Donald Bliss, LCSW
Seasoned LCSW guiding clients toward greater well being
- 40 years experience
- Speaks English and Portuguese
- Addictions and relationships focus
About Donald Bliss
Donald Bliss brings more than four decades of experience in mental health and addictions treatment, grounded in both direct clinical work and program management. He holds a bachelor s degree and a master s degree in Social Work, and he is an LCSW - a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, which indicates advanced training and state licensure to provide clinical social work services. He also speaks Portuguese.
His interest in helping others began early, shaped by foster children in his household and community work as a teenager. That same curiosity led him to live and work across continents and cities - in Africa and South America and in many parts of the United States - experiences that inform his cultural perspective and collaborative style. He has spent time living in places such as Nairobi and Rio de Janeiro, as well as Michigan, Chicago, Austin, Washington DC, Atlanta, New York City, and San Francisco.
Donald s career spans roles in private practice, outpatient programs, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, community agencies, employee assistance programs, and public-benefit organizations. He has provided individual, couple, family, and group psychotherapy, and has been involved in case management, program design, evaluation, and administration. His background includes work on non-profit and government planning boards and managing programs intended to serve diverse populations.
Clinically, his experience covers a wide array of concerns including depression and anxiety, addictions and unhealthy dependencies, communication and relationship difficulties, workplace and organizational issues, intercultural dynamics and racism, sex and sexuality including LGBTQI+ matters, children and family challenges, and chronic illness such as HIV/AIDS. He has used many approaches over the years, guided by what best serves each person - from solution-focused and cognitive strategies to psychodynamic and narrative methods, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and client-centered work.
Donald s academic focus included Child and Adolescent Welfare for his bachelor s specialization and a Certificate in International/Intercultural Studies supported by independent study in Kenya. His master s work emphasized Employee Assistance Programs and Addictions, with a dual concentration in Clinical Services and Administration. He is committed to lifelong professional development and has participated in numerous trainings, conferences, and continuing education activities.
Beyond formal training, he has facilitated and managed personal and spiritual growth intensives called The Evolution Training and contributed guest and relationship advice columns for newspapers and magazines. His wide-ranging life and professional experiences shape a practice centered on helping people rediscover or discover joy, explore options, and take meaningful steps toward their goals. He aims to support, encourage, and challenge each person to find paths that fit their unique life and aspirations.
His interest in helping others began early, shaped by foster children in his household and community work as a teenager. That same curiosity led him to live and work across continents and cities - in Africa and South America and in many parts of the United States - experiences that inform his cultural perspective and collaborative style. He has spent time living in places such as Nairobi and Rio de Janeiro, as well as Michigan, Chicago, Austin, Washington DC, Atlanta, New York City, and San Francisco.
Donald s career spans roles in private practice, outpatient programs, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, community agencies, employee assistance programs, and public-benefit organizations. He has provided individual, couple, family, and group psychotherapy, and has been involved in case management, program design, evaluation, and administration. His background includes work on non-profit and government planning boards and managing programs intended to serve diverse populations.
Clinically, his experience covers a wide array of concerns including depression and anxiety, addictions and unhealthy dependencies, communication and relationship difficulties, workplace and organizational issues, intercultural dynamics and racism, sex and sexuality including LGBTQI+ matters, children and family challenges, and chronic illness such as HIV/AIDS. He has used many approaches over the years, guided by what best serves each person - from solution-focused and cognitive strategies to psychodynamic and narrative methods, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and client-centered work.
Donald s academic focus included Child and Adolescent Welfare for his bachelor s specialization and a Certificate in International/Intercultural Studies supported by independent study in Kenya. His master s work emphasized Employee Assistance Programs and Addictions, with a dual concentration in Clinical Services and Administration. He is committed to lifelong professional development and has participated in numerous trainings, conferences, and continuing education activities.
Beyond formal training, he has facilitated and managed personal and spiritual growth intensives called The Evolution Training and contributed guest and relationship advice columns for newspapers and magazines. His wide-ranging life and professional experiences shape a practice centered on helping people rediscover or discover joy, explore options, and take meaningful steps toward their goals. He aims to support, encourage, and challenge each person to find paths that fit their unique life and aspirations.
Areas of Expertise
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPersonality disordersPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSex addictionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Donald Bliss have?
Donald Bliss has 40 years of experience in the field of mental health and addictions treatment.
Is Donald Bliss a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the LCSW credential. LCSW stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. License details: CA LCSW 22042.
In which languages does Donald Bliss provide therapy?
He provides therapy in English and Portuguese.
Where is Donald Bliss located?
He is located in California.
How can I work with Donald Bliss as my therapist?
You can work with Donald Bliss through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Donald Bliss work with international clients?
Yes, Donald Bliss works with international clients.
How much does therapy with Donald Bliss 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 with therapy 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.
Could Remote Therapy Be a Good Fit?
Many people ask whether online therapy can truly help. For a range of common concerns - including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and navigating life changes - online therapy can be as effective as traditional in-person care.One clear advantage is flexibility. Individuals can connect with therapists in the format that fits their routine and comfort level: video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. This flexibility makes it easier to keep appointments and integrate therapy into busy lives.
Therapists offering remote services are licensed professionals, and clients have the option to request a different therapist if they are seeking a different fit. For many people, online therapy provides a practical, accessible way to work with a trained professional and pursue meaningful changes.