Danielle McDonald, LCSW
Licensed social worker helping navigate life changes
- CBT and client-centered care
- Experience with addictions
- Flexible communication modes
About Danielle McDonald
Danielle McDonald is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Certified School Social Worker (CSSW) practicing near Buffalo, New York. She earned her Master of Social Work from the University at Buffalo School of Social Work in 2006 and has worked in the field for 17 years. The LCSW credential indicates specialized training and state licensure to provide clinical social work services, and the CSSW denotes preparation to work within school systems.
Her clinical background spans inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment as well as substance abuse counseling, providing experience with children, teenagers, young adults, and adults. Over the course of her career she has worked with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, career challenges, substance use issues, and major life transitions, including learning to adapt to new normals.
Danielle emphasizes the therapeutic alliance as a central element of change and approaches therapy collaboratively. She prioritizes empathy, attentive listening, and an appropriate use of humor in building a working relationship. In practice she primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, tailoring techniques to the needs of each person. She is flexible about communication modes and begins treatment by discussing the concerns that brought someone to therapy, then working together to identify clear goals.
Her clinical background spans inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment as well as substance abuse counseling, providing experience with children, teenagers, young adults, and adults. Over the course of her career she has worked with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, career challenges, substance use issues, and major life transitions, including learning to adapt to new normals.
Danielle emphasizes the therapeutic alliance as a central element of change and approaches therapy collaboratively. She prioritizes empathy, attentive listening, and an appropriate use of humor in building a working relationship. In practice she primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy, tailoring techniques to the needs of each person. She is flexible about communication modes and begins treatment by discussing the concerns that brought someone to therapy, then working together to identify clear goals.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
Attachment issuesBlended family issuesCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDivorce and separationFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityMen's issuesVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMoney and financial issuesMood disordersPhobiasPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Smoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Danielle McDonald have?
Danielle McDonald has 17 years of experience.
Is Danielle McDonald a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW. License details: NY LCSW 080182.
In which languages does Danielle McDonald provide therapy?
Danielle McDonald provides therapy in English.
Where is Danielle McDonald located?
Danielle McDonald is located in New York.
How can I work with Danielle McDonald as my therapist?
You can work with Danielle McDonald through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Danielle McDonald work with international clients?
Danielle McDonald does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Danielle McDonald cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support
Danielle McDonald draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy, and incorporates Mindfulness techniques to support clients in navigating stress, anxiety, addiction, relationship concerns, and life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors to improve mood and coping. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a collaborative, empathetic relationship in which the therapist supports the client’s own goals and self-directed growth. Mindfulness Therapy introduces present-moment awareness and gentle attention to thoughts and feelings, which can help with emotional regulation and stress management.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Danielle works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts techniques over time as progress and priorities evolve.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility for those balancing work, family, or mobility needs. Sessions can be scheduled as video calls or phone conversations, and shorter exchanges can take place through live chat or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to access licensed professionals from home or elsewhere and to maintain consistent care when schedules or circumstances change.