In general, when finding a therapist, Seattle WA can have different options available. Many people understand the importance of clinical mental health counseling, and appreciate the fact that there are more therapists available there than in many other cities. However, even with the abundance of WA therapists it’s not always going to be easy to find the right therapist for you. Different mental health challenges often require different specializations. You may be looking for someone with extensive training in eating disorders, or a psychologist with a doctoral degree in gender identity or cultural identity. It’s not a given that the therapist you need is going to be in an area of the city that's easy to travel to for you. 

That’s why an online therapy platform like BetterHelp can be an effective solution. BetterHelp offers over 30,000 licensed therapists with specialties in everything from solution focused therapy to trauma informed therapy for victims of systemic oppression. In addition, online therapy can help ensure that you achieve the level of therapeutic alliance necessary for your therapy to be successful. If at any time you don’t feel that you don’t have a true rapport with your therapist, you can switch at no additional cost. Another benefit of online therapy is that sessions can be far easier to fit into a busy schedule. With video chat, phone, or text sessions, you can participate in therapy from the comfort and convenience of your own home or office. 

With everything going on in life, it can feel overwhelming to take that first step in starting the therapeutic process. BetterHelp offers a convenient starting point toward the path of self-discovery and healing through therapy. Simply fill out an online questionnaire to get matched with a therapist who meets your goals and needs.

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Cindy Johnson

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesDepression
13 years of experience

I have been working as a Marriage and Family therapist since 2010. I was licensed in New Mexico for most of my career, but transferred to Washington state in 2016. I have worked with individuals and families from a variety of backgrounds and income levels and even served as a crisis counselor for a detention center for several years. Depression, anxiety, family/relationship problems, parenting issues, substance abuse, and Bipolar Disorder are part of my regular case load. I also enjoy working with clients who just feel "stuck" and need some support to find their way forward in life. I try to keep my sessions friendly and welcoming. I enjoy humor and feel that it is a healthy coping skill to be utilized. Every problem has a solution waiting to be found and my goal is to help clients find their own unique solutions to life's most complicated issues. My practice includes cognitive behavioral approaches as well as mindfulness and solution focused therapy. I treat individuals as unique cases and avoid lumping people into categories. You are the expert in your life. My job is to help you see options that may have been missed and help you move forward. Therapy can be an intimidating process. My goal is to make it comfortable, helpful, and maybe even a little fun.

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Taylen Gilden

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate. I am located in Wenatchee, WA and have had over 3 years experience as therapist. I earned my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Whitworth University in 2017. I have experience working with relationship issues, self-esteem, life changes and stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, sexual issues, and more. We often experience seasons where we struggle to find hope - hope in relationship, hope through depression or anxiety, hope beyond current circumstances. I believe that therapy is a place people come searching for that hope. We long for a change. We long for someone to hear our hearts, our stories, our circumstances and say “yes, there is hope.” That’s what I am here to tell you: there is hope. You are more than your circumstances. You do not have to be stuck. I believe that transformation is a journey that takes vulnerability with oneself. My goal in every session is to provide a safe and supportive space for you to be your authentic self and grow more to who you want to be. I want to walk alongside you, look at all that you are facing and overwhelmed with, and find that spark of hope and foster it. When hope is renewed, we can then take the steps to change - change our situations, our mindsets, our hearts, etc. Starting at hope, we then move to practical steps to help you move past your circumstance and achieve your desired self.

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Leslie Cullen

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC,MHP
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
20 years of experience

I have been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for 20 years and I have extensive training in many populations, diversity, chronically mentally ill, and substance use disorders. My primary focus is here and now and identifying ways to incorporate new ideas and change in our lives. I use primarily cognitive and behavioral techniques with a focus on new neurological information as it relates to mental health. I am familiar with Meta Cognition and the approach that we have mindsets we can change, not spending hours on personality issues or going back to past history. Insight and reflection often needs to be mindful and in the present, allowing for our ability to identify appropriate needs and wants. The most important tool we have is an objective sense of self as well as an identity fitting with our culture and social needs. I am a professional member of the AAPI Psychological Association and the National Latinx Psychology Association.

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Bethany Latimer

Offering therapy in WA
License: M.A., ,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

Hi, my name is Bethany. I have 20 years experience as a Therapist. I worked with all ages, in private practice and community mental health, with families, couples and in teen and adult individual sessions. After being a counselor for this long, I am able to hear what others say verbally and non verbally from the subconscious level. This is very supportive because I would meet your needs at a variety of levels. I've worked with many different issues: trauma, anxiety, depression, attachment, shame, guilt, anger, needing forgiveness, to name just a few. People report feeling heard in a way they've not experienced previously. You can expect to find relief, recovery of issues and personal growth. With me, you are not starting over. You are moving your healing forward. Even though healing and growing does not always feel good, you do receive safe counseling care with me in supportive ways, to integrate the issues left undone, and grow beyond them to a better you. Let's try a session to see how it feels for you. Ask how my meditation healing exercises can help you with your (fill in the blank issue). Let's talk!

