ABOUT RACHEL MCDONOUGH, LCSW

Rachel McDonough, LCSW – anxiety therapist in Ridgewood, NJ

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 women and young adults move from feeling anxious and overwhelmed to more calm, confident, & present.

I show up as myself in the room with you. I bring honesty, empathy, and a little bit of humor, especially when the work feels tough.

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.

Coffee cup with the word ‘Begin’ symbolizing starting anxiety therapy in Ridgewood, NJ

You’ve probably already tried a lot: meditation apps, venting to friends, journaling, overthinking, or binge-watching your favorite show, all in the hope that 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, call you out on your BS, and help you create strategies you can actually use.

In therapy, that means honest conversations in a space where you feel understood, supported, and challenged when you need it.

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 experiences, what you’re struggling with, and what you want out of therapy, so our work feels meaningful and helpful to you. Whether you're dealing with anxiety or a big life change, you’ll get support that makes sense for you.

  • 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’re not just skimming the surface. We’ll explore the patterns, beliefs, and emotional habits that keep anxiety and stress showing up again and again so you can get unstuck, feel more in control, and start making changes that actually last.

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 everything's just a little too much, you’re not alone. A lot of people hit a point where life feels confusing or hard to manage. Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, but it’s a really important one.

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:

Young Adults

Your needs matter too.

Let’s start the conversation.