stages—from young adults facing identity questions to older adults navigating life transitions—and I'm committed to honoring each person's unique background, values, and beliefs. Whether you're exploring spiritual questions, processing grief, working through relationship difficulties, or managing the complexities of chronic illness, I'm here to support you.
I specialize in helping people address communication challenges, isolation, shame, trauma recovery, and life purpose. I also work with specific populations, including military veterans, first responders, and those managing co-occurring challenges. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore what's weighing on you and discover meaningful paths forward.
I believe in meeting you where you are, drawing on evidence-based approaches tailored to your needs. Taking that first step toward therapy takes real courage, and I'm honored to walk alongside you in your healing journey.
Specialties
Stress
Anxiety
Addictions
Trauma and abuse
Bipolar disorder
Depression
Abandonment
Aging and geriatric issues
Attachment issues
Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Blended family issues
Body image
Cancer
Caregiver issues and stress
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Co-morbidity
Codependency
Commitment issues
Communication problems
Control issues
Dependent personality
Dissociation
Divorce and separation
Domestic violence
Drug and alcohol addiction
Eating and food-related issues
Emptiness
Family problems
Fatherhood issues
First responder issues
Forgiveness
Guilt and shame
Hoarding
Impulsivity
Isolation / loneliness
Life purpose
Men's issues
Midlife crisis
Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
Money and financial issues
Mood disorders
Multicultural concerns
Narcissism
Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Personality disorders
Phobias
Postpartum depression
Post-traumatic stress
Prejudice and discrimination
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Self-harm
Sex addiction
Sexual assault and abuse
Sexuality
Social anxiety and phobia
Somatization
Traumatic brain injury
Workplace issues
Young adult issues
Insurance Accepted
- Aetna
- Anthem Blue Cross California
- Cigna
- GEHA
- Optum
- UMR
- UnitedHealthcare
Treatment Approaches
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Existential Therapy
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Somatic Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
Licenses
Dr. Robert McAlister's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1699009308.
- Psychologist · California · 23930 · Renews January 2028
- Psychologist · New York · 027988 · Renews December 2028
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 Dr. Robert McAlister
All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.
Overall rating:
Exceptional therapist. He is more humanizing and not just clinical. He comes from an understanding, caring and thoughtful perspective with outlooks and solutions. He is why I enjoy sessions and why I continue with BetterHelp. He’s a huge support!
I instantly could feel the care and compassion from Dr. McAlister. His warmth, listening and ability to humanize as well as help me set realistic goals and expectations, is exactly what I was searching for in a therapist. He made me feel very comfortable and that’s importance for this type of service. I’ll be sticking with him!
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Robert McAlister offer telehealth visits?
Yes. Dr. Robert McAlister 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. Robert McAlister speak?
Dr. Robert McAlister speaks English.
How many years of experience does Dr. Robert McAlister have?
Dr. Robert McAlister has 34 years of experience.
Where is Dr. Robert McAlister licensed to practice?
Dr. Robert McAlister is licensed to practice in California and New York.
Does Dr. Robert McAlister accept FSA/HSA?
Yes, Dr. Robert McAlister accepts FSA/HSA meaning you can pay for sessions with your pre-tax healthcare dollars. Every year hundreds of thousands of people use their FSA/HSA to pay for therapy.
Does Dr. Robert McAlister accept insurance?
Yes, Dr. Robert McAlister accepts Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross California, Cigna, GEHA, Optum, UMR, and UnitedHealthcare.
Does Dr. Robert McAlister accept clients outside of the United States?
Yes, Dr. Robert McAlister accepts 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. Robert McAlister offer?
Dr. Robert McAlister offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.
How can I communicate with Dr. Robert McAlister?
Dr. Robert McAlister 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. Robert McAlister?
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.
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.
FSA/HSA
eligible