Donna Smith , LMHC

Donna Smith is a master's-prepared licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Rochester, New York, who brings 35 years of experience across a range of mental health settings. She has developed a deep commitment to working one-on-one with individuals who want to enhance the quality of their lives and navigate challenging transitions.

Her counselor training was completed at the University of Rochester, and she combines clinical skill with a strong interest in creative writing. Donna views storytelling and therapy as complementary - she believes each person carries a collection of tales that together form a distinctive life narrative and shape the hopes they carry forward.

In her practice she adopts a collaborative stance, describing her role as a guide who partners with people to clarify goals and pursue the future they imagine. She aims to create a genuine, open, trusting, and hope-filled connection that supports exploration and growth.

Donna brings both professional experience and the perspective of her own life to the therapeutic relationship, offering steady, nonjudgmental support as individuals choose the path that best suits them. She honors the courage it takes to begin this work and approaches each therapeutic journey with compassion and respect.

Could Remote Therapy Be a Good Fit?

Many people wonder whether online therapy can truly make a difference. For many common concerns - including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and navigating life changes - online therapy can be as effective as traditional in-person sessions for a wide range of individuals.

One of the primary benefits is flexibility. People can connect with their therapist in the way that works best for them: through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. This flexibility makes it easier to integrate therapy into a busy life and to maintain consistency over time.

Therapists offering remote care are licensed professionals, and clients have the option to switch therapists if they are seeking a different fit. For many, online therapy provides a practical, accessible route to professional support and ongoing personal work.