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. 

This is Michelle Drake-Mermea's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Drake-Mermea

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA, LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

ABOUT ME Welcome! I look forward to working with you and helping you to overcome obstacles and begin living the life you imagine. It takes courage to seek out counseling supports and I'm glad you've reached out to improve your life with our help today. Here is a little about me and how I plan to support you: I have a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacific University (2009) and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington state. I have experience working with teenagers in psychiatric residential treatment, children in public schools, community mental health, running group workshops using ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and in the last 8 years working in a non-profit serving children, adults, couples and families. I am a clinical supervisor for a team of therapists helping children and families involved with the Department of Children and Family Services and I offer clinical supervision to other therapists seeking licensure. My therapeutic style involves helping you to arrive at insight, strategies, and skills that you can implement into your daily life to experience relief of overwhelming feelings and increase positive changes. My goal is to make you feel validated, supported, and most importantly, to meet you where you are at. You are the expert of your life and I value this about my clients. Your input and voice is the driving force for our success in this process. We will set realistic and manageable goals to guide you and improve your life. I am here for you throughout this process and I encourage you to ask questions, to share concerns if they arise, and to check in at any point about your progress/needs. Finding a counselor can be daunting and I hope we can work as a collaborative team to best meet your needs! SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Parenting issues Self esteem Depression Family conflict Teens Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Chronic illness Life transitions Years of Experience: 15

This is (Jared) Bollenbacher's avatar and link to their profile

(Jared) Bollenbacher

Offering therapy in WA
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
3 years of experience

I originally started my career as a musician and then fell into social work for my masters. I have spent the majority of my time working with youth and adolescents and LGBTQ groups, but many issues have universality. I believe that no approach is one size fits all and I have experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I will gear the therapy towards a process that is best for you and your therapeutic goals. There might be times when I give you some hard tasks and give you difficult questions to answer, but the goal is for you to reflect the current state of your emotions and how is the best way for you to work through the change you wish to see

This is Katherine Walton's avatar and link to their profile

Katherine Walton

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA,LMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Hello and Welcome! I have great respect for you for choosing counseling. I think everyone needs support sometimes, and hope our collaboration will be practical and supportive for you. I adjust counseling to your values, style of communicating, and goals for change. I am here to assist you as you make the discoveries or progress you would like to make. I am a Nationally Board Certified Counselor (NCC, 2019); Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC in 2016, LMHCA in 2012) with the State of Washington; and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC , 2022) with the state of Maine. I earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Degree (2012), and have over 40 years of experience in human services, including parent education, teaching, and over 12 years of experience in counseling. My aim is to collaborate with clients to create a nurturing therapeutic environment in which inspiration for healing and forward movement can be visualized and actualized. I facilitate clients in discussing stressors and difficulties, envisioning and realizing goals, examining options, developing skills, viewing relationships and family dynamics, paying attention to culture and socialization, as well as understanding the process of change. The assistance and practical tools I provide are informed by my: a) breadth of life and career experience, b) belief that each client is primarily expert at dealing with their unique concerns, c) training and studies incorporating clinical theories and modalities (listed below) d) depth of conviction about how capable and resilient people can be, and e) wish to encourage and celebrate you as you practice new perspectives, actions or changes you want to make in your life. I do not provide medical advice, legal advice, or crisis services. My main areas of experience and focus include but are not limited to: Anxiety/Stress, Coping with Life Changes, Family Conflicts, Parenting, and Relationships. I am also interested in and/or experienced with: Cultural/Spiritual, Grief/Loss, Human Development, Problem Solving/Conflict Resolution and Wholistic Health perspectives/practical tools for transformative growth and change. My clinical approach and focus includes but is not limited to: Client-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Expressive, Family Systems, Gestalt, Lifespan Development, Mindfulness, Narrative, Solution-Focused, and Strength-Based Therapies. I use humor (whenever possible), and offer warmth and empathy in striving to be of service in ways that make a positive difference for people.

This is Merilee Richardson's avatar and link to their profile

Merilee Richardson

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

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in the Pacific Northwest, Washington State specifically. My experience comes from providing direct mental health and behavioral counseling as well as medical social work in a variety of different settings over the past 20 years. I am generally available evenings and weekends. I approach therapeutic relationships with a lot of sensitivity and respect in a non-judgmental setting. Much of my clinical experience includes working with adults and the geriatric population as well as those in acute mental health crisis as well as Veterans. I also have extensive experience working with trauma, a variety of traumas, and work hard to support survivors of trauma in finding the balance they need to live their most productive genuine lives. My therapeutic approach draws from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and a structural symptoms systems. A top priority for me during any therapeutic approach or intervention is for me to meet you where you are and for us to collaborate on your treatment so that it will work best for you as we work together to meet your goals. Whether you’re working towards enlightenment and insight or symptom relief and improved function, my hope is that we can collaborate leave work together to achieve it! It takes a tremendous amount of strength to take this first step towards working towards a more fulfilling and happier life if you’re ready to take that step I’m here to support and empower you.

