Photo of Kayla McDonald, Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Kayla McDonald
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
or

Kayla McDonald

Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
1 Endorsed
25 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023
Let's Connect (347) 744-9561
Photo of Kayla McDonald, Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Adolescence and adulthood can be exciting and overwhelming. Navigating academic pressures, identity exploration, career uncertainty, relationship challenges, and life transitions can feel daunting to manage alone. I support adolescents, adults, and families facing anxiety, depression, trauma, identity concerns, or feeling stuck and unsure about the future. In therapy, we'll explore moments of vulnerability that fuel self-doubt and isolation, while building reassurance, confidence, and support to move forward in relationships, academics, and career paths. Let's work collaboratively to bring clarity to your life's path.
My experience working as an assistant dean of admission at Princeton University, coupled with my counseling experience at an independent K-12 school and at Princeton University’s Counseling and Psychological Center, has informed my deep understanding of the pressures students, adults, and families face in academic, social, career, and developmental spaces.
I take an eclectic, integrative, trauma-informed approach grounded in person-centered, strength-based care. Drawing from CBT and DBT with a multicultural and feminist lens, I support diverse individuals exploring gender, sexuality, cultural, and intersectional identities. I am committed to making mental health care approachable and welcoming for everyone.
Call or Kayla McDonald now for a free 15 minute consultation - (347) 744-9561

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Soul Wellness

25 Central Park West

New York, NY 10023 map

(347) 744-9561
My website
Whether you're exploring therapy for the first time or continuing your journey, we'll move at a pace that feels most comfortable for you.
$175 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals and families  
I support clients in building a stronger sense of self, with the confidence and reassurance to move beyond societal expectations.
Kayla McDonald
Let's Connect (347) 744-9561
Photo of Kayla McDonald, Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Soul Wellness

25 Central Park West

New York, NY 10023 map

(347) 744-9561
My website
Whether you're exploring therapy for the first time or continuing your journey, we'll move at a pace that feels most comfortable for you.
$175 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals and families  
I support clients in building a stronger sense of self, with the confidence and reassurance to move beyond societal expectations.
Kayla McDonald

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $175

Payment Methods

American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • Medicare
  • Out of Network
"
I am in-network with Original Medicare Part B plans. I am not in-network with any Medicare Advantage plans or Medicaid. For out-of-network clients, I can provide a superbill for reimbursements. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Photo of Kayla McDonald, Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Kayla McDonald
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (347) 744-9561
"
I am in-network with Original Medicare Part B plans. I am not in-network with any Medicare Advantage plans or Medicaid. For out-of-network clients, I can provide a superbill for reimbursements. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Photo of Kayla McDonald, Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Kayla McDonald
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (347) 744-9561

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Prelicense by State of New York / 127385-01 Kayla McDonald
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • Attended Rutgers University School of Social Work, Master of Social Work
  • Additional Credentials

  • License: LSW (New Jersey) 44SL07291800 / 2025
  • Degree/Diploma from University of Chicago Bachelor of Arts / 2013
"
I am licensed (LMSW and LSW) in both NY and NJ. Feel free to ask about qualifications and training experience.
Photo of Kayla McDonald, Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Kayla McDonald
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (347) 744-9561
"
I am licensed (LMSW and LSW) in both NY and NJ. Feel free to ask about qualifications and training experience.
Photo of Kayla McDonald, Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Kayla McDonald
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (347) 744-9561

Specialties and Expertise

Expertise

  • Anxiety
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • LGBTQ+
  • Life Transitions
  • Peer Relationships
  • Racial Identity
  • Relationship Issues
  • School Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Stress
  • Trauma and PTSD
"
My experience working in admissions and at the counseling center at Princeton University has strengthened my clinical work with adolescents, young adults, and families as they navigate their developing identities and their place in the world. I aim to support this population in exploring both strengths and challenges during life's transitions.
Photo of Kayla McDonald, Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Kayla McDonald
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (347) 744-9561
"
My experience working in admissions and at the counseling center at Princeton University has strengthened my clinical work with adolescents, young adults, and families as they navigate their developing identities and their place in the world. I aim to support this population in exploring both strengths and challenges during life's transitions.
Photo of Kayla McDonald, Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Kayla McDonald
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (347) 744-9561

Endorsement

Benjamin Zelinski
Benjamin Zelinski
Clinical Social Work/TherapistLMSWCASAC-2
Kayla is caring, thoughtful, and easy to talk to. They listen deeply, honor who you are, and provide guidance in a way that feels supportive and respectful of your experiences.

Client Focus

Age

Children (6 to 10)
Preteen
Teen
Adults

Participants

Individuals
Family

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Intersex Allied
Lesbian Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Transgender Allied

Age

Children (6 to 10)
Preteen
Teen
Adults

Participants

Individuals
Family

Communities

Bisexual Allied
Gay Allied
HIV / AIDS Allied
Intersex Allied
Lesbian Allied
Non-Binary Allied
Queer Allied
Racial Justice Allied
Transgender Allied

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Compassion Focused
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
  • Eclectic
  • Feminist
  • Multicultural
  • Narrative
  • Person-Centered
  • Psychodynamic
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
I take an integrative and eclectic approach to therapy, using different aspects of CBT, trauma-informed, person-centered therapies to tailor our sessions to meet you where you are.
Photo of Kayla McDonald, Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Kayla McDonald
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (347) 744-9561
"
I take an integrative and eclectic approach to therapy, using different aspects of CBT, trauma-informed, person-centered therapies to tailor our sessions to meet you where you are.
Photo of Kayla McDonald, Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Kayla McDonald
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (347) 744-9561

Location

Primary Location

Soul Wellness

25 Central Park West

New York, NY 10023

(347) 744-9561
"
Whether you're exploring therapy for the first time or continuing your journey, we'll move at a pace that feels most comfortable for you.
Photo of Kayla McDonald, Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Kayla McDonald
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Call for a free consultation now - (347) 744-9561
"
Whether you're exploring therapy for the first time or continuing your journey, we'll move at a pace that feels most comfortable for you.
Photo of Kayla McDonald, Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Kayla McDonald
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, LMSW, LSW
Call for a free consultation now - (347) 744-9561