Living on an island seems like it would be paradise, right? Well, no matter where you live, you are always going to have problems because nobody’s life is perfect. In fact, you can even become afflicted with a mental illness like an anxiety disorder out of the blue for no obvious reasons. The counselors in Mercer Island are unsure of the exact cause but they know how to treat it. 

Anxiety disorders can be recognized by constant and severe stress, insomnia, confusion, inability to concentrate, heart palpitations, and irritability. If you or someone you know is having any of these or similar symptoms, talk to one of the Mercer Island counselors today. 

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Dr. Terri Lechnyr

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, Mercer Island
Counselor License Type(s): Ph.D., LCSW,PLLC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteem
19 years of experience

Do you struggle with codependency or are a people pleaser? Do you have an Anxious attachment style and struggle with relationships? Do you tend to have racing thoughts and have trouble relaxing? You are not alone now- I will work with you to be happy, calm, confident, and rock your own life! I love helping those who want to step away from societal expectations of what they ‘should be’ doing and take power back to be their authentic self. Clients say they appreciate my energy, kindness and straight forward insight. I look forward to talking with you!

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Maria Castro

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, Mercer Island
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in Washington State, with more than 10 years experience. I provide therapy in English and Spanish. I have worked with a broad range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, low self-esteem, grief/loss, ADHD. I have also helped many who have experienced physical trauma (i.e. injury), physical, sexual and emotional abuse. My counseling style is strengths-based and person centered, which means I see you as the expert of your life, while I assist and guide you through your healing journey towards joy and freedom. I believe in treating you with respect, sensitivity, inclusivity and compassion. My therapy approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy to accomplish your therapy goals. I will tailor therapy to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes strength and courage to seek for and take steps towards healing, joy and freedom. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to participating in this journey with you!

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Jeanette Fischer

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, Mercer Island
Counselor License Type(s): LICSW
AddictionsGriefAnger management
3 years of experience

Hi! I am an Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based out of Washington State. Life can be hard and messy! We have all experienced unexpected difficulties and loss; whether it be the death of a loved one, the loss of a job or a significant relationship or some other challenge that has been hard to navigate on our own. I have worked with both justice impacted and non-justice impacted individuals challenged by depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss as well as drug and alcohol addiction. My approach is a a person centered strengths based solution focused approach drawing heavily from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I approach therapy uniquely and as an opportunity to find the lessons and strengths in the difficulties we all face. I am laid back and believe there is therapeutic value in humor, mindfulness, and finding gratitude in the small things. I wholeheartedly believe you are the expert of your story and that you have the aptitude that will assist you in achieving greatness! Reaching out for help can be intimidating and overwhelming. I want to commend you on taking the first step to sign up for therapy! Most of my appointments are on Sunday’s with some availability on Saturday’s as well as weekday evenings. I am excited to begin working with you. Together, we can identify your goals and make plans for you to achieve them.

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Marla Seals

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, Mercer Island
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I'm so glad that you are here! You've done a courageous thing taking this monumental step in your healing journey. I bring a down-to-earth, approachable presence to therapy and place the utmost importance on fostering a warm and friendly, yet professional relationship with my clients. Developing a strong therapeutic alliance is the foundation that will support you as we explore pathways towards your healing, develop adaptive coping skills, improve emotional regulation and ultimately, you experiencing a more fulfilling life. Professionally, I have 19-years of experience working with clients presenting with various treatment needs, such as past and current trauma, anxiety, depression, family and relational issues and life stressors. I currently hold clinical licensure in the states of Georgia, Illinois and Washington. I use a 4-phase approach to the therapeutic process: Phase 1-Diagnostic Assessment , Phase 2-Treatment Planning, Phase 3-Active Treatment and Phase 4-Transition/Discharge. In each phase, we will collaboratively discuss your past, present and the vision of your future self. Since there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to therapy, I incorporate various evidence based treatment modalities, techniques and skills that may best meet the needs of individual clients. I am deeply passionate about walking alongside you, as your guide, on this very important journey.

