Starting therapy can feel overwhelming, and finding the right therapist is an important first step. Stephanie McDonald, LP-MHC, is a Limited Permit Mental Health Counselor in New York who believes therapy should be a place where you feel heard, supported, and accepted without judgment. She understands that every person has a unique story and strives to create a welcoming environment where clients feel safe to be themselves while working toward meaningful change.

Stephanie works with teens and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem concerns, relationship challenges, life transitions, stress, and communication difficulties. She is passionate about working with adolescents and adults, with a special interest in supporting individuals within the African American community. Her client-centered, trauma-informed approach recognizes that no two people are alike. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all model, she tailors treatment to each client's strengths, goals, and individual needs.

Stephanie uses evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and psychoeducation. Together, you'll identify unhelpful patterns, build healthier coping strategies, strengthen communication, increase self-confidence, and develop practical skills that support lasting growth beyond the therapy room.

She has experience providing therapy in community mental health and private practice, working with children, adolescents, adults, and families facing a wide range of emotional and life challenges. This diverse background allows her to understand how relationships, environments, and life experiences influence mental health. Stephanie is committed to ongoing professional development and providing culturally responsive, evidence-based care.

Stephanie's style is warm, genuine, and down-to-earth. She believes you are the expert on your own life, and her role is to provide guidance, support, and practical tools as you work toward your goals. Whether you're starting therapy for the first time or returning after a break, Stephanie is committed to creating a space where you can show up exactly as you are. Healing isn't always easy, but you don't have to do it alone.