Donald Bliss, LCSW

Licensed in California · 40 years in practice

Donald Bliss is a licensed clinical social worker with four decades of experience in mental health and addictions work.

License and registration

LCSW, California: 22042 · expires June 2027
NPI: 1730454661 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 40
Languages: English, Portuguese

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check any license with the state board and any NPI with the national registry.

About Donald

Donald Bliss is a licensed clinical social worker with four decades of experience in mental health and addictions work. He speaks English and Portuguese and enjoys learning people’s stories. He aims to help clients reduce overwhelm and reconnect with what brings them joy.

Donald draws on long experience in outpatient, inpatient, residential, non-profit and government settings. He has worked in direct services, case management, program design and evaluation, and employee assistance programs.

Background and approach

That mix gives him practical tools for common life problems. In sessions he listens closely and helps people map clear steps forward. He uses everyday conversations to pinpoint patterns, shift thinking, and try small changes that can make daily life easier.

He also pays attention to relationships, communication, and how identity and culture shape experience. Donald’s background includes child and adolescent welfare studies, a master’s focus in addictions and clinical services, and international experience living in several countries. He has led programs, taught in growth intensives, and written relationship advice columns.

This variety shapes a flexible, down-to-earth style. Clients who come with stress, anxiety, addiction concerns, grief, trauma, relationship or parenting challenges often work on practical coping skills and clearer communication. He also supports people facing life changes, career decisions, questions of intimacy and identity, and those wanting coaching-style guidance.

The work is collaborative and goal oriented.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Donald lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Stress, Anxiety
Addictions
LGBT
Relationship issues
Depression
Family conflicts
Trauma and abuse
Grief
Intimacy-related issues
Parenting issues
Self esteem
Career difficulties
Bipolar disorder
Coping with life changes
Coaching
Abandonment
Adoption and foster care
Attachment issues
Avoidant personality
Blended family issues
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Co-morbidity
Codependency
Commitment issues
Communication problems
Control issues
Dependent personality
Divorce and separation
Drug and alcohol addiction
Emptiness
Family of origin issues
Family problems
Forgiveness
Gender dysphoria
Guilt and shame
HIV / AIDS
Hospice and end-of-life counseling
Immigration issues
Impulsivity
Infidelity
Isolation / loneliness
Jealousy
Life purpose
Men's issues
Midlife crisis
Money and financial issues
Mood disorders
Multicultural concerns
Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
Personality disorders
Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
Prejudice and discrimination
Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)
Self-love
Sex addiction
Sexuality
Social anxiety and phobia
Workplace issues
Young adult issues

Approaches Donald names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

Remote approaches that meet you where you are

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and building understanding. The therapist offers a nonjudgmental space where clients steer the conversation while the therapist reflects and helps clarify goals. This approach is helpful for relationship issues, self-esteem, and finding direction.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings and actions. Sessions typically include identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavior changes to reduce anxiety, depression or compulsive habits. This approach is practical for stress, anxiety, and addiction-related patterns.

Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple practices to notice thoughts and bodily sensations without getting swept away by them. It can help with anxiety, chronic pain, and coping with life changes by strengthening attention and calm.

Deciding which approach to use is a shared process. The therapist will talk with each client about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked before. Together they choose methods to try and review progress regularly, adjusting the plan as needed.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs. Video is good for richer face-to-face work while phone can be easier when bandwidth is limited. Live chat or messaging suits quick check-ins, brief coaching, or times when typing feels more comfortable. These options make scheduling more flexible and can help therapy fit into a busy life.

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Questions people ask

What problems does this therapist help with?

He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family concerns, grief, trauma and many other issues such as parenting, self-esteem, bipolar and career questions.

How would you describe the therapy style?

Sessions tend to be practical and collaborative, focusing on listening, identifying patterns, and trying small changes that help day-to-day functioning and relationships.

What experience does he bring to sessions?

He has 40 years in mental health and addictions work across outpatient, inpatient, residential, non-profit and government roles, plus program management and case work.

Where is the therapist located and what are his credentials?

He practices from California and holds the LCSW credential, listed as CA LCSW.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English and Portuguese, and he also accepts international clients.

What session formats are available?

Sessions can be done by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on client preference.

How is cost handled for sessions?

Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with him?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

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