Dr. Daniel McDonald
ABOUT
Dr. Daniel McDonald practices in the Suwanee and Lawrenceville area of Gwinnett County, Georgia. He provides in person and virtual services (telepsychology or telehealth).
For virtual services, patients/clients must be in one of the following jurisdictions: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.
His practice specializes in providing psychological evaluations, testing and consultation. Clients include individuals, insurance companies, professional offices (health care and legal), organizational (private and governmental). He also provides psychotherapy, counseling and coaching services.
Training
PhD, Counseling Psychology, Tennessee State University
BS, Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic and State University
Licensure and Certification
Alabama Board of Examiners in Psychology
Georgia Board of Examiners in Psychology
National Register of Health Service Psychologists
Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT)–Issued by PSYPACT Commission July 31, 2020 Number 4982.
Experience
Dr. Daniel McDonald has provided clinical services and consultation in a variety of clinical settings including inpatient psychiatric and medical-surgical, mental health clinics in rural and urban areas, veteran and military treatment facilities (inpatient and outpatient behavioral medicine and family advocacy programs). His clinical-administrative experience includes developing and managing violence prevention programs for health care and social service organizations, developing, and administering clinical programs for US Army and Navy installations, consultant examiner for state and federal programs, and the development and implementation of risk and threat assessment programs.
Types of Psychological Evaluations Provided
- Psychological Consultation for Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
- Differential Diagnosis (Psychological and Behavioral Health)
- Pre-Surgical Consults (Bariatric Obesity Surgery)
- Psychological Factors Effecting Medical Conditions
- Disruptive Behavior (Oppositional Defiant, Conduct)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Disability Consultation and Determination (US Citizenship and Immigration Services Form N-648 Certification for Disability Exception, OPM Schedule A, Department of Veterans Affairs Form 21-0960P-2, and for Insurance Company Requirements)
- Career and Vocational
- Learning Disability (Assess Main Areas of Achievement defined by Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA))
- Intellectual and Cognitive Functioning
- Personality
What is Psychological Testing?
Psychological testing provides a formal way to measure personality traits, feelings, beliefs and abilities. Some tests assess for the presence of certain conditions, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, anger control or susceptibility to stress. Other tests measure general traits and provide an overall picture of a person’s personality. Psychological testing is used as part of an overall psychological evaluation to determine current level of functioning and disability. A typical psychological assessment includes a clinical interview, mental status examination and one or more psychological tests. The person may be able to complete some tests on their own and others must be completed with the psychologist.
Most referrals for psychological testing are intended to obtain a thorough and complete understanding of the presenting problems and issues. Referring health care providers and other professionals may need additional information for diagnosis, consultation, and treatment planning.
Who is Qualified to Perform Psychological Testing?
In Georgia, only psychologists are permitted to perform psychological testing. Georgia law defines psychological testing: Psychological testing is defined, by law as administering, and interpreting tests of mental abilities, aptitudes, interests, and personality characteristics for such purposes as psychological classification or evaluation, or for education or vocational placement, or for such purposes as psychological counseling, guidance, or readjustment. It is further defined as the use of assessment instruments that measure mental abilities, personality characteristics, or neuropsychological functioning in order to diagnose, render opinions, treat, classify or evaluate mental and nervous disorders and illnesses including organic brain disorders and brain damage.
How much does Psychological Testing Cost?
Costs associated with psychological testing vary depending on the purpose of the evaluation and time involved. As a rule costs are determined by the number of hours involved in testing administration, interpretation, feedback and report writing.
Will Insurance Pay for Psychological Assessments?
Some insurance policies have mental or behavioral health benefits that will pay a limited amount for psychological testing.
Medical insurance policies may cover all or part of psychological testing if it can be shown to be “medically necessary.” This is most commonly true for a patient who has cognitive problems related to a documented medical condition.Psychotherapy, Counseling, and Consultation Services
Although psychological evaluation and consultation is our primary area of expertise, we do accept clients for short-term psychotherapy and consultation services.
Dr. Daniel McDonald only accepts a limited number of clients for psychotherapy and counseling services.
This website contains descriptions of the type of problems and issues that Dr. Daniel McDonald has experience in working with and is appropriate for treatment in an office setting. When needed, Dr. McDonald will work with your physician or refer to a specialist for medication related issues.
Confidentiality
Your confidentiality is protected by the ethical standards of the American Psychological Association, as well as by state and federal laws. According to Georgia law (OCGA §43-39-16), “The confidential relations and communications between a licensed psychologist and client are placed upon the same basis as those provided by law between attorney and client; and nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require any such privileged communication to be disclosed.”
Problems and Issues
Problems and issues seen for psychotherapy in our practice include the following:
Adjustment to Medical Problems
Depression and Mood Disorder
Self-Esteem and Dependency Issues
Relationship Issues
Men’s Issues
Childhood Behavior Problems and Parenting Issues
Stress Management and Anxiety
Post Traumatic Stress
Substance Abuse (Alcoholism and Drug Addiction)
Memory and Cognitive Problems
Work-Life Balance
Career Problems and Coaching
Improving Health
GET IN TOUCH
The best way to contact Dr. Daniel McDonald is to use the contact form on the home page or leave a message at (770) 271-8989
Daniel McDonald, PhD Licensed Psychologist 