I did therapy with Donelle for several months and I have grown so much intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually during this time. I have had multiple therapists in the past, but none of them really stuck with me. Donelle's directness, confidence, and advice really helped me to develop my own directness and confidence. Almost every therapist I've worked with in the past mostly listened to me talk and asked me guiding questions, but didn't really give me any solid advice. That led me to ruminate about my problems but continue to be confused and frustrated. In contrast, Donelle would tell me specifically what she thinks I should do and in what areas I was thinking erroneously. I dealt with a lot of anxiety and disturbed sleep with vivid dreams, and her methods were so quick and effective in drastically reducing those issues. She and I have connected over our religious and spiritual beliefs and values as well. It really feels like we developed a genuine, trusting relationship and I value her very much. She has even opened up my eyes about the world around me, the social and political issues that are going on right now. She is very knowledgeable and an incredible critical thinker. I highly recommend Donelle! read more

The reviews are true! This so called "professional" is deplorable! Disorganized, extremely unprofessional! On the first visit she scheduled, I showed up and she looked at me and rudely said to me "who are you"? She is so disorganized she didn't realize she had booked me for that time as well. Early into the first visit she referred to my former spouse, mother of my children as "mommy dearest"! She also told me more than once in this introductory meeting that she "owned El dorado county and can do whatever she wants "! My first meeting with her was May 21st second meeting was June 8th because she let me know she was going to a Trump rally in Texas. And proceeded to talk politics. Again unprofessional, don't need to know about her political views. It's now the end of June and there has been no progress at all! On both visits she took calls that did t pertain to my case and also rudely ate her lunch in front of Me. 150-175 bucks an hour for someone to disrespect the mother of my children (whom she has never met) lick her fingers and smack away as she eats in front of you. The entire process is filled with heart ache and then to experience this type of treatment.... It's unforgivable and disgusting! I will contact the court ASAP to share my experience. Do your entire family a huge favor and ask for a different referral. read more

Donelle Anderson is one of the most Professional and Understanding people I have ever met. She specializes in a wide array of counseling services, but my encounter has been trusting her with my 2 year old daughter and facilitating court-ordered supervised visitations with other parent. I was quite surprised to see anything less than 5 star reviews as she has done nothing other than be Honest, Fair and Courteous to me and my daughter. Considering the nature of her work in supervising untrusted parents, she has a crucial job that is very Impressive and Noble keeping children and parents involved. Thanks again for all the hard work you put into fostering a safe and friendly environment for children and parents :) read more

Donelle Anderson, MFT - The Beautiful El Dorado Hills Office - Counseling & Mental Health Near Me - Placerville, California

I would give Donelle Anderson ZERO stars, however Yelp does not have that option. Donelle Anderson seduced and manipulated the county of El Dorado years ago. This county is not like other counties that use Child Protective Services for supervised visitation. Donelle is a private contractor and she created Family Visitation Network (FVN) and she contracted excusively with the Superior Court of El Dorado County. She is the ONLY option when dealing with custody issues and visitation in this county. You have no other option. It is corrupt to the core. Once you are in the system there is no getting out. It is a vicious cycle of the judge, the minor counsel and Ms. Anderson. It will break you financially. They all work together, it's a sick triangle. Donelle made it clear in my orientation that she and minors counsel were "best friends" and they talk and laughed about you privately. You also will be paying Ms. Anderson privately. There is no incentive to get you out of their money making sceme. It is a vicious cycle of greed corruption. If Minor's Counsel likes you then Donelle likes you; if the opposite is true you are screwed, as far as custody or supporting you in court. The judge can order you eight hours a week of visitation, but Ms. Anderson can barely accomodate one hour a week. Honestly, no one could afford eight hour a week anyway. The fees were inconsistent and outragous. Within my time there I noticed Ms. Anderson charges people anywhere from $30-$90 an hour to visit with your child, depending on what she feels like charging when she sets up the contract. There is absolutely no impartiality on her part. In additon, she was extremely difficult to work with, her moods were drastically changing, she is rude and condescending. My experience is consistent with the serveral other reviews she has received. It was clear she knew she had the "power" and you were simply a pawn in her fiefdom. To simply get a report for court, which you needed to show your compliance, she charges $400! You must pay 30 days before your court date or you don't get a report for the court. I only can pray that people read this before they think of divorcing in EDC and have to deal with the corruption of Ms. Donelle's Familiy Visitation Network. read more

If you are involved in a family law case in El Dorado County with a spouse or ex that has the finances for Ms. Donelle, yet you do not, *BEWARE*. Ms. Donelle will have no interest in ensuring your child will have a balanced environment where Father and Mother each have the responsibility of bringing the children to appointments. Whoever pays, brings your child. Whoever pays, gets email and phone responses. If you don't have the $100 per hour, too bad. Also, do not expect to be informed of appointments, or summaries of your child's visits. If you do not pay, you do not exist. Except when it comes to sessions with your ex, your child and Ms. Donelle, where you will be freely discussed. Ms. Donelle does not take insurance, so if your ex wants to keep you from sessions with your child, that is exactly what will happen. You will have no part in your child's sessions. Your ex, or spouse can sit in and will be able to discuss you and your case's issues with your child behind the veil of 'it's ok, because it's therapy'. Ms. Donelle will also encourage your child not to discuss with you those same things your ex was allowed to discuss with your child and Ms. Donelle in their therapy session. Do not expect the courts in El Dorado County to ensure your child has a balanced therapy experience with both Father and Mother sharing in the responsibilities. They are understandably far too busy with their own housekeeping. Ms. Donelle maintains a colorful, comfortable environment for her clients, although very often is pre-occupied with snacking or doing her makeup during therapy sessions. If you have the money and are looking to gain the edge in a custody case against your co-parent who does not, rest assured Ms. Donelle will provide the perfect environment. Clark, Georgetown CA read more

