Donna Coakley, MD, LCPC, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor Supervisor with 26 years of experience supporting people through a wide range of emotional and life challenges. Based in the District of Columbia, she works with concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, parenting stress, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. She also brings more than 10 years of experience working with military service members and their families across all branches of the armed forces.
Her style is warm, engaged, and collaborative, with an emphasis on respect, sensitivity, and compassion. She prioritizes understanding the person behind the problem and avoids reducing anyone to stigmatizing labels. Her work integrates cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), humanistic principles, and talk therapy, and she tailors the conversation and treatment plan to each client’s goals and needs. Donna is certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), holds the Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Therapist (CCTP) credential, and is an approved EMDR Therapist.
Donna recognizes that reaching out for help can take courage, especially when someone is trying to create a more fulfilling and steady life. She aims to offer steady support and practical guidance as clients take meaningful steps toward change.
License: LPC (District of Columbia), LCPC (Maryland), LPC (Virginia)
Online Therapy Grounded in Practical, Evidence-Based Tools
Donna Coakley, MD, LCPC, LPC, draws from approaches that help clients better understand what they are feeling, shift unhelpful patterns, and build steadier coping strategies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behavior, and it can be especially useful when stress, anxiety, low mood, or self-doubt start to affect daily life and relationships.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds structured skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. It can support people who feel overwhelmed by intense emotions, stuck in conflict cycles, or pulled toward impulsive coping habits. For clients impacted by trauma and distressing memories, EMDR is a structured approach that helps the mind process experiences in a new way, often reducing the intensity of triggers over time.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Donna collaborates with clients to clarify goals, preferences, and what has or has not helped before, then adjusts the plan as needs evolve.
Online therapy makes it easier to get support in a format that fits real life. Sessions can take place through video calls or phone sessions, and clients can also use live chat or text-based messaging for added flexibility between scheduled appointments.
How much experience does Donna Coakley have?
Donna Coakley has 26 years of experience providing therapy and counseling support.
Is Donna Coakley a licensed therapist?
Yes. Donna Coakley holds the credentials MD, LCPC, and LPC. License details include MD LCPC LC0875 and DC LPC PRC1370.
In which languages does Donna Coakley provide therapy?
Donna Coakley provides therapy in English.
Where is Donna Coakley located?
Donna Coakley is located in the District of Columbia.
How can I work with Donna Coakley as my therapist?
You can work with Donna Coakley through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Donna Coakley work with international clients?
Yes. Donna Coakley works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Donna Coakley 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, just 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.