Mark McDonald, M.D.

Mark McDonald, M.D. Dr. Mark McDonald provides therapy and medication treatment to patients of all ages in a private, co

Dr. Mark McDonald holds board certifications in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. He specializes in the evaluation and treatment of young people with mental illness. Dr. McDonald’s psychoanalytically-oriented therapy includes a combination of several modalities, such as family systems therapy, play therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. McDonald’s medication management services accommodate complex treatment regimens requiring multiple medications, consultation with a patient’s primary care physician, and clinical lab monitoring. Dr. McDonald studied classical cello and Japanese literature at UC Berkeley before beginning medical training at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He completed his adult psychiatry residency at the University of Cincinnati, and child psychiatry fellowship at Harbor-UCLA in Los Angeles. He recently completed a two-year program in adult psychoanalytic psychotherapy at the Psychoanalytic Center of California (PCC) and is now a PCC candidate in adult psychoanalysis. He has lived, worked, and studied extensively in Europe and Japan, and speaks Spanish, French, and Japanese. Over the past nine years of post-graduate training, he has also supervised and taught medical students, residents, and fellows in multiple disciplines of medicine, psychiatry, and therapy.

I recently had dinner with a couple whose conversation left me unsettled by the growing trend of outsourcing motherhood ...
09/25/2025

I recently had dinner with a couple whose conversation left me unsettled by the growing trend of outsourcing motherhood to nannies.
I listened as the wife proudly explained that having a nanny allows her to focus on her career and income, while her husband’s role diminished in comparison.
I couldn’t help but reflect on how, unlike the upper class of a century ago where employing help was limited to the wealthy, today it’s become a fashionable means to avoid the very real, transformative challenge of being a parent.
I worry that this modern pursuit of a “lifestyle” free from the disruptions of raising a child not only erodes the authentic experience of motherhood, but also diminishes the essential life lessons that come from engaging directly with parenthood.
I believe that by outsourcing such a fundamental duty, we risk losing touch with the raw, human experiences that truly enrich our lives and those of our children.

They wish to return to a past they have not earned

Today, I overheard a conversation that really got me thinking about the state of our society's response to tragedy. The ...
09/18/2025

Today, I overheard a conversation that really got me thinking about the state of our society's response to tragedy. The woman on her phone was appalled by some people's reactions to the assassination of Charlie Kirk — laughing and making light of such a grave event. It made me reflect on how divided we seem yet how united we can be in condemning indecency. Surprisingly, from teachers to FBI agents, the dismissal of those who disrespect such tragedies appears to be gaining ground, marking what might be a significant shift in our social conscience.

This incident raises broader questions about decency, empathy, and the moral fabric of our society that transcend political lines. It's a moment for deep reflection on what we value as a community and how we respond to acts of inhumanity. I've penned down more of my thoughts and observations in my latest blog post. Head over to dive deeper into this conversation about where we stand and perhaps where we should be heading. Read, reflect, and join in the discussion — because how we react to such moments truly defines us.

It only took an assassination of a good man

I've been reflecting on how deeply our mental health is rooted in real-world experiences that engage all our senses.  I ...
09/11/2025

I've been reflecting on how deeply our mental health is rooted in real-world experiences that engage all our senses.
I believe that reconnecting with nature—walking barefoot, chopping wood, or even making apple juice the hands-on way—grounds us in a way that virtual interactions simply cannot replicate.
I see that our reliance on screens and virtual validation is creating a dangerous disconnect from reality, leading to imbalances in emotional stability and personal growth.
I feel compelled to abandon the superficial allure of digital life and return to tangible, embodied experiences that test and nourish us.
I encourage taking a step back from devices to embrace the uncertainties and rewards of interacting with the world directly, as it is the only path to genuine growth and fulfillment.

What is real makes us grow

I recently participated in a wide-ranging talk and panel discussion on female predators at Calvary Chapel of the Canyons...
09/02/2025

I recently participated in a wide-ranging talk and panel discussion on female predators at Calvary Chapel of the Canyons in Silverado, California.
I was joined by Dr. Manny Tau and Dr. Wendy Patrick, with Pastor Larry DeSimone skillfully moderating the event.
I also had the opportunity to share my insights on female predators, starting just after the one-hour mark.

