Dr. Donald Strauss , MD, LCSW-C, LISW

Dr. Donald Strauss has built a long and varied clinical practice addressing an extensive range of life challenges and mental health conditions. In recent years his work has concentrated on people facing neurodegenerative disorders such as ALS and MS, individuals recovering from life-altering burns, and those managing bipolar disorder and other chronic mental health conditions. He also has significant experience supporting helping professionals who are struggling with compassion fatigue.

He emphasizes treatments grounded in evidence-based practice, using cognitive behavioral methods and behavioral health interventions to identify unhelpful patterns and introduce new, more effective strategies. His process focuses on problem solving and reshaping thoughts, feelings, and behaviors so that people can move away from approaches that no longer serve them and adopt practical alternatives within the context of a supportive therapeutic relationship.

Dr. Strauss holds an MSW - a Master of Social Work - from Florida State University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work from the University of Maryland. He is a member of the Academy of Clinical Social Work (ACSW) and is recognized as a Board Certified Diplomat in Social Work (BCD). His listed professional credentials include MD, LCSW-C, and LISW, with the social work credentials indicating licensed clinical and independent social work practice.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Dr. Strauss integrates several well-established approaches to help people facing emotional, relationship, and life-change challenges. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors; it is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and coping with chronic conditions. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship in which the therapist supports the person's own capacity for growth and self-direction; it is helpful for improving self-esteem, navigating life transitions, and strengthening decision-making. Attachment-Based Therapy explores patterns of relating that develop from early connections and helps people rewrite relationship expectations and responses, which can be useful for intimacy issues, abandonment concerns, and family dynamics.

Finding the most effective approach is a collaborative process. Dr. Strauss works with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences and to adapt methods so treatment fits the individual rather than forcing a single model.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video call or phone, and options for live chat or text-based messaging make it easier to maintain continuity of care amid busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, or geographic distance. For many people, these formats increase access to regular support while allowing therapists and licensed professionals to tailor the pace and style of work to each person’s life.