Clarence McCray

I’m Dr. Clarence McCray II, a Resident in Counseling practicing under supervision at Light Counseling. I hold a doctorate in Behavioral Health Leadership from Walden University, where my capstone, “Post-Pandemic Strategic Planning for Urban Behavioral Health Organizations,” explored how the Baldrige Performance Excellence Framework can guide behavioral health providers in embedding trauma-informed care and navigating post-pandemic challenges. I also hold a master’s in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Lynchburg College, and an associate degree in General Studies. Currently, I’m completing my MBA to further strengthen leadership capacity within mental health systems. Over the past decade, I’ve held roles across community counseling, peer recovery, program management, and interdisciplinary team supervision. I’ve supported teens, adults, families, and returning citizens leading recovery groups and collaborating with courts, schools, hospitals, primary care providers, Community Services Boards (CSBs), and social services to advocate holistic and equitable care. My work supports not only direct clients but also the systems and agencies I serve. I specialize in helping individuals and families navigate trauma, substance use, identity development, reentry, and life transitions. My experience spans community-based settings, crisis response teams, and supervision of peer support staff. I also help train and mentor counseling, social work, and psychiatric nursing interns from universities including Liberty, Walden, the University of Tennessee Knoxville, and Longwood. Supporting new professionals reinforces my commitment to collaboration, equity, and long-term impact in the field. In the therapy room, I take a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive approach. I blend CBT, narrative therapy, and peer-informed practices with a conversational, respectful style. Therapy with me isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about creating space to explore your story, your struggles, and your capacity for growth. Research shows that strategic, compassionate leadership reduces clinician burnout and improves client outcomes. That’s what I aim for—not just in clinical care, but in the systems, I help build and support. If you’re ready to do the work, I’d be honored to walk that path with you.