About Donna Ward
Focus areas
Adolescent / Teen Issues
Depression
Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit
Anxiety
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counseling
Stress
Cognitive Therapy
Psychotherapy
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Families
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Strength-Based
Motivational Interviewing
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Psychodynamic
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Donna Ward
Whatever brought you here, whether a specific struggle, a long-standing pattern, or just the sense that something needs to change, my job is to listen, to help you make sense of it, and to walk alongside you as you find your footing.
I'm Donna Ward, a licensed clinical social worker with more than 25 years of experience providing evidence-based psychotherapy to adolescents, adults, older adults, and families.
My work has taken me through some of the most vulnerable moments in people's lives: depression and anxiety, trauma and PTSD, ADHD, addiction, family and relationship challenges, and the emotional weight of chronic illness, caregiving, grief, and life transitions. My deep background in geriatric psychiatry, hospice, and palliative care means I bring particular experience to older adults and their families navigating aging, memory loss, and end-of-life concerns.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and honest. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based practices, motivational interviewing, and supportive psychotherapy — chosen based on what will actually help you, not what's fashionable. Sessions are unhurried, real, and paced to what you need.
If you're navigating something difficult, whether it's new or something you've carried for years, I am honored to walk alongside you.
— Donna
What should a new client know about working with you?
Therapy is a conversation, not a formula.
I'll draw from evidence-based approaches, but I'll never make you feel like you're being run through a script. What we work on and how we work on it should feel like yours — because it is.
You set the pace.
There's no right way to do therapy. Some sessions will feel productive; some will feel harder to name. Some things you'll want to talk about right away; some you may not be ready to explore for months. I'll follow your lead — and gently push when I think it might help.
I take context seriously.
Your history, your relationships, your culture, your beliefs — all of it matters. I'll ask questions to understand who you are as a whole person, not just what brought you in.
I'm honest with you.
If I notice something I think is important, I'll say it. If a particular approach doesn't seem to be helping, I'll name it. If therapy isn't the right fit for what you need, I'll help you find what is.
Between sessions, you can reach me through the patient portal for scheduling or brief questions. For clinical concerns that come up between visits, we'll always have a plan in place for how to reach appropriate support.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
First session
We'll spend our first meeting getting to know each other. I'll ask about what brought you in, your history, what you've tried before, and what you're hoping to accomplish. You'll also have a chance to ask me questions — about how I work, what to expect, or anything else that would help you feel comfortable moving forward.
Ongoing sessions
Most clients come weekly at the start, then transition to every other week or monthly as we work together. We'll shape sessions around what you're actually working through — sometimes structured around a specific goal, sometimes more open-ended, always focused on what will genuinely help.
How we work together evolves.
Early on, we may focus on stabilizing whatever brought you in. As things settle, we can go deeper — into patterns, relationships, or older experiences that shape how you feel today. There's no single path, and no fixed timeline. Progress is measured by how you're actually doing, not by a manual.
Coordination with your care team.
If you're also working with a psychiatric provider (through Northline or elsewhere), I'll want to communicate with them — with your permission — so we're moving toward the same goals. I'll do the same with primary care, other specialists, or family members you'd like involved.
Endings and transitions.
Therapy isn't meant to last forever. As you make progress, we'll talk openly about spacing sessions out or wrapping up — and about how to recognize when it's time. If you ever need to return in the future, my door is open.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Office location
Donna Ward, LCSW also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Fordham University, Master's in Clinical Social Work
NPI number
1649644089
How soon can I make an appointment with Donna Ward?
Generally, Donna Ward has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Donna Ward's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Donna Ward accepting new patients?
Donna Ward generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Donna Ward's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Donna Ward accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Donna Ward is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Donna Ward online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Donna Ward using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Donna Ward work with?
Donna Ward works with Northline Psychiatry.
Where is Donna Ward's office located?
Donna Ward has 2 office locations, including in Mashantucket and Niantic, view full addresses on Donna Ward's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Donna Ward?
Donna Ward frequently sees patients for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Donna Ward on their profile.
What languages does Donna Ward speak?
Donna Ward speaks English.