Donna Altepeter , LCSW

Donna Altepeter is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Wisconsin with 12 years of clinical experience. As an LCSW, she is a licensed mental health professional who draws on social work training to support clients navigating stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship and family challenges, trauma and abuse, addictions, and life transitions.

Her practice is rooted in a client-centered philosophy that prioritizes each person’s goals and lived experience. She integrates cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and mindfulness-based strategies to help clients identify unhelpful patterns, develop practical coping skills, and increase present-moment awareness. Motivational interviewing and narrative therapy also inform her work when exploring motivation for change and the personal stories people bring to therapy.

Donna works with adults facing issues such as compassion fatigue, intimacy-related concerns, sleep difficulties, parenting and caregiver stress, anger, career questions, and adjustments related to aging or serious illness. She approaches each relationship as a collaborative learning process, partnering with clients to discover strengths and practical steps forward.

Her style emphasizes respect, empathy, and an educational stance that supports skill building and personal growth. Donna aims to create a space where people can explore challenges, rehearse new ways of coping, and move toward meaningful change on their own terms.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Donna Altepeter combines client-centered therapy with cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based techniques to support clients in online sessions. Client-centered therapy focuses on listening closely and partnering with the individual to identify goals and personal strengths, which is helpful for those facing life changes, relationship concerns, or caregiving stress. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps people recognize and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, making it useful for anxiety, depression, and sleep problems. Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention and acceptance skills to reduce reactivity and improve emotional regulation, benefiting those dealing with stress, grief, or compassion fatigue.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Donna works collaboratively with clients to tailor techniques to their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting methods as progress unfolds and priorities change. This collaborative stance helps clients feel engaged and supported in choosing what works best for them.

Online therapy with Donna is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for busy schedules, caregiving responsibilities, and those who prefer remote access. These options make it easier to maintain regular sessions, practice new skills between meetings, and access support from familiar settings while working with licensed professionals and therapists trained in these approaches.