Octave
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LMFThe/him

Robert Donaldson

VirtualHigh Satisfaction Rate

11 years of experience

Verified by Octave
In California
Accepting 8 Insurance providers

Meet Robert

I work with individuals in various stages of life and career transitions, stressed college students, people dealing with LGBT, gender identity, and coming out issues, creative writers and artists, and successful professionals overwhelmed with a busy life. Each person’s journey into therapy is a unique act of courage. I am a California-licensed marriage and family therapist and saw my first therapy client in 2004. I have been privileged to work with countless courageous people since that time. I have witnessed firsthand how anyone can cultivate a sense of serenity even in the midst of major external uncertainty. With the right practical psychological tools, it's possible to bring a sense of enjoyment back into the routines of daily life. It's not always easy, but it is possible. By learning to intentionally monitor and align our thoughts and behaviors, our emotions calm. We come into balance. Through increased awareness and intention, we heal old hurts and begin experiencing more peace. We start moving in the direction of our most heartfelt dreams and intentions. I view modern psychotherapy as a sacred art that is grounded in the ancient healing and storytelling traditions found throughout the world. Being with another person as they bloom into the full authenticity of who they truly are is one of the great joys of my life. I’d be honored to accompany you on your own unique therapy journey.

With the right practical psychological tools, it's possible to bring a sense of enjoyment back into the routines of daily life.

Communication Style

  • Affirming
  • Calming
  • Creative
  • Empowering
  • Mindful

Specialties & Approaches

Specialties

Focus Areas

  • Geriatric clients
  • Non-monogamous relationships
  • Students
  • LGBTQ+
  • Trans+

Approach

Licensed In

Locations

Virtual appointments available for California residents

Good to know

Session Details

Practices in

Languages

Additional

Interests

Credentials & Verification

Verified by Octave

License number

Education

Robert Donaldson, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist License #86291 (exp March 2027)

Calculate Cost & Insurance

$28

/ session on average with insurance

Frequently asked questions

Robert Donaldson accepts Health Net, Cigna Healthcare/Evernorth, Blue Shield of California, Prime Health, Centivo, Anthem Blue Cross of CA, Out-of-State BlueCard PPO, and Aetna. Octave clients pay an average of $28 per session through insurance, and more than 95% pay less than $45 per session. Your exact cost depends on your plan’s copay or deductible. You can use the cost estimator to see what you would pay before your first session. If you would rather pay out of pocket, self-pay sessions in California are estimated at $205-250 per session.

Robert Donaldson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). Robert is licensed to practice in California, so clients located in California can book sessions. Robert’s California license number is 86291, and you can look it up through the state licensing board. Octave verifies every therapist’s license before they begin seeing clients, and licenses are kept current as a condition of practicing with Octave.

Robert Donaldson has been practicing therapy for 11 years. Robert’s education and training include MA - Counseling Psychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute. Over that time, Robert has worked closely with Geriatric clients, Non-monogamous relationships, Students, LGBTQ+, and Trans+. Octave therapists average more than a decade of experience, and Robert is part of that group.

Robert Donaldson works with Geriatric clients, Non-monogamous relationships, Students, LGBTQ+, and Trans+ and specializes in Animal Loss, Anxiety, Burnout, Caregiver Burnout, Chronic Illness, Depression, Grief, LGBTQ+, Life Transitions, Men's Issues, Stress, Substance Use, Trans+, and Workplace Stress. These are the areas where Robert spends most of their clinical time. If the concern you want help with isn’t listed here, a Care Navigator can tell you whether Robert is a good fit or match you with another Octave therapist who specializes in it.

Robert Donaldson draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Harm Reduction, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic, and Strengths-Based. In sessions, Robert’s style is affirming, calming, creative, empowering, and mindful. In Robert’s words: “With the right practical psychological tools, it's possible to bring a sense of enjoyment back into the routines of daily life.”

Robert Donaldson (he/him) offers therapy in English. Robert identifies as White. Robert provides LGBTQIA+ affirming care.

Robert Donaldson offers online sessions over secure video, so you can meet from home or any private space. Robert is licensed in California, and you need to be located in that state at the time of each session. All you need is a device with a camera and a stable internet connection.

Your first session with Robert Donaldson is a chance to talk through what brought you to therapy and what you want to work on. Robert will ask about your background, your current concerns, and your goals, and together you will start shaping a plan for your sessions. It is also a chance to see whether Robert’s style feels like a good fit for you. After their first session, 9 in 10 Octave clients say their therapy experience has been good or better.

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Ready to start with Robert?

Most new clients have their first session within a week. You can change therapists at any time, at no cost.