Logo of MCJ Counseling Services, PLLC featuring a side profile of a human head outline with a brain depicted as four puzzle pieces in green, yellow, teal, and dark blue, and the text 'MCJ Counseling Services, PLLC' below.

I’m Mackie Johnson, LCSW, LCAS, CCS. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor. I’ve worked in mental health and substance use treatment for more than 30 years, and I’d be honored to support you with what you’re facing today. My approach is nonjudgmental, direct, and supportive. My goal is to make a challenging process feel as clear and straightforward as possible—and to create space for a few lighter moments along the way to reduce stress and help you stay engaged.

Specialties and areas of focus • Addictions; alcohol and drug use/misuse; with both adolescents and adults • Depression • Anxiety (generalized anxiety and panic attacks) • Anger reduction and emotion regulation • Life transitions, job stress, and job loss • Relationship stress; support with being a husband and dad • Chronic pain and medical conditions

Many problems feel like they “sneak up,” and before you know it you’re back in a familiar, frustrating place. Together, we’ll sort through the patterns, understand the “what” and “why,” and develop practical strategies so you can respond differently and move forward.

Headshot of a middle-aged man with short gray hair, glasses, and a checkered button-up shirt, outdoors with blurred greenery background.

Bio: Mackie C. Johnson is a licensed clinical social worker, licensed clinical addictions specialist, and certified clinical supervisor with more than 15 years of leadership experience in behavioral health and substance use treatment. He has led detox, inpatient, outpatient, and community-based programs, developing evidence-based clinical protocols, strengthening care management practices, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Mackie is experienced in building and mentoring high-performing clinical teams, providing supervision for licensure and certification, and improving outcomes such as client satisfaction, retention, and successful completion rates. His work is grounded in strategic planning, clinical excellence, and a commitment to expanding effective services for individuals, families, and communities.

Services

A man sitting at a table with his head in his hands, appearing stressed while surrounded by four people pointing at him and taking notes, in a modern office setting.

Anger Management

Anger is a normal emotion—it is not good or bad by itself. It becomes a problem when it becomes the main way someone communicates, handles conflict, or tries to control a situation.

Often, anger is connected to other stressors such as anxiety, depression, alcohol use, relationship problems, work pressure, or ongoing life stress. Understanding what fuels the anger is an important first step toward changing it.

I use practical, evidence-based strategies to help reduce anger, improve communication, and build healthier ways to handle conflict. The goal is not to ignore anger, but to understand it, manage it effectively, and respond in ways that lead to better outcomes.

A glass of amber liquor with ice, surrounded by cigarette butts, scattered white pills, and an orange pill bottle on a white surface.

Substance Use/Abuse

Alcohol and drug use can start for many reasons, including stress relief, social connection, curiosity, or simply because it feels good. For some people, use gradually becomes more frequent, harder to control, and begins to create problems in daily life.

Substance use can affect relationships, work, health, mood, and overall well-being. It is also common for alcohol or drug use to overlap with anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, or other mental health concerns. Often, both issues influence each other and need to be addressed together.

You do not have to wait until life falls apart to get help. I use evidence-based approaches to help clients reduce or stop substance use, strengthen coping skills, and improve mental health. Effective treatment can support a healthier path forward and help prevent years of ongoing consequences.

Man wearing a suit with hands covering his face, against a chalkboard background with chaotic white lines and arrows.

Life Stress

Life does not always go according to plan. Job stress, unemployment, relationship strain, financial pressure, chronic health concerns, and major life questions can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of what to do next.

Men often carry many roles at once—husband, father, provider, protector, problem solver, and the person others depend on. Over time, that pressure can take a toll. Stress may show up as irritability, anger, low motivation, disconnection, drinking too much, or feeling like everything is harder than it should be.

Treatment is practical and focused. We identify what is creating the stress, consider the beliefs and expectations that may be adding pressure, and develop a realistic plan for moving forward.

Some problems may not disappear completely, but the way you respond to them can change. Therapy can help you build healthier coping skills, make clearer decisions, and reconnect with a sense of purpose, balance, and control.

You do not have to have all the right words to begin. Many people simply want to feel better. That is a reasonable place to start.

A middle-aged man with gray hair and a beard resting his chin on his hands, deep in thought, wearing a dark denim shirt over a white T-shirt, sitting in a softly lit room.

Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are common experiences, but they can become overwhelming when they begin to interfere with daily life, relationships, work, sleep, motivation, or overall well-being. These emotions are not signs of weakness. They are signals that something needs attention.

The counseling approaches I use are practical and focused. We work to understand what is driving the depression or anxiety, identify patterns that keep symptoms going, and develop strategies that help you feel more steady, capable, and in control.

Someone signing a legal document during a meeting with multiple people. A lawyer's gavel and scales of justice are visible in the background.

Court Ordered Services

Being required to complete a mental health or substance use assessment because of legal involvement can feel stressful and confusing. You may have questions about cost, time, work schedules, treatment requirements, and what steps come next.

The process can be straightforward when expectations are clear. It typically begins with an assessment, followed by any recommended services. The length and cost of services may depend on insurance coverage, the type of concern being addressed, prior treatment history, and court or referral requirements.

Clear, consistent communication helps the process move more smoothly. When expectations, requirements, and next steps are understood, delays are less likely.

I offer short-term and longer-term services focused on anger management, substance use, and related mental health concerns. I use standardized, evidence-based curricula and work to provide the appropriate level of care—enough support to meet requirements and make progress, without keeping clients in services longer than necessary.

Close-up of metallic chess pieces on a chessboard, with some pieces knocked over, with a small wooden desk and chair in the background.

Other/Consulting Services

I also provide professional services for clinicians, organizations, and behavioral health programs. Consulting support can be tailored to your needs and may include:

  • Clinical supervision for licensed or developing professionals

  • Quality reviews and documentation support

  • Behavioral health strategic planning

  • Substance use treatment program development

  • Staff training, consultation, and program support

Request a Free Consultation

Submit your questions or outline your objectives to initiate a collaborative discussion with a licensed professional.