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.

This is Christie Ryan's avatar and link to their profile

Christie Ryan

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesSelf esteem
15 years of experience

Hello, My name is Christie and I am a therapist licensed in Washington State with over fifteen years experience. I have been a case manager for aging and disabled as well as a therapist for children, adults, couples, and families and worked in various community settings. I enjoy working collaboratively with my clients to help them feel better and achieve their goals. I have worked with clients on a range of topics including anxiety and depression, substance use, educational and career planning/goal setting, parenting concerns and child development and budgeting and personal finance. I try to invoke a mixture of listening so that I fully understand your concerns and story with solution focused problem solving so that you feel as if you are leaving our sessions with something. My counseling style is supportive and inclusive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, narrative and rational-emotive counseling. That's a whole lot of fancy words to say that I believe everyone has a story and wants to be the best person they can be and a caring and supportive professional can help them achieve their goals. That being said I also believe that humans are creatures of habit and sometimes need help in learning new habits in a concrete and measurable way. In my personal life I am a single mom to an adorable nine year old girl and love all things Disney! I enjoy cooking and taking walks around the neighborhood and rainy days cuddled on the couch with my two cats, Duke and Dora. In the last year I got TWO dogs!!! A 60 pound boxer hound named Daisy and a 40 pound Chihuahua min pin named Harley:) If you are hoping for a specific day/time but it is not on my schedule please message me anyway and ask, often times I can fit you in. I am often more flexible with phone or chat sessions so if you don't find a time on my schedule but are able to do a chat let me know and I can get you in! Please note Sessions are 45 minutes. When cancelling appointments please provide 24 hours notice so that I can attempt to offer that spot to someone else. I look forward to working with you! NOTES ON SCHEDULE: I am just beginning to set my schedule for late spring/early summer. Please feel free to message me with any preferences and I will do my best. I am UNAVIABLE: June 9-18th June 21-25th You will get an automated reply if you message during these times and I will respond as soon as I am back Also check here for LAST MINUTE CANCELLATIONS Message me if you want a last minute time slot!

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Skyler Dorsey

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC ,MSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hi! My name is Skyler Dorsey and I am a licensed mental health therapist in the States of Washington and Oregon. I have been working in the field of social work for over 20 years and mental health for over 10 years. I received my master's degree in social work in 2006 from Eastern Washington University. I have experience with depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. I primarily use cognitive behavioral and strengths based therapeutic methods to help people identify what isn't working in their lives and how to make changes that will lead to greater life satisfaction. I began as a part-time therapist with Betterhelp in August of 2018 and transitioned to make it my full-time job in December of 2019. Together, we can work to help move you along the path to happiness and contentment. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Susan Harris

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
22 years of experience

Hello, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Master Addiction Counselor, specifically alcohol/drugs and gambling. I have been in the Addiction field for over twenty years and the mental health field for over ten years. I believe that addiction and mental health should be treated together and treating the physical, emotional and spiritual aspect of the client's life. I take an eclectic approach in counseling, meeting the client where they are and addressing their needs. I am a person centered counselor helping the client to learn and demonstrate skills that will help them have a better quality of life.

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Martha Witkowski

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA,LPCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
11 years of experience

Multiculturally aware, bilingual, independently licensed mental health therapist who understands that compassion and relationship building are at the core of the healing process. I am a trauma-informed, dialectical, and person-centered clinician who believes in both practical and deeply, emotionally based healing processes. I am a graduate of John Carroll University and have 9 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have worked with clients in various community mental health settings with problems ranging from situational life stress to severe mental illness. Some special interests include: PTSD and trauma related disorders, anxiety disorders, life transitions, parenting issues, existential issues, couples counseling and personality disorders. I have also completed multiple research projects focusing on anxiety and the efficacy of different treatment modalities. I possess the skills, expertise and compassion to help individuals with a wide range of issues or concerns. I take a person-centered approach, where I work on building a strong therapeutic relationship with each client in order to help them reach their greatest potential and work towards reaching their goals. I believe that connection and relationship are the two foundations to personal growth. The strength of the relationship is based on my ability to maintain a non-judgmental, trusting and validating environment for the client while encouraging growth. My techniques include an integrative approach, combining multiple techniques, with an emphasis on Mindfulness-based techniques and DBT skills.

