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Cheryl McDonald, LCSW

Trauma-informed LCSW supporting stress and recovery
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Crisis de-escalation
  • Depression and anxiety

About Cheryl McDonald

Cheryl McDonald is a licensed clinical social worker with more than ten years of experience working in community mental health. She specializes in trauma-informed care, supporting people who are navigating depression, anxiety, persistent feelings of hopelessness, and serious mental illness. Her practice emphasizes practical strategies for crisis de-escalation and stabilization, drawing on evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to each person's needs.

As an LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she combines clinical training with hands-on experience in high-demand settings to help clients manage intense emotional experiences and complex life challenges. Cheryl works with individuals facing a range of issues from acute stress reactions to longer-term symptoms related to trauma and mood disorders, maintaining a steady, compassionate approach while focusing on strengths and coping skills.

Her background in community mental health informs a pragmatic, collaborative style of care that aims to reduce immediate distress while building resilience for the future. Cheryl offers structured support to address both short-term crises and ongoing concerns, helping people regain stability and move toward clearer goals.

Areas of Expertise

Additional Focus Areas

Co-morbidityCommunication problemsCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessLife purposePhobiasPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobia

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Cheryl McDonald have?

Cheryl McDonald has 10 years of experience working in community mental health and providing trauma-informed treatment.

Is Cheryl McDonald a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds an LCSW, which is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her Oregon license is listed as OR LCSW L10466.

In which languages does Cheryl McDonald provide therapy?

Cheryl McDonald provides therapy in English.

Where is Cheryl McDonald located?

Cheryl McDonald is located in Oregon.

How can I work with Cheryl McDonald as my therapist?

You can work with Cheryl McDonald through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Cheryl McDonald work with international clients?

Cheryl McDonald does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Cheryl McDonald cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Evidence-Based Techniques for Online Support

Cheryl McDonald uses trauma-informed therapy to recognize and respond to the effects of past and recent trauma. This approach emphasizes safety, trust, and pacing, and helps people reduce reactivity while processing difficult experiences. It is often applied for post-traumatic stress, ongoing anxiety, and survivors of abuse or disaster.

She also employs crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies to stabilize individuals in acute distress. These practical techniques focus on immediate safety, reducing intense emotional arousal, and creating a short-term plan to manage symptoms until longer-term work can continue.

Another core element of her practice is skills-based coping work that teaches tools for managing stress, mood, and day-to-day challenges. These evidence-based techniques help people build resilience, improve emotional regulation, and develop clearer problem-solving habits.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. Cheryl works with each person to identify goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful, adjusting methods as needed to match changing needs.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, maintain continuity of care during life transitions, and access support from home or other convenient locations while working with licensed professionals.

Ready to start therapy with Cheryl McDonald?

Take the first step toward a better you.