ABOUT RACHEL MCDONOUGH, LCSW

A woman with curly brown hair wearing glasses, a denim jacket, and an orange patterned blouse, smiling indoors with a blurred background.

Therapy that’s warm, honest, and actually helpful.

If you have anxiety, overthink, or often try to please others, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. I’m Rachel McDonough, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Ridgewood, NJ, and I specialize in helping teens and adults move from feeling overwhelmed to more grounded, confident, and connected.

I show up as myself in the room with you. I bring honesty, empathy, and a touch of humor—especially when the work feels heavy.

Working with me gives you a space to feel supported, heard, and gently pushed—so you can worry less and enjoy life more.

How I work.

A white ceramic coffee mug with the word 'BEGIN.' printed on it, filled with black coffee, placed on a light wooden table in a cozy cafe setting.

You’ve probably already tried a lot—
meditation apps, venting to friends, journaling, overthinking, binge-watching—hoping something would finally help you feel better.

And yet… you still feel stuck.

That’s where I come in. My approach focuses on two things:

  1. Understanding why you feel the way you do

  2. Helping you use practical tools that make a difference right now.

I’m not just here to listen—I’ll give you honest feedback, gently challenge what’s holding you back, and help you create strategies you can actually use.

In therapy, that means honest conversations in a space where you feel seen, supported, and ready to grow.

Beige ceramic vase with dried flowers on a white surface next to a white marble block.

Our work together will be…

  • We’ll focus on what matters most to you. In therapy, I take the time to understand your unique experiences, challenges, and goals so our work feels supportive, personalized, and meaningful. Whether you're navigating anxiety, life transitions, or relationship stress, you'll receive care that's tailored to your needs.

  • I show up as a real person in the therapy room with you—whether we’re meeting online or in Ridgewood, NJ. I believe therapy works best when there's trust, honesty, and open communication, so you'll find a space where you're met with warmth, authenticity, and direct, supportive care.

  • We won’t just stay on the surface. In therapy, we’ll explore the deeper patterns, beliefs, and emotions that contribute to anxiety, stress, or feeling like everything’s too much—so you can gain insight, feel more in control, and create meaningful, lasting change.

Education & Certifications

  • Bachelor of Arts - Rutgers University

  • Master of Social Work - New York University

  • Perinatal Mental Health

  • Structural Family Therapy

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy

  • Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker

  • Clinical Supervision

  • New Jersey School Social Worker

please Hear me when I say:

Your choice to start therapy shows your strength.

If you’re feeling stuck, stressed, or like things are just too heavy—you’re not alone. Many people reach a point where life feels confusing or overwhelming. Reaching out for support is a powerful and courageous first step.

With time, consistency, and the right support, you can:

✨ Feel more confident in the choices you make

✨ Understand and manage your emotions with greater ease

✨ Strengthen your relationships and communicate more clearly

✨ Worry less, feel more present, and live a more fulfilling life

specializing in:

Your needs matter too.

Let’s start the conversation.