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Eryn Patchett

Offering therapy in WA
License: MS,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
18 years of experience

I am an independently licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of New Mexico and California. I have been licensed since 2005, and a supervisor for other therapists since 2011. I received my Bachelors in Psychology from the University of New Mexico, and my Masters from California State University Fullerton. I started my career in mental health in 2002 after receiving my Bachelor's and worked as a case manager and behavioral health tech prior to and while obtaining my masters degree. I have worked in a number of diverse number of settings, including outpatient clinics, treatment foster care, and residential treatment and supervised residential treatment centers, group homes and day treatment programs. I've worked with individuals of all ages, families, and adolescents, and most recently seniors. I've specialized in treating those with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, domestic violence, trauma, and those at-risk. During my career, I have worked as a therapist, Clinical Supervisor, Clinical Director, COO and most recently as an Executive Director. All the roles have been extremely rewarding but none more than working 1:1 with individuals seeking out therapy. Currently, I am focusing on those with adjustment disorders, anxiety, depression, parenting support, relational issues, and trauma. I work diligently as your partner to tailor therapy to meet your individual needs. Therapy is designed to meet you where you are. You'll be heavily involved in developing the therapy goals and I'll tailor my approach to meet your needs. My goal is to allow you to reach your personal, family, and professional goals. We'll identify your strengths and build upon them to meet your identified needs to work towards you becoming the best version of yourself. I look forward to working with you on your journey! Specific therapeutic interventions include: CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) Psychodynamic Therapy Talk Therapy Strength Based Narrative Therapy

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This is Nadine Porter's avatar and link to their profile

Nadine Porter

Offering therapy in WA
License: MSW,LCSW,LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

Hi there! I’m Nadine and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with ten years of experience. Are you stressed? Anxious? Sad? Do you have problems you feel can’t be resolved? Do you have relationship problems or problems with your children? Are you lonely? I can help with all of that and more! I’m a great listener, extremely compassionate, and most of all, I’m not pushy. I’m here to listen and walk through the tough parts of your life with you while you make the major decisions. I’m very open-minded and I never pass judgement on anyone. If you think we’d be a good fit, please schedule with me. You are not alone. I am here for you. Thank you for considering me as your therapist.

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Christopher Gravett

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
13 years of experience

I have worked in the social service field since 2003 when I started working part time with people with intellectual disabilities. Since then I have worked with people with addictions issues, relationship issues, trauma, behavioral issues, and traumatic brain injuries. Most of the individuals I work with are experiencing more than one challenge in their life and need support navigating the complex challenges that come up. I have training and experience in several different approaches to therapy including classic behaviorism, cognitive behaviorism, and psychodynamic approaches. In working with you I will use my skills and experience to find the best approach for your particular situation and together we will develop a treatment plan to help you achieve your goals. I am professionally Licensed in the state of Utah as a licensed clinical social worker. I graduated from University of Utah in 2008 with a Master's of Social Work. Since graduation I have been in clinical practice working with couples, individuals and families. The bulk of my experience has been working with individuals with traumatic brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, and trauma. When I am not working I enjoy spending time outdoors or working on projects in my garage. I also am a bit of a SciFi nerd and spend time volunteering with the 501st legion.

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Derrick D'Abreau

Offering therapy in WA
Grief
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Ana-Maria Medina's avatar and link to their profile

Ana-Maria Medina

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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This is Shelly Tiemeyer's avatar and link to their profile

Shelly Tiemeyer

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

Every interaction is a step somewhere. Every movement, no matter how small, is our way of evolving, affecting, creating. I’m confident that our meeting will be part of discovering what resonates with you, what speaks to you – connecting to that inner voice that is yours alone. This really is all we have. We are not meant to be put into categories. We are meant to discover how we are made, the truth of who we are. And to live from this place. This is the place of peace. The place of love. The place of courage. My hope is for you to discover a space with a therapist that has resonance. This is where life expands. New energy, new breath, new possibilities. Find out if your place is with me.

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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 98104 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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