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Anne Thompson

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience working as a mental health therapist. I have worked in a variety of therapy settings throughout my career including with adults, families and adolescents. I love being a therapist and truly believe that growth and change are possible. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship and communication problems, parenting problems and grief and loss. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I am compassionate, curious and social-justice oriented. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral methods with a depth and attachment-focused perspective to help you achieve self-awareness and healing. Together we will define goals and objectives to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!

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Robin Ross

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

I am a relationship oriented therapist with more than 10 years experience of Family Preservation Therapy where I treated individuals, teens, couples, and adults. I have a strong background and extensive experience helping individuals and families with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, marital problems and difficulty relating to children and teens. I also have experience treating individuals struggling with addictive behavior involving pornography, gambling and substance abuse. I have a firm belief in self determination, a person's ability to overcome challenges by calling upon dormant inner strengths and by helping persons overcome barriers to seeking help from important people in their lives when needed. I am a non-religious therapist, but with a background and understand of Christian faith, particularly issues common to LDS persons or persons contemplating their faith.

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Laurie Kress

Offering therapy in WA
GriefCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

I am licensed in Oregon with 26 years of professional work experience. I’ve worked in a wide range of practice settings including outpatient mental health clinic, community mental health, and at-risk youth services. I draw from an eclectic mix of therapeutic frameworks and techniques including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Interpersonal Neurobiology, among others. I work with adult individuals seeking support for issues including life transitions and adjustments, loss and grief, anxiety, and depression. My style is warm, collaborative, client-centered and trauma-informed. I strive to create a safe, respectful and supportive environment, honoring the intrinsic wisdom and strength of all my clients. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Mindy McDonald

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGriefDepression
10 years of experience

Hi. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Texas, Utah, Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Arizona. I am also pending in Tennessee and New Mexico. I am a NBCCH (National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and I am also a Certified Advanced Grief Counseling Specialist (CAGCS). Navigating life can be hard. There is no manual, and many of us did not grow up with good models or examples we want to emulate. Some of us are seeking tools and resources to evolve and grow beyond our current limits, others need a sounding board or someone who believes in us and can cheer us on. Regardless of your need, my goal is to help. As human beings, we all find that we need other perspectives, support, ideas and ways of being, at various points in our lives. I would love to be that for you. I have worked with individuals and groups for over 20 years, both in a clinical setting as well as in a crisis intervention capacity. I have witnessed and assisted people from essentially birth to death with all things related to being human and all the beauty and complexities that come with that. My one desire as a therapist, is to always leave people better than I found them. I will meet you where you are with sensitivity, warmth and compassion, and we will walk this healing path together at a pace that is set by you. I believe establishing a strong rapport with mutual respect is key in achieving lasting change. I believe the way in which we have experienced life dictates how we choose to live each day and the quality of our relationships, influences how we cope with stress, sadness and even joy that life inevitably brings. I use a combination of therapy to help clients identify problematic or distressing patterns or behavior, reflect on how their experiences in life have shaped these patterns and encourage clients to discuss possible solutions. I combine many therapeutic modalities to develop your treatment plan by using a strengths-based approach to empower goals tailored to your needs and areas of concern. No two of us are alike and we all experience life differently. Therefore, the approach to healing must also be flexible. My goal is to establish a connection, whereby both you and I will partner, addressing that each person is an individual and worthy of a safe space to heal and be present in their goals as an evolving human being. I believe that prioritizing one's mental health is an investment in self, and is an active step towards your healing journey. 
I acknowledge the courage it takes to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and commend you for your choice in reaching for that goal. I look forward to working together. *once a session has been scheduled, I will message you to touch base and confirm. If you do not see a day or time available that suits your needs, please reach out to me via the therapy room message option and we will work together to schedule a mutually agreed upon session.*

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Joel Mackey

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Cheri Rivera

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Colorado and Louisiana with over 6 years experience providing professional counseling services. My goal is to meet clients where they are and work with them to develop the tools and confidence to tackle life’s hardships, such as stressors, coping with change, and other life challenges. This also includes symptoms of mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. I use a person-centered, humanistic approach, allowing the client to be the expert regarding their life by exploring their feelings and solidifying their sense of self. It takes a great deal of strength to reach out for help, and I believe a client's intrinsic motivation and the therapeutic relationship can be a valuable healing experience.

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How to find counseling in Seattle

Finding the best therapist close by in Seattle can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Seattle. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Seattle, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Seattle or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Seattle area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Seattle, elsewhere in King, or in the greater state of Washington.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Seattle area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Seattle therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Seattle due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Seattle may not take health insurance, some in the state of Washington may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Washington you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Seattle, Washington working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Seattle above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Seattle helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Seattle therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Seattle therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Seattle therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in WA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 98117 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Seattle counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Seattle licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Seattle, Washington can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Seattle has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Seattle.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Seattle:

98101, 98102, 98103, 98104, 98105, 98106, 98107, 98108, 98109, 98111, 98112, 98113, 98114, 98115, 98116, 98117, 98118, 98119, 98121, 98122, 98124, 98125, 98126, 98127, 98129, 98133, 98134, 98136, 98139, 98141, 98144, 98145, 98146, 98154, 98161, 98164, 98165, 98170, 98174, 98175, 98177, 98178, 98181, 98185, 98191, 98194, 98195, 98199

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