Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Joan McDonald

I create a comfortable, supportive space for clients to express themselves. I collaborate with clients and families to understand needs, build on strengths, and set goals for healing and growth.

I am a former high school teacher (11 years) familiar with social pressures, tech use, and academic demands. I assist with academics and executive functioning—organization, time management, prioritization, and goal setting—and partner with parents to improve communication and mental health support.

I became a therapist to help others; I offer present, collaborative, nonjudgmental care to navigate life challenges, build strengths, and pursue meaningful goals. My focus areas: anxiety, depression, trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, executive functioning, parent support, grief, life transitions, self-esteem, and school stressors.

I am a relational therapist, and I use CBT, ACT, DBT, IFS/parts work, insight-oriented therapy, and evidence-based parenting strategies to tailor treatment. I help clients set short-term steps toward long-term goals, build coping, communication, and executive skills, and offer trauma-informed, empathetic support to foster insight, resilience, and growth.