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Jamie Clark

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, Mercer Island
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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. 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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Ivana zorica

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, Mercer Island
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Idaho, Washington and Oregon and have 5 years of professional therapy work experience. I have a vast medical work experience in addition to therapy and my interest is in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I want to help you ease your way through hardships and help you have better relationships with yourself and others. I will meet you with compassion and a non-judgmental space. 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. 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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Christine Evers

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, Mercer Island
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with over 20 years of counseling experience . I help and support clients dealing stress. anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Dr. Carmen Bryant

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, Mercer Island
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse; specifically, those recovering from narcissist abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. My specialization and expertise is in working with women and women issues. 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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Chelsea Clark

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, Mercer Island
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesParenting issuesADHD
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, body focused repetitive disorders (such as trichotillomania and skin picking), lgbtq+ related issues, relationship issues, & parenting issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I'm looking forward to working with you.

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Michael Green

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, Mercer Island
LGBTRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed as an LICSW and have worked for over three decades in private practice and also in the public sector. I'm experienced in GLBTQ+-related issues; couples counseling and relationship issues; grief and loss issues; EAP issues; intimacy issues; abuse, trauma and gaslighting. I can help you work through the effects of unfinished business from the past and a range of other issues, including some of the more existential issues of this moment. My preferred approach is existential and psychodynamic (feelings, instincts and unconscious processes) rather than an approach that defaults to dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) or cognitive/behavioral therapy. I'm spiritual but not religious. Although much of the therapy I do is short term, I'm also available for long term therapy. So what exactly do I do? To a large extent, my therapeutic point of departure relies on the notion that "truth begets truth." I'm not just talking about intellectual truth but emotional authenticity as well, both as it relates to the client and also to the therapist. In that regard, I make liberal use of what is called the "empty chair technique," which is a Gestalt therapy approach that was developed in the 60's and perfected in the 70's. Long story short, it can help us to become much more flexible in our attachments to whatever it is that we're identified with. That, in turn, can help us let go of the more dysfunctional attachments/identifications while becoming ever more plastic/fluid in connecting with other parts of ourselves, leading to a greater sense of peace and wholeness. The end result can lead to an increased ability to reconnect with the world without an excessive amount of repression, self-judgment and noise that could otherwise get in the way of spontaneity, creativity and emotional authenticity. The empty chair technique is a very powerful therapeutic tool, a tool that can also be used for dreamwork, along with another tool that the Jungians call active imagination. In that regard, however, I believe it should be client centered, not therapist centered. If it's working, it is you who will be making the important connections, not your therapist, no matter what orientation they may have. I call myself a psychodynamically-oriented therapist not because I believe that the unconscious exists in the same way that gravity or the moon exist, although there are certain parallels, but because if one approaches the realm of the unconscious (personal/collective/transpersonal) as a kind of thought experiment, it can lead to some very powerful insights that might otherwise fly under the radar. In our highly technocratic and materialistic culture, that can be a challenge but IMO, it's a challenge well-worth taking on. You should know that while I don't send out a lot of Better Help worksheets and the like, I will frequently point my clients to links, articles, books, poetry and research which are relevant to our work together and/or in which we have an interest. Finally, please know that I have a strong aversion to treating clients like self-contained widgets who exist strictly in their heads while compartmentalizing-off the socioeconomic situation that may be contributing to their depression, alienation and angst. If you're struggling with survival issues, however, I believe that grounding is essential, not a lot of speculation on the stars. Our therapeutic goals, therefore, will be shaped by that as well. While I'm eclectic in my approach, please know that there are no rabbits I can pull out of a hat. No therapist can. I can, however, try to better understand your weaknesses and leverage your strengths, as I said above. Taking that first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. You took that step in signing up with Better Help. I am here to help support you in that process.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Mercer Island

Finding the best therapist close by in Mercer Island 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 with therapists in Mercer Island that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Mercer Island. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Mercer Island, 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 for therapists. 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 able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Mercer Island region and in the state of Washington. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Mercer Island or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Mercer Island therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Mercer Island area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Mercer Island, elsewhere in King, or in the greater state of Washington. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

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

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

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Mercer Island due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 Mercer Island 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 a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Washington you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

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

Therapists in Mercer Island, 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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 Mercer Island psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

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

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Mercer Island 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified 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.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Mercer Island provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

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

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Mercer Island 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 and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists 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 Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in WA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 98040 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your Mercer Island therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Mercer Island therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. 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 for therapy 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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Mercer Island 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 with a Mercer Island counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Mercer Island, 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.

Mercer Island has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Mercer Island, Washington

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

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Mercer Island 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 to customer service 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 Mercer Island.

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

98040

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