In Olympia, WA, individuals seeking support can find skilled mental health counselors who provide specialized services such as trauma therapy or assistance with co-occurring disorders. These professionals often have specific training to address a range of psychological issues that may affect adult clients and their families.
Therapists in Olympia are often equipped to help clients explore their life experiences in a way that can foster understanding and healing. For those dealing with challenges related to alcohol use or other substances, the therapeutic approach often involves strategies tailored to manage both the individual’s intake and any potential underlying mental health conditions.
One therapeutic modality that is commonly used by mental health professionals is trauma therapy. This type of therapy enables individuals who are suffering from the long-term effects of traumatic events to dive deeper into these past experiences to start their healing journey.
Therapists in Olympia may provide support to those looking to eliminate thoughts that emotional healing is far-fetched by shifting their focus towards fostering a more hopeful mindset that can reflect great love and understanding of oneself.
Please see the therapist profiles below for more information on the different therapists available online.
Jo Laboff
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Washington State and a Geriatric Mental Health Specialist. My education and training is in both clinical social work and psychology. I have worked with adults of all ages as a psychotherapist, counselor, and Geriatric Care Manager. I can help individuals seeking support and guidance with anxiety, stress, depression, relationship issues, career issues, anger management, caregiver stress and aging issues. I believe that we all do the best that we can and trust that every one of us is capable of change, which is the primary goal of therapy. I use therapeutic models that are affirming, optimistic, and effective, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness techniques. My counseling style is laid back and supportive. I have been described as compassionate, genuine, a good listener, and with a good sense of humor. I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. I like to focus on identifying your strengths and helping you to maximize them to overcome your obstacles. I'm here to help you sort through the things that are difficult right now and offer you a safe place to be open and honest without fear of judgment. You have taken the first and most important step by reaching out for help. Each of us is unique and bring with us our own life experiences and individual factors that influence how we make our way in the world. My goal is to meet you where you are, to understand how you perceive and interpret your life experiences and to introduce you to ways of perception and reaction that lead you to a more satisfying and joyful life. I am here to encourage and empower you when you are ready. I look forward to working with you!
Marcus Birch
I am an individual and couples counselor who focuses on the relationship in counseling, the opportunity to solve problems, provide empathetic space for you to feel heard, and even laugh about the absurdity of life. You'll find that I am often straightforward and all about processing tough feelings and complicated ideas but I find so much joy in "meeting people where they are at" and matching your needs to the best of my strengths. I am largely a relational, cognitive behavioral, dialectal behavioral, and solution oriented counselor but I can mix and match a number of others styles. The biggest thing you might want to know about me is that I have a driving motto of counseling: "Nothing wasted, everything is valuable." This means that I find the "why?" behind everything small and large to be powerful indicators of what we can best due to serve you. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. Allons-Y!
Martha Witkowski
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.
Henrietta Opoku
I am licensed in Ohio with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, & coping with life changes. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Jennifer Schweinhard
I am licensed in Washington with 15 years of professional work experience in community mental health and private practice. I graduated with a Master's of Psychology in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University in 2005. I have experience in supporting clients through situational issues as well as developing strategies to manage chronic challenges. I earned designation as a Child Mental Health Specialist and provided clinical supervision to provisional licensees, interns, and senior clinicians before moving to private practice. We will collaborate to develop a treatment plan that meets your unique needs, builds on your existing strengths, and reaches your goals. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I strive to create a safe and supportive therapeutic environment to allow for growth that may be uncomfortable at times. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am excited that you have taken that step to a healthier life!
Aen Brauer
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.
Candida Crane
I am licensed in Washington with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & parenting issues. I also have experience working with motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Breeann Bryson
I am licensed in Washington State with 5 years of professional work experience and work with youth and adults who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and behaviors, that have produced stress, intolerable emotions, shame, and hurt that disrupt everyday life. Practices focus on a person centered and bio-psycho-social approach to restore the mind, body, and spirit. I believe in providing a nonjudgmental, collaborative, empathic, curious, and compassionate environment to foster a safe space where individuals can feel heard and understood, so they can begin to manage and reduce conflict and find meaning in their life. Together we can explore experiences, build new skills, new habits and resilience, allowing us to problem solve and begin to construct new areas of growth. I utilize evidence based practices drawn from CBT+, EMDR, DBT, MI, Solution Focus, and include mindfulness, grounding techniques, parenting, and nutrition to help individuals manage chaos that has stressed daily life. It can be difficult to know where to start, so let’s start the journey here together.
Amber Eberhardt
Amber Lynn Eberhardt is a dually licensed therapist (LMHC, SUDP, CMHS) and moved to Eastern Washington in 2008 to pursue degrees in psychology, social work, and addiction. She has been a leader in agencies around the Eastern Washington and has experience working with complex cases utilizing an orientation that deeply understands the impact of trauma on human beings. She believes in affirming and inclusive care to celebrate diversity and living a fully authentic self. Amber is committed to giving a judgement free zone, as your experiences matter. She actively listens to validate your feelings and offers guidance without assumptions. She creates space to explore all aspects of your life to create a comprehensive healing plan. She provides EMDR, CBT, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, and other somatic-based education with a passion for topics including trauma, life transitions, general mental health, sexual health, self-acceptance and self-love, and somatic body exploration. An additional career passion is to support women in various life stages with a strong emphasis on trauma, sexual identity, sexual satisfaction, and recovery from shame-based encounters. In her clinical work she uses attachment, developmental, cognitive, somatic, and trauma-based theories. She believes certain life experiences are processed in different ways dependent on our age and stage of life, culture, trauma, life history, relational interactions, and contextual intersectionality, therefore it’s important to honor a person’s life experiences. Her guiding mantra is, “Every passing minute is another chance to turn it around” driving her optimistic views that healing can take place no matter what past challenges you have experienced. In her spare time she enjoys mind-body connections through rock climbing, yoga, cycling, and other outdoor adventures throughout the Pacific Northwest. She also enjoys travel, expression through body art, and music. Most days are spent giving complete love to her cats.
Robynn Frey
I am licensed in Washington with 14 years of professional work experience. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Olympia
Finding the best therapist close by in Olympia 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 Olympia 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 Olympia. 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 Olympia, 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 Olympia 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 Olympia 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 Olympia 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 Olympia 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 Olympia, elsewhere in Thurston, 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 Olympia 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 Olympia 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 Olympia 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 Olympia 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 Olympia online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Olympia, 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 Olympia 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 Olympia 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 Olympia 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 Olympia?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Olympia 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 Olympia 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 Olympia 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 98506 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 Olympia counselor?
Before seeing your Olympia 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. Olympia 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 Olympia 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 Olympia 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 Olympia, 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.
Olympia 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 Olympia, Washington
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 Olympia 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Olympia:
98501, 98502, 98504, 98506, 98507, 98508