Licensed to practice in 5 states and accepts 32 insurances. Specializes in Mood Disorders, Trauma and PTSD and 9 more.
Janel McDonald
(she/her)
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.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
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.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
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.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Military veterans, Fertility issues (e.g., infertility, sexual dysfunction, IVF, Peri/Postpartum depression), Bereavement/Loss, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, Trauma/PTSD, and Anger Management.
Specialties
Top specialties
Mood Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
Other specialties
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder
Coping Skills
Depression
Grief
Life Transitions
Military/Veterans
Personality Disorders
Postpartum
I identify as
White
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Licensed in
District of Columbia
Louisiana
Maryland
Texas
Virginia
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Anthem
CareFirst
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
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
Location
Virtual
My 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.
29 ratings with written reviews
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 35-44
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 18-24
April 1, 2026
I had my initial appointment with Janel today she made me feel warm and welcomed. She suggested important ideas to find simple solutions to certain feelings I have on a daily basis and how to use the appropriate words.