Female predators--how to detect them and what to do about them

Just wrapped up a thought-provoking interview with Dr. Mark McDonald on OAN's Fine Point with Chanel Rion, where we delv...
09/01/2025

Just wrapped up a thought-provoking interview with Dr. Mark McDonald on OAN's Fine Point with Chanel Rion, where we delved into the controversial topic of SSRIs and their alleged link to transgender mass shootings. While it's easy to jump to conclusions, the truth might be more complex than it seems.
Curious about our findings and the nuanced perspectives we uncovered?
Head over to the full blog post for an in-depth discussion and discover what we really learned about this sensitive issue.
Join the conversation and let's explore these intricate questions together.

Transgender murderers are driven by mental illness, not Prozac

Sunday, August 19 in Silverado Canyon—Female Predators, with guest speakers Dr. Mark McDonajd and Dr. Wendy Patrick.
08/19/2025

Sunday, August 19 in Silverado Canyon—Female Predators, with guest speakers Dr. Mark McDonajd and Dr. Wendy Patrick.

I've been pondering why dating in America feels so broken today.  I see a clash between delusional self-perception and h...
07/31/2025

I've been pondering why dating in America feels so broken today.
I see a clash between delusional self-perception and hypergamy, with many women overestimating their looks and relentlessly chasing men who are arguably out of their league.
I believe that as women inflate their value, they end up dismissing the majority of available men, creating a marketplace where genuine, long-lasting connections are nearly impossible.
I also observe that the rise of dating apps has distorted how we present and assess ourselves, reducing complex qualities to a one-dimensional profile that fails to capture real compatibility.
I feel that if women could reclaim a more traditional role as gatekeepers of their own sexuality and prioritize face-to-face encounters over virtual profiles, we might finally restore some balance to the dating scene.

Delusional Thinking + Hypergamy = Dating in America

I firmly believe that the United States will only thrive if we restore the patriarchy as the organizing structure of our...
07/24/2025

I firmly believe that the United States will only thrive if we restore the patriarchy as the organizing structure of our society.
I've observed that male dominance, far from being oppressive, is both reasonable and necessary, as American men have long protected women by undertaking dangerous work and making critical sacrifices.
Reflecting on history, when men fought in wars, women willingly filled roles to support the nation, yet the advent of modern feminist ideology has forced a choice that ultimately strips women of true freedom.
Today, despite the promise of equality, women appear less happy, more burdened, and dissatisfied with their personal fulfillment compared to the pre-feminist era.
I contend that instead of continuing on the path of failed egalitarian policies, we should reestablish a complementary system where stable male leadership allows women the genuine freedom of choice—to remain at home and care for their families if they desire.

The Feminist Myth of Egalitarianism

Recuperating at the Cole farm in anti-Los Angeles. Boise is a city of freedom, fun, and normalcy.
07/24/2025

Recuperating at the Cole farm in anti-Los Angeles. Boise is a city of freedom, fun, and normalcy.

Private jazz in the hills above Malibu
07/22/2025

Private jazz in the hills above Malibu

07/22/2025

Outdoor private summer jazz concert in the mountains above Malibu

I recently returned to Switzerland after many years away, and revisiting the country felt like reconnecting with an old ...
07/17/2025

I recently returned to Switzerland after many years away, and revisiting the country felt like reconnecting with an old friend rather than exploring something entirely new.
I spent a moment in Geneva, noting that its preserved natural landscapes remain largely untouched, while Zurich revealed significant gentrification and a shift toward international brands and influences.
The city now feels like a cosmopolitan melting pot where foreign residents outnumber locals and even everyday interactions, from restaurant greetings to shopping experiences, have become more globalized.
I observed that, while the cost of living in day-to-day life remains fair and public services are highly efficient, the once-affordable, vibrant mixed community in Zurich has given way to rising rents and a competitive housing market.
Despite these modern pressures, Switzerland’s stunning natural beauty, robust direct democracy, and local accountability continue to offer a lifestyle that is both unique and deeply appealing, even if it remains largely out of reach for those looking to relocate permanently.

Beauty...out of reach?

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