Donelle is amazing and was able to build a great relationship between my husband, myself and my ex. The kids are very happy and without her we would have never been able to be in the same room together let alone actually all become friends and parent on the same team. read more

Donelle Andersen LMFT was appointed, by a family court judge in Contra Costa County, to provide "reunification therapy" for my two daughters and me. This is in connection with an immensely high conflict divorce. It has proven to be, sadly, only another damaging blow to the psyche, for two little girls (as well as that of their loving father.) Without belaboring this review with ancillary information, the reader ought to be advised of this: In over four months (commencing August 13, 2015,) and at a cost of more than $1000, I have had one meeting with Ms. Andersen, one phone consultation, numerous demands for money, and I still have no idea when I will be reunited with my beloved daughters, whom I have been alienated from, maliciously, for over four years. Ms. Andersen does not respond to calls or texts, has not delineated a treatment program, nor has she provided any sort of accounting/billing. During our one meeting, at her utterly disorganized office, she seemed agitated, mildly flirtatious, and was...(at risk of being too stern...) inappropriately dressed. Her replies to my most heartfelt pleas for expediency have held no sway upon her. Indeed, she only replied after being contacted by the counselor whom had attempted to work with my former wife and me (Dr. Jon Patty, Phd. Pleasanton Ca. Highly recommended; by contrast.) Avoid Donelle Andersen. mmitch1009@yahoo.com. read more

Hiring this supervised visitation provider will be one of the worst mistakes of your life!! Men, she will take your money ($130.00 for 2 hours) and sit on the phone/computer while occasionally correcting you on how to play with your children. She will then write a report chock full of lies to the court regarding your visitations, painting you in a bad light before the court. She is duplicitous and not very bright. You are at your own peril hiring this woman. read more

We brought our family to Ms. Anderson and never looked back. She has turned things around we never thought she could. Amazing experience from an exceptional, well-qualified therapist. She won't walk away from difficulty and faces challenges head-on with kindness, compassion, and responsibility. If you're looking for help, she should be the first call you make. read more

Wether or not you actually need to be supervised while trying to spend time with your family, you can absolutely guarantee that the Family Visiting Network will not recognize how much your child or family member loves and needs you, if you actually get to see your family member even after paying the ridiculous ransoms and jump through the hoops these people enjoy throwing up for you. I wasted almost $1000 to have 2 visits with my daughter over a six month period of time, while having a court order granting me at least one 2 hour visit a week!!! IF YOU VALUE YOUR FAMILY, this company is not going to help you even if you give them their ransoms and attempt to appease their power abusing appetites. read more

Donelle has truly transformed my family situation. First impression was this lady is tough! From day one I was extremely apprehensive to her "no nonsense" tactics. Thank God I let go of my fears and put my faith and trust in her. My children are happy and their father and I are on our way to building a positive relationship. I never imagined that we could actually be successful at co-parenting. I will be referring all of my friends! Thank you Donelle! read more

Donelle Anderson "grand master" as I've come to refer her as, is a unique therapist in her own. I've known her almost three years. There is no middle ground with her, hence why the courts trust her judgement. She has been selected as the unofficial truth detector for El Dorado County. At first you will be intimidated and probably angry, but with time grow to understand her blunt directives are part of a system where you are in control of helping yourself with her as a guide, which is actually better in the long run. Unfortunately she is so busy with family law cases she probably doesn't work much out of that scope, but if you are truthful with her and yourself you might get the pleasure of working with her on more personal topics. I've had the pleasure and can assure you Mrs Anderson is extremely educated and aware of the mental AND PHYSICAL angles of thought and emotion process and habit. This kind of knowledge doesn't retain by force but by desire, proving to me although her methods of therapy can seem harsh at times, she enjoys helping other people. My only complaint is she is so busy sorting out everyone's problem at times she can seem de-personalized, then I remember if I was trying to save 20 families a day about to be ripped apart forever by malicious lies, I might not want to chat about the family pet either. Hope this helps others in understanding, she is worth her weight in gold and my family thanks her! read more

The worst experience , we were referred by El Dorado County courts . Her attitude is though she is above everyone . Family visitation Network , The supervised visitation provider , Smelled of smoke every time. Wasn't dressed professionally. Wanted me to take the children to a school with no restrooms , as well as being closed campus. In the intake Ms. Anderson wanted to refer an attorney . Which I did not retain, she recomemed to the other parent as well. The court didn't seem to value her report at all. In the course of a very trying , delicate situation, we visited four different therapist, Ms. Anderson was the most non compassionate , My Grandchildren were suffering from grief, from a death of a parent . She seemed it was always about the dollars instead. The worst mistake, Was Ms. Anderson and Family Visitation Network. read more