I am a 1983 graduate of St. Louis University's MSW program with a concentration in community mental health. I am a female therapist who utilizes a client centered approach with a skill base of cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I have broad experiences in life threatening illness, bereavement and loss, life transitions along with knowledge and skill base with anxiety and depression. I enjoy working with people of all ages and experiences and believe in the person's ability to change. I have been practicing since 1983 and have long life and professional experience, and am interested in partnering with you in your growth. With 20 plus years of teaching experience at the University of Wisconsin , Social Work program, my approach is one of teaching and learning, collaboratively. I believe I can learn as much from my clients as I have to teach them. Because I believe that the client is their own best expert, my approach in therapy is one of learning collaboratively about the you. Therapy is a partnership in discovery, growth and wellness and I am honored to be a part of your journey.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Aging and geriatric issues, Attachment issues, Cancer, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Coping with natural or human-caused disaster, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), Divorce and separation, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hospice and end-of-life counseling, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Prejudice and discrimination, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
WI LCSW 6641-123
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Donna Altepeter. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I have been seeing Donna for about a year now and to say she has made an impact on my life would be an understatement. We have discussed so many different topics and techniques for me to try to help better myself. She always listens fully and gives a unique perspective. I had never found a therapist that really stuck until I started seeing Donna. I cannot recommend her enough!
Written on Jan 14, 2026 after therapy with Donna for 1 year on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd
Donna is amazing! She is my first therapist I’ve ever visited and am glad it’s been a pleasant experience.
Written on Dec 04, 2025 after therapy with Donna for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, parenting issues, and self esteem
Donna is very good at helping me stop and think about my situations. I can talk through my feelings with her never feel like she is judging me or makes me feel like my feelings aren't valid. I think she helps me look at things from different perspective. I look forward to our session's.
Written on Nov 03, 2025 after therapy with Donna for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, self esteem, and coping with life changes
Donna has been incredibly helpful as I work through health, work, and relationship issues, Donna has provided excellent guidance and will let me know when some of my inner thoughts are misguided/wrong. Donna has been a great touchstone, as I have a tendency to be overly pessimistic and anxious. I truly appreciate her.
Written on Aug 13, 2025 after therapy with Donna for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd
Donna is a caring, empathetic and intelligent listener who has kept me focused on my goals. She shares advice with humor and examples related to keeping my physical and mental health a priority. I have enjoyed working with her immensely. She helped me navigate through an extremely challenging time in my life and I’m very grateful to her!
Written on Jan 29, 2025 after therapy with Donna for 9 months on issues concerning addictions, relationship issues, eating disorders, self esteem, and compassion fatigue
Donna is supportive and good listener.
Written on Sep 09, 2024 after therapy with Donna for 4 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue