What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“Douglas has excellent bedside manner. He explained the whole process of initiation (this is my second time on therapy), and gave me some tips already looking forward to the next session. He is a great listener and puts himself in your shoes. So far, for my first session, it is a 10/10”
Anne F.November 3, 2025Video visit
“I really enjoyed talking to Douglas. I booked another session the following week. The hour went by super fast, it was a very easy and natural conversation for me. I hadn’t been in any therapy in over 10 years. ”
John H.June 27, 2025Video visit
About Douglas McDonald
Focus areas
Anxiety
LGBTQ+ Counseling
Stress
Couples Therapy
New Patient Visit
Therapy
Depression
Psychotherapy
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Couples
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Culturally Sensitive
Brainspotting
Emotionally Focused
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Existential
Identity
Gender
MaleSexuality
QueerFaith
BuddhistEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Douglas McDonald
Hi! I'm Douglas, an associate MFT, working under the supervision of Cheryl Tarnofsky, LMFT at Resilient Heart Therapy.
In my thirties, I went through a deeply destabilizing life event that left me feeling lost, hopeless, and disconnected from who I was. While I sought support through group and individual therapy, I often felt unseen and misunderstood. That experience changed everything—it inspired me to become the kind of therapist I had been looking for.
I’ve always been drawn to life’s big questions—about meaning, identity, and the human experience. Early on, I explored these questions through the arts, sciences, and Buddhist philosophy, which helped me better understand myself and the world around me.
I went on to earn my Master’s in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Since then, I’ve worked with a wide range of clients—particularly trans, nonbinary, and other LGBTQIA+ individuals—in affirming, identity-safe spaces. I also hold a Brainspotting Phase 1 certification and have participated in extensive trainings to provide trauma-informed, inclusive care.
What should a new client know about working with you?
[Please note, we are NOT medication providers]
My work is rooted in mindfulness, self-compassion, and collaboration. I draw from Buddhist and relational psychology, Internal Family Systems (IFS), existential, emotion-focused, and narrative therapy—all with the goal of helping you connect more deeply to yourself and your values.
Whether you're an individual working through identity, trauma, or life transitions, or a couple navigating disconnection or conflict, I offer a grounded, nonjudgmental space to explore what matters most to you. I believe that healing doesn’t come from “fixing” what’s broken—it comes from honoring your lived experience, reconnecting to your inner strength, and allowing space for growth.
If you’re ready to begin this journey, I’d be honored to walk alongside you.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
At the time of booking we will send you documents to complete on our client portal with Ensora. Please be on the look out for the docs as they will be coming from outside of ZocDoc.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $175 for 55 minutes
Ongoing session: $175 for 55 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Pepperdine University, Master's in Clinical Psychology, Marriage, and Family Therapy
Professional memberships
- California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
36 reviews
Most relevant
Douglas has excellent bedside manner. He explained the whole process of initiation (this is my second time on therapy), and gave me some tips already looking forward to the next session. He is a great listener and puts himself in your shoes. So far, for my first session, it is a 10/10
November 3, 2025Anne F.Verified patientVideo visit
I really enjoyed talking to Douglas. I booked another session the following week. The hour went by super fast, it was a very easy and natural conversation for me. I hadn’t been in any therapy in over 10 years.
June 27, 2025John H.Verified patientVideo visit
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How soon can I make an appointment with Douglas McDonald?
Generally, Douglas McDonald has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Douglas McDonald's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Douglas McDonald accepting new patients?
Douglas McDonald generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Douglas McDonald's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Douglas McDonald accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Douglas McDonald is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Douglas McDonald online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Douglas McDonald using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Douglas McDonald work with?
Douglas McDonald works with Resilient Heart Therapy.
What are common reasons for patients to see Douglas McDonald?
Douglas McDonald frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Douglas McDonald on their profile.
What languages does Douglas McDonald speak?
Douglas McDonald speaks English.
How do patients rate Douglas McDonald in reviews?
36 patients have reviewed Douglas McDonald. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.