This is Aen Brauer's avatar and link to their profile

Aen Brauer

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf 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, lgbt-related issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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.

This is Jennifer Polignoni's avatar and link to their profile

Jennifer Polignoni

Offering therapy in WA
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Idaho and Washington with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, anxiety & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Anna Claybaugh's avatar and link to their profile

Anna Claybaugh

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

Anna Claybaugh, LCSW (pronouns: she/her/hers/they/their/theirs) is here to help you find more connection and authenticity in your life, and thus, more joy & wellness. Anna works very well with people who have a hard time speaking their needs, putting themselves on the list and knowing that they are worthy of all the abundance life can offer. This includes people pleasers, highly sensitive people, those in healing professions, those with critical self talk and caregivers. In addition, as a queer person, Anna is very passionate about working with people in the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Anna supports clients in identifying blockages, learning skills to cope and regaining their power to create the life THEY want. Anna works from a decolonized, trauma informed and compassion-centered framework. Anna takes a direct approach to healing and enjoys meeting her clients where they're at in any place of considering change. Anna has a warm, endearing, relaxed and inviting style to therapy that makes therapy feel welcoming, supportive and without judgment. Anna utilizes both knowledge of brain science and psychotherapeutic approaches to provide a truly holistic and comprehensive approach to improving one’s mental health. Anna holds unconditional positive self-regard for the clients that she works with and ensures that client’s feel supported and successful in achieving their goals. Additionally, Anna has over 9 years of experience as a clinical social worker and has received training in multiple evidence-based therapeutic modalities. This means that Anna can tailor your therapeutic experience to fit with your needs and preferences. She has experience helping clients recover from people pleasing, anxiety, trauma and other life interfering stressors. Anna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned two B.A.'s, in Psychology & Gender Studies, from Arizona State University and her Masters of Social Work from New York University. Anna holds certification in the Collaborative Problem Solving from Think:Kids based at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. Anna also holds certifiion in Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attachment Theory. Please view www.CoCreatingwithLove.com or IG: CoCreatingWithLove for more. *Note: If you are experiencing major depression at this time, suicidal ideation or unable to leave your bed/room at this time, Anna recommends working with another therapist at this time who is more suited to support your needs.

This is Joyce Duval's avatar and link to their profile

Joyce Duval

Offering therapy in WA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

Hi, I'm Joyce Duval, and I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and approved supervisor with the Oregon Board of licensed professional counselors and therapists. I am also a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Washington. In my over 25 years of experience, I have worked with clients with a wide range of life problems and mental health disorders. I take a client-centered approach and emphasize positive counselor-client relationships. I use cognitive-behavioral approaches, including dialectical behavior therapy. I am a warm and caring person. My style includes listening for meaning and feeling and helping my clients problem solve, develop coping skills, and find solutions to their concerns and problems. I find mindfulness super helpful when it comes to feeling more at ease, more relaxed, more present, and overall, happier. I am happy to help you problem solve, manage your symptoms like anxiety and depression, and in general help you create the life you want for yourself. I would like to support you as you work toward meeting your life goals. Please let me know if I can be of help. Joyce

This is Brian Thompson's avatar and link to their profile

Brian Thompson

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hi, I'm Brian. Thanks for reaching out for help. As a social worker, I've been helping all different kinds of people for many years--from volunteering at a crisis counseling center to caring for adults with severe mental health conditions. My approach is pretty simple: YOU are the expert on you. In other words, I'm not here to tell you what's wrong with you. I'm here to listen to your story and help you identify your own strengths so you can live a more fulfilled, productive life. This person-centered approach emphasizes treating people with dignity, compassion and respect. But enough about me. I'd enjoy the opportunity to hear your story. Thanks again for your time and consideration.

This is Lynn Corella's avatar and link to their profile

Lynn Corella

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

Hello! I am Lynn Corella, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with extensive experience in working with individuals and families across varied settings, such as community mental health agencies, private practice, schools and home settings, as well as online. I approach the therapy relationship with warmth, compassion, respect, and cultural sensitivity. I believe the client-therapist relationship is the most important component of a successful therapy outcome (which research confirms), so I strive to establish that rapport with you from our very first session. I work from a positive psychology approach, which recognizes the strengths, skills and coping strategies you already possess, toward achieving your goals. I have worked with a broad range of issues and concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, PTSD, family & relationship issues, self-esteem, personal growth/self-exploration, parenting, LGBTQ issues, life transitions, grief & loss, and substance use, to name the more common issues brought to therapy, but not limited to these. My therapeutic approach draws from cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness practices, solution-focused therapy, motivational therapy, trauma-focused therapy and accelerated resolution therapy. My commitment is to meet you where you are at, and collaboratively develop treatment goals and approaches that meet your needs. I am here to support and empower you in taking the necessary steps toward your goals, and invite you to join me on this journey.

How to find 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 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 Mercer Island. 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 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. 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 Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island, 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 Mercer Island area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island 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 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 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 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. 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 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 lead by a therapist in Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island 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 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 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 98040 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 Mercer Island 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 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 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 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 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Mercer Island.

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

98040

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist