As a licensed therapist in New York, I bring four decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, self-esteem, substance use/addiction/dependency and life transitions with deep understanding and empathy.
I specialize in working with diverse communities, particularly supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and older adults seeking meaningful therapeutic connections. My approach honors each person's unique journey, focusing on themes of self-care, self-love, purpose, healing from past trauma, developing resilience, encouraging use of affirmations and helping individuals reach their unlimited potential.
My therapeutic work emphasizes understanding and harnessing the power of Dopamine, Serotonin, Oxytocin and Endorphins in a variety of holistic activities. I leverage humor as a coping mechanism to build emotional resilience and gain perspective on life's challenges. My use of therapeutic humor helps clients reframe negative thought patterns and release tension. I am passionate about helping individuals develop stronger emotional skills, overcome isolation, and rediscover their inherent strength and potential. While embracing cultural competence and cultural humility.
Through collaborative and personalized counseling, I'm committed to walking alongside my clients as they transform difficult experiences into opportunities for profound personal healing, personal growth and self-discovery.
Additional areas of focus: Caregiver issues and stress, Forgiveness, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Mood disorders, Post-traumatic stress, Self-love
NY LCSW 086291
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Donna Johnson. 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.
She listens, makes me feel confident.
Written on Jan 31, 2026 after therapy with Donna for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety
Super supportive, down to earth, professional, and above all, fully focused on my well-being. Good sense o humor.
Written on Jan 21, 2026 after therapy with Donna for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
I don't think I could have a therapist that is better matched to me. I wrote as much as I could and they paired me with someone perfect. Donna is very attentive and is highly supportive.
Written on Sep 27, 2025 after therapy with Donna for 8 months on issues concerning lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, and coping with life changes
I’ve been seeing Donna for a while now, and I can honestly say she is one of the most compassionate and grounded therapists I’ve ever worked with. From the very first session, her calm presence made it easy for me to open up. She listens with genuine care and never rushes through what I’m trying to say. Even when I bring up things that others might see as “small” or unimportant, Donna takes them seriously and offers the same level of support and validation.
What makes her truly exceptional is her ability to help me access hope and clarity, even when I’ve felt deeply lost in depression. Her approach is gentle yet incredibly effective—she doesn’t just listen, she helps shift my perspective in a positive way. I always leave sessions feeling lighter and more seen.
Donna creates a space where I feel safe, understood, and not judged. Her openness and warmth are so rare, and I’ve come to deeply value our time together. If you’re looking for a therapist who will truly support you, no matter where you’re starting from, I highly recommend Donna. She’s not just good at what she does, she’s GENUINELY SPECIAL.
Written on Jul 30, 2025 after therapy with Donna for 4 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and adhd
She is the only therapist I have been able to open up to and i have made failed attempts to go to therapy since for the past ten years. She invaluable
Written on Dec 20, 2024 after therapy with Donna for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, addictions, lgbt, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and compassion fatigue
Donna Sue has been wonderful to work with and someone I would recommend. A kind provider who listens and has genuine concern for my wellbeing while putting in the time for me. I haven’t worked with someone like that before and it is appreciated.
Written on Dec 04, 2024 after therapy with Donna for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, compassion fatigue, and adhd