Donna Altepeter, LCSW
Collaborative, experienced LCSW focused on growth
- Client-centered care
- Evidence-informed skills
- Support for life transitions
About Donna Altepeter
Donna Altepeter is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Wisconsin who brings a client-centered approach to therapy and emphasizes collaboration in every stage of care. She has 12 years of clinical experience working with individuals facing stress, anxiety, grief, depression, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, addictions, compassion fatigue, and challenges related to self-esteem, intimacy, sleep, parenting, anger, and career transitions. Donna also supports clients coping with life changes and offers coaching to help clarify goals and build practical strategies for growth.
Her practice integrates evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness techniques to help clients identify unhelpful patterns, develop coping skills, and increase present-moment awareness. In sessions she draws on strengths-based, collaborative learning - believing that each person is the best expert on their own life and that meaningful change emerges from mutual discovery. Donna values working with adults across a range of life stages and circumstances, including those dealing with aging and geriatric concerns, caregiver stress, cancer and hospice issues, attachment difficulties, and mood disorders.
As an LCSW - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - she combines clinical skill with a respectful, teaching-oriented style to support clients in exploring values, processing loss, managing emotions, and moving toward clearer purpose and functioning. Her work is grounded in partnership, curiosity, and a belief in the possibility of change.
Her practice integrates evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness techniques to help clients identify unhelpful patterns, develop coping skills, and increase present-moment awareness. In sessions she draws on strengths-based, collaborative learning - believing that each person is the best expert on their own life and that meaningful change emerges from mutual discovery. Donna values working with adults across a range of life stages and circumstances, including those dealing with aging and geriatric concerns, caregiver stress, cancer and hospice issues, attachment difficulties, and mood disorders.
As an LCSW - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - she combines clinical skill with a respectful, teaching-oriented style to support clients in exploring values, processing loss, managing emotions, and moving toward clearer purpose and functioning. Her work is grounded in partnership, curiosity, and a belief in the possibility of change.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
Additional Focus Areas
Aging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersMulticultural concernsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveWomen's issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Donna Altepeter have?
Donna Altepeter has 12 years of professional experience.
Is Donna Altepeter a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her license details are WI LCSW 6641-123.
In which languages does Donna Altepeter provide therapy?
Donna provides therapy in English.
Where is Donna Altepeter located?
Donna is located in Wisconsin.
How can I work with Donna Altepeter as my therapist?
You can work with Donna through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Donna Altepeter work with international clients?
Donna Altepeter does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Donna Altepeter cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Donna uses Client-Centered Therapy to create a respectful, collaborative space where the client’s experiences and goals shape the work. This approach focuses on listening, empathy, and valuing the client as the expert on their life, which is helpful for building trust and exploring identity, relationships, and life purpose.She also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns. CBT is practical and skill-focused, and it is often used for issues such as anxiety, depression, stress management, and sleep difficulties. Mindfulness Therapy is integrated to cultivate present-moment awareness and reduce reactivity, supporting emotional regulation and coping with grief, trauma, or chronic stress.
Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and is decided collaboratively. Donna works with each person to understand their needs, goals, and preferences and adapts techniques over time to find what fits best. Online therapy offers flexible access to licensed professionals through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules or to continue care from home. These options support consistent engagement and make it practical to receive ongoing support even when life is demanding.