Maria Aragon-McDonald, ACSW, MSW
Associate Clinical Social Worker in California, ACSW 103576

Maria Aragon-McDonald has dedicated more than 20 years to serving individuals and families through compassionate social work, mental health advocacy, and community-based care. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Psychology and Master of Social Work in Advanced Generalist Practice from California State University, Bakersfield. Maria is a Licensed Associate Clinical Social Worker committed to empowering clients through empathy, support, and meaningful therapeutic connection.

Throughout her career, Maria has worked extensively in medical social work, behavioral health, hospice care, crisis intervention, and rehabilitation settings across California. She has supported adults, families, and vulnerable populations navigating complex medical diagnoses, mental health challenges, grief, trauma, and major life transitions. Her experience includes working closely with multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure clients receive comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to their unique needs.

Maria’s clinical approach integrates evidence-based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques. She works collaboratively with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment challenges, caregiver stress, and relationship difficulties. Her therapeutic style is warm, client-centered, and grounded in creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment where healing and personal growth can flourish.

As a bilingual provider fluent in English and Spanish, Maria is passionate about providing culturally responsive care and improving access to mental health support within diverse communities. She believes every individual deserves to feel heard, valued, and empowered throughout their healing journey.

Outside of her professional work, Maria is known by those close to her for her playful and silly sense of humor. When she was younger, she enjoyed performing Folklórico dance at community events, an experience that helped foster her appreciation for culture, connection, and self-expression.