In life, you want to enjoy yourself the most you possibly can, but this can be a challenge, especially when you're coping with anxiety, depression, or other mental disorders. Who can help you? A counselor based in University Place, of course. 

University Place is known for being a nice little suburban community where various people come to try to enjoy their lives. If you live here, you've got it made, and you can be able to accomplish anything. However, you need to speak to a counselor first if you want to be the best person possible and achieve your goals. 

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LENITA MARQUEZ

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, University Place
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LMHC,SUDP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) licensed in Washington State with over 8 years of experience working in both private practice, community mental health, and corrections. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, domestic violence, substance use, guilt and shame, co-dependency, personality disorders, and women's issues. I find that I connect well with women clients ranging in age from 19 - 50. I have helped women from all walks of life find their power and clarity about their purpose, passion, and values. I worked with professional women, housewives, single women, and young women enrolled in college. This group was not one that I pursued intentionally in my clinical work but I realized very early on that I am uniquely experienced to empathize and support women from several walks of life! My counseling style is direct, warm and interactive. I am gifted at identifying the strengths of my clients and believe that promoting the strengths has a profound positive impact on their emotional growth and a strengthening of self-worth. I approach clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. I do not believe in wasting my client's time. I am goal directed and solution focused. I will be open and direct about my clinical impressions in an effort to help you reach your goals and feel empowered to personal change and growth. In the process of open, honest and direct communication, it is common for my client's to find their power, purpose, and strength. It is a wonderful process to witness transformation! I utilize cognitive-behavioral, family system's theory, humanistic, positive psychology, mindfulness, and existential approaches to therapy. I am trained and certified to offer trauma therapy, substance use treatment, and family therapy, just to name a few. I am well versed on best practice approaches to the specific disorders I specializing in treating. I approach treatment planning individually keeping in mind the respective needs of my clients and feel all areas of therapy are most effective when approached as a collaborative process. If you are ready to begin working to be your best self and to embark on your journey of self-exploration, I am ready to be your guide in the process! I look forward to working with you!

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Leticeia Scott

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, University Place
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,LMHC,Certified EMDR therapist
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

"I'm convinced of this: Good done anywhere is good done everywhere. For a change, start by speaking to people rather than walking by them like they're stones that don't matter. As long as you're breathing, it's never too late to do some good."- Maya Angelou I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over a decade of experience working in the mental health field. Clients that I have worked with present with a range of concerns including difficulty adjusting to life changes, substance abuse, career challenges, difficulty managing mood, anxiousness, anger management, relationship concerns, grief/loss, and history of trauma. My clients work with me to explore their concerns and to utilize therapeutic support toward making positive life changes, one step at a time. My counseling style is warm, direct, interactive and encouraging. Therapy is a small (but powerful) slice of a person's life, so the time is valuable and should always be productive as you work toward your identified goals. I believe that everyone can benefit from a healthy therapeutic relationship, where they are treated with respect, sensitivity and compassion, while also being challenged to push their personal barriers to change. My approach is client-centered and treatment planning will be tailored to your specific needs and adjusted as needed. I am ready to go with you on this journey to live a more fulfilling life, where your happiness and peace is at the core and your steps toward positive changes are deliberate and thoughtful. When you are ready to take that first step toward support, I am here to work with you and empower you. Let's do this work together!

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Tracy Kenela

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, University Place
Counselor License Type(s): M.A.
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersAnger managementCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

My approach to counseling is based on the belief that everybody has the power within themselves to work through painful, confusing and chaotic situations, and develop a plan to live peaceful and meaningful lives. Using a variety of cognitive, behavioral, energetic and mind-body techniques, I am passionately committed to helping my clients achieve harmony, unity and agreement in their lives. I use a highly intuitive approach that is customized to fit each individual client. I like to say this: "No two people have the same history, the same struggle, or the same recovery process."

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Eric Levine

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, University Place
Counselor License Type(s): MA LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionCoaching
14 years of experience

Career and workplace issues are two of my primary areas of emphasis, helping people who want to stay in their present job with its difficulties, make a decision to leave and how to prepare for it, or even explore a different career and/or educational path--with all the emotions those things can evoke. Relationships, which are so important can be affected by these issues and a host of others. Many of those with problems that seemed overwhelming began by talking about them and when ready took small steps that in themselves brightened their outlook on the future and eventually led to improved outcomes. My mission is to see the world through your eyes, to pose questions to help clarify how you see that world, and to always be in your corner whatever you decide. What I will do consistently is listen intently without judgment, show sincere empathy, look for and validate strengths, do collaborative problem solving, and even share some humor along the way. I find that these practices help good solutions rise to the top. My name is Eric Levine. I’m a licensed Counselor based in Washington State having worked 12 years in the field of counseling after earning my Masters specializing in Counseling Psychology at UCLA. Like many counselors my preference is to work with people in person. But since remote counseling has come to the fore (even more so after the pandemic hit) I find the next best mode is talking on the phone which brings with it a sense of "presence," along with inflection, emphasis, feeling tones, humor, and most importantly the ability to immediately clear up any misunderstandings with the sensitivity of the spoken word. In that regard I’ve been told I have a very calm and pleasant voice that I owe to my father, a newscaster whose warm emotionality came right through the radio, even more so to those of us around him. After a fairly long career in education and counseling programs, I seek to return through this venue to a similar position I held in a university setting where I was able to work individually with students, staff, and administrators, young and old. The shared openness involved was something I could never take for granted, the life stories amazing in themselves.

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Heather Di Biase

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, University Place
Counselor License Type(s): MSW, LICSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseEating disordersDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & eating disorders. 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.

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Donia Fdhila

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, University Place
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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.

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Virginia Spini

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, University Place
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Arizona, Tennessee, Florida and Washington. I have 12 years as an LCSW and have 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, career difficulties, & depression. I have served 13 years in the military. We all have difficulties and sometimes when we go through difficult times, it is nice to find a place to lay our troubles and get some help with the burdens you carry. You are the expert of your story and I hope to help you recognizing your own strengths to assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It is scary to ask for help, but I am here to support you in that process. Reach out, things can get better, let me help.

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Ana-Maria Medina

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, University Place
Stress, AnxietyDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Shyla Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, University Place
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, cultural concerns, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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Elizabeth King

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA, University Place
AddictionsGriefSelf esteemCoaching
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with substance use, serious mental illness, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with executive and professional coaching. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I hope to walk along side you in the journey you decide to make. Thank you for taking the first step towards becoming a you that is more aligned with your goals and values.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in University Place

Finding the best therapist close by in University Place 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 University Place 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 University Place. 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 University Place, 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 University Place 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 University Place 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 University Place 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 University Place 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 University Place, elsewhere in Pierce, 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 University Place 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 University Place 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 University Place 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 University Place 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 University Place online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in University Place, 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 University Place 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 University Place 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 University Place 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 University Place?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a University Place 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 University Place 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 University Place 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 98464 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 University Place counselor?

Before seeing your University Place 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. University Place 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 University Place 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 University Place 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 University Place, 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.

University Place 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 University Place, 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 University Place therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of University Place.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in University Place:

98464, 98466, 98467

Popular cities near University Place, WA

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