Janel McDonald

LPC (she/her)10 years of experienceNext available
4.9 (168)
Warm
Authentic
Open-minded

Hello! Thank you for your time! I'm Janel McDonald, and I aim to provide compassionate, non-judgmental, empathetic care. My mission is to ease your apprehension and provide you with a safe and comfortable place to discuss your specific motivation for seeking counseling services. I served in the military for 22 years and have experience working with military veterans and civilians through some of the most challenging transitions in their lives. In the past four years, I have been working with clients by meeting via telehealth in their homes and the community to overcome barriers to treatment (e.g., transportation and childcare). My job as your therapist is to address the areas in your life where you need help. You don't have to do it alone. So, whenever you're ready, don't hesitate to get in touch with me, and let me share your path to grow towards a better tomorrow.

My mission is to ease your apprehension and provide you with a safe and comfortable place to discuss your specific motivation for seeking counseling services.

First session

In our first session, we will review your scores, discuss what brings you to counseling, discuss your diagnosis and treatment plan, and exchange contact information. If you're up to it, maybe learn some pleasant coping exercises for after the session.

Strengths

When working with clients it is most important for me to build a working relationship that is biased-free. I continually work towards understanding and meeting my clients where they are in relation to their own values and belief systems and helping them with their issues by being mindful of their available resources and helping them network with resources in their community.

Ideal clients

Military veterans, Fertility issues (e.g., infertility, sexual dysfunction, IVF, Peri/Postpartum depression), Bereavement/Loss, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Trauma/PTSD, and Anger Management.

Treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I draw upon several theoretical frameworks completely dependent on the presenting issues of each individual client. I have training in CBT, ACT, DBT, and EMDR.

Location

Virtual sessions

Identifies as

  • White

  • Woman

Top specialties

  • Mood Disorders

  • Trauma and PTSD

Other specialties

  • Anxiety

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Coping Skills

  • Depression

  • Grief

  • Life Transitions

  • Military/Veterans

  • Personality Disorders

  • Postpartum

Serves

  • Adults (18 to 64)

  • Elders (65 and above)

Licensed in

  • District of ColumbiaLicense PRC200012705

  • LouisianaLicense 7650

  • MarylandLicense LC17169

  • TexasLicense 86570

  • VirginiaLicense 0701015526

Accepted insurance

  • Aetna

  • Aetna - ASR Health Benefits

  • Aetna - Allied Benefits

  • Aetna - Lucent Health

  • Aetna - Luminare

  • Aetna - Medicare

  • Aetna - Moda

  • Aetna - WebTPA

  • Aetna – HealthEZ

  • All Savers

  • Amerihealth Administrators

  • Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Anthem

  • CareFirst

  • Independence Blue Cross

  • Independence Administrators

  • AvMed

  • Cash - $150 per session

  • Golden Rule

  • Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare

  • Kaiser Permanente

  • UnitedHealthcare/Optum

  • Optum

  • OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions

  • Oscar

  • Oxford

  • Surest (formerly Bind)

  • United Medical Resources

  • UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance

  • UnitedHealthcare Shared Services

  • UnitedHealthcare StudentResources

  • UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid

Reviews and ratings

4.9 rating (168)30 reviews
August 24, 2026

Janel has helped to give me a new perspective to life. Her warm approach gives the familiar feeling of catching up with a friend while also giving you the tools to put in the work ahead. She is such a great listener and every session feels like a step in the right direction.

Verified client, age 35-44Review shared after session 3 with Janel
June 17, 2026

I came to Janel with a multitude of problems. I thought I was the most difficult case out there. She has made me feel comfortable and open minded enough to broach any subject. Janel is empathetic and warm. I am getting a lot out of our time together.

Verified client, age 35-44Review shared after session 7 with Janel
April 23, 2026

This session felt very welcoming. I didn’t feel uncomfortable talking to Mrs. Janel. I look forward to working with her.

Verified client, age 18-24Review shared after session 1 with Janel
Schedule 60 min