Donna Altepeter , LCSW

Donna Altepeter is a licensed clinical social worker who brings a thoughtful, collaborative style to therapeutic work. She holds an MSW from St. Louis University - a Master of Social Work - and the LCSW credential, which reflects advanced clinical training in social work and psychotherapy. Donna combines a client-centered stance with practical skills drawn from cognitive behavioral techniques and mindfulness-based ideas to help people manage difficult emotions and life challenges.

Her clinical experience includes supporting people facing life-threatening illness, bereavement and loss, major life transitions, anxiety, and depression. Donna works with individuals across the lifespan and values the knowledge clients bring about their own lives, approaching therapy as a shared process of learning and growth rather than a one-way instruction.

In addition to clinical practice, Donna has extensive experience teaching in a social work program at the University of Wisconsin, and she frames much of her work as both teaching and learning. She views therapy as a partnership in discovery and resilience, grounded in respect for each person s strengths and capacity for change.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Donna integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness practices into her online work. Client-centered therapy focuses on understanding each person s perspective and building a respectful, empathic relationship that helps clients explore their goals and values. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a skills-based approach that identifies unhelpful thoughts and patterns and teaches practical strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges. Mindfulness therapy cultivates present-moment awareness and gentle acceptance, which can reduce stress and improve emotional regulation.

Finding the right approach is part of the collaborative process. Donna works together with clients to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies as progress unfolds so therapy remains responsive and personalized.

Online sessions via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, and geographic constraints. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, practice skills between sessions, and access therapists without traveling, while preserving the therapeutic relationship with licensed professionals.