Washington is home to the city of Port Orchard. The city connects the much larger city of Seattle with Vashon Island and can be traveled to only by ferry. In this way, Port Orchard is both separate from the mainland as well as being part of it.
Feeling isolated can be extremely detrimental for your mental health. If you’re starting to feel isolated or are just wanting a mental health check in, reach out to a licensed therapist near you today. You don’t have to be an island unto yourself; you can feel more connected and like your part of the world.
Lawrence Goncalves Jr.
Hello to All… and to all My name is Lawrence, I really enjoy my career and I have made it my professional and personal goal to leave you feeling, thinking and/or performing better than you were when we first met. I have been working in the therapy world for over 25 years beginning the summer after I graduated from the University of Washington (U of W) with my B.A. in Juvenile Counseling. My first 10 years out of college began at a community mental health clinic as a youth and family counselor. I slowly but surely began gaining valuable experience working with youth and their families. Throughout my career I have worked in a variety of settings to include but not limit to juvenile offenders, domestic violence shelters, community center and youth group homes. After earning my Master of Social Work degree from the U of W, I went on to become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) providing and specializing in mental health therapy. Over the years I have provided mental health treatment and/or services to an array of individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities all ages of different ethnic, cultural and/or racial backgrounds. Frist and foremost I believe safety is paramount and the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and a client is the key component to attaining positive treatment outcomes. I use a multitude of clinical and/or therapeutic approaches when providing treatment to include but not limited to foundationally trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Multisystemic Therapy (MST), using a combination of treatments strategies serve as realistic and usable approaches to better manage, resolve or solve, tolerate and/or think differently about real life challenges and/or problems. It will be my pleasure to be your therapist
Merilee Richardson
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.
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.
Dana Gelet
I am licensed in Washington with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Marla Majors
I am licensed in Washington with almost a decade of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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. My style is warm, interactive, funny, and wholesome. Therapy should be fun, introspective and engaging. With clients I have worked with, they will tell you that they have laughed and cried at the same time. I even had one client snort in a therapy session! While in session, I will use talk therapy, supportive Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy as my main model of care but I will certainly use a client centered approach to help guide the session. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Jennifer Warwick
I am a clinical social worker with a passion for helping clients tap into their inner strengths and learn skills to lead a healthy, empowered life. I have experience in the areas of self-esteem, depression/anxiety, sexuality and disordered eating. My practice is inclusive to all gender identities and sexual orientations. I also have extensive experience with survivors of sexual and intimate partner violence. I use solution-focused, cognitive behavioral approaches that help clients build capacity to address life concerns in accessible, sustainable ways.
Dr. Daniel Ephraim Pott-Pepperman
I have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a special emphasis in neuropsychology and forensic psychology. I am licensed in the states of Colorado, Iowa, and Washington, and I have worked in it for the past 15 years. In the time I have practiced in Colorado and Iowa, I worked with patients with depressive and anxiety symptoms, using an approach to assist patients in identifying their current methods of exacerbating emotional problems, such as constant verbalization of their worries. An approach that helps patients select methods of reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms from their brainstorm-generated alternatives. A modality that challenges patients' thoughts and transforms rational concerns into overpowering and irresolvable conflicts. A modality that has given the power to patients to see life through different lenses while empathizing with them; most of these patients are with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Through this modality, patients are assisted in understanding the negative functional consequences of their psychological maladies, and how these maladies are perpetuating self-defeating behaviors, such as social withdrawal, disturbed family and interpersonal relationships. An approach that has helped patients select a few methods of reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms through brainstorm-generated alternatives. An approach that has been used to challenge patients' thoughts and transform rational concerns into overpowering and irresolvable conflicts. Also, I have worked with adolescent and adult patients with serious and persistent mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. I was able to assess and help those patients with traumatic brain injury, neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, and all forms of dementias. I have also used several neuropsychological assessments in diagnosing depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, and all forms of dementias. Additionally, I have worked with family members to perform capacity evaluations and the completion of a statement of expert evaluation forms for competency hearings. It is important that one recognizes when help is needed to subdue life's challenges. And it is laudable when one actually takes the steps to confront those life's challenges. It is laudable because, in today's society, it is difficult to get to that stage. Thank you for recognizing what it takes to get well emotionally. I am looking forward to serving you.
Julia Sather
Hi, I'm Julia Sather. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Sex Offender Treatment Provider (SOTP) with 15 years of professional therapy experience. Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked as a community corrections officer (parole officer) for nearly 13 years. As that position changed and became further from what I wanted to do, I went back to school. I have a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Society and Justice and Sociology (University of WA-1995) and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology (City University of Seattle-2009). In my practice, I often work with court ordered clients. I also work with clients who have concerns about their behaviors and want to avoid becoming involved with the criminal justice system. Whether involved with court systems or not, many of my clients are trying to manage mood disorders, anxiety and develop healthy coping strategies. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, mood disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder), relationship issues, trauma (PTSD) and abuse, intimacy and sexual issues. My expertise is in cognitive behavioral therapy. Examining the thoughts and feelings that underlie behaviors can be beneficial in making healthy changes in our lives. I also believe that a healthy sense of humor is one of the best coping techniques. I provide a safe, open environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to hearing from you.
Courtney Lawson
I am licensed in Colorado and Washington with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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!
Lona Champagne
I am licensed in Louisiana, Ohio, Washington, and North Carolina, with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert on your story and have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Port Orchard
Finding the best therapist close by in Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard. 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 Port Orchard, 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 Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard, elsewhere in Kitsap, 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 Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Port Orchard, 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 Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard 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 98366 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 Port Orchard counselor?
Before seeing your Port Orchard 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. Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard, 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.
Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard, 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 Port Orchard 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 Port Orchard:
98366, 98367