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

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

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Robyn Young

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

I am a clinical social worker licensed in Washington state with over 8 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, psychosis, trauma, and those facing life changes and challenges. I am a compassionate and engaging therapist who will create a safe environment for you. Here, you will feel comfortable discussing your struggles, concerns, and feelings. I will guide and support you as you examine different aspects of your life and come to conclusions that help you create a new ability to engage with your world. My work focuses on helping people improve their ability to cope with the challenges and crises of their lives, regain an authentic sense of self and wholeness, and grow into healthy, deeper relationships. My approach combines humanistic, psychodynamic, neuropsychology, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. You and I will work collaboratively to tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to reach out for assistance in achieving a happier and more fulfilling life. I would really like to help you on your journey to a stronger and more authentic sense of self. I look forward to working with you!

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Farah Westbrook

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC,LPC,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

Thank you for taking the time out to view my profile. Finding the right therapist to meet your individual needs is a very important step and I am hopeful that I will be able to assist you. I find great passion in assisting my clients in meeting and surpassing their full potential. After I obtained my Bachelors degree in Psychology, I continued my education and received a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am licensed in multiple states, a National Certified Counselor, a Certified Clinical Supervisor, and a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider. I have experience with working with individuals of all ages, ethnicities, races, religions, sexual orientations, and genders. Although I use multiple counseling techniques (Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered, Solution Focused, etc) in order to meet my client's individual needs, my work with clients is primarily from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy perspective. I believe that the connections between rationality and emotion as well as mind and body are essential in accomplishing behavioral change through logical thinking. Becoming more aware of damaging automatic thoughts and acquiring the ability to revise cognitions impacts one’s behaviors and ultimately may lead to positive change. In addition, I hold a great appreciation for the unconscious and the power it has over one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The intimate process of making the unconscious conscious is a fundamental step toward growth, development, and change. Being able to recognize how unresolved conflicts from the past influence the present and manifests in unhealthy cyclical patterns gives one the power and confidence to take control.​​ It is my belief that therapy is an intense, engaging, rewarding, and collaborative process. One of the main purposes of therapy is for one to gain a deeper understanding of self by exploring personal experiences, perspectives, and expectations. Regardless of the presenting issue, I provide my clients with a high level of respect, honesty, and genuineness. After successful completion of therapy, it is my hope that my clients will be able to incorporate what will be presented throughout therapy sessions into multiple life circumstances.

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Anne Thompson

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience working as a mental health therapist. I have worked in a variety of therapy settings throughout my career including with adults, families and adolescents. I love being a therapist and truly believe that growth and change are possible. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship and communication problems, parenting problems and grief and loss. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I am compassionate, curious and social-justice oriented. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral methods with a depth and attachment-focused perspective to help you achieve self-awareness and healing. Together we will define goals and objectives to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!

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Jill Barrick

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
6 years of experience

Greetings, and welcome to my Better Help page. I am a licensed therapist who specializes in working with adults that are striving to build a life that is fulfilled and enriched with obtaining and surpassing their goals. Whether you are seeking to process the complex emotions of childhood trauma, family of origin issues, shame or trying to manage current life challenges, my approach provides you with unconditional positive regard, and the appreciation of your courage to face these challenges by allowing me to be a part of your journey. My practice as a therapist, with six years of experience, is to encourage, listen, promote, and assist you in navigating your challenges and observing you reach your true potential, without limits. In my practice, the goal is to guide you to explore your life experiences and overcome wounds in a way that fosters healing and growth. My belief is that as we begin to identify and understand your struggles, process how you are feeling, and receive validation for your perspective, you will begin to have the courage to overcome barriers that you may have not recognized and can now navigate your journey with a fresh, motivated perspective.

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Brianne Baughn

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 7 years of professional work experience. As a clinical social worker, I approach therapy from a client-centered perspective and also draw from attachment theory. I am trained in DBT and CBT techniques. I have experience working with clients who are struggling with stress and anxiety, LGBTQ-related issues, 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. 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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sarah tainter

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington state with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression and much more. 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. I view the counseling experience as a dynamic relationship that should serve you in the long term towards helping you discover who you are and how you uniquely view the world. We do this by exploring critical thinking skills and diving deeply into your individual temperamental traits, personality, and life experiences that have shaped you. I look forward to serving you!

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Ivana zorica

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Idaho, Washington and Oregon and have 5 years of professional therapy work experience. I have a vast medical work experience in addition to therapy and my interest is in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I want to help you ease your way through hardships and help you have better relationships with yourself and others. I will meet you with compassion and a non-judgmental space. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Theresa Bowes

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

Life can sometimes be difficult and surprising. There are ebbs and flows. The seasons of our life hold challenges, new issues arise, and we are sometimes confused. Perhaps what we seek is a new question. That question might lead to new answers and strategies for navigating through the present challenge. I’m a counselor with over 20 years of experience and specialized trainings. I’ve become familiar with the variety and depth of our human circumstances and encounters. I hold a conviction and personal view that every person’s trials and perceptions are their truth and that they present an opportunity for growth. What is true for you, your reality, is our starting point toward achieving goals. Counseling is a tool that helps us get current with our life. In the partnering of counselor and client, I utilize a holistic focus that validates your experience, finds the wisdom that makes the most sense in your challenge, and gives you a place to be seen and accepted without a need to be other than your true self. With my ease of listening with empathy and intuition, and my ability to guide through the background noise and chaos of life events, your life story and the innate wisdom it holds will unfold so you can develop strategies that are in your highest and best interests.

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Bethany Snipes

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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.

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Ann Leonard

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCSW
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I have been helping individuals to develop healthy relationships with themselves and others for 18 years. My education and training are from University of Southern California School of Social Work. I look forward to helping you work toward your goals. My style integrates an individually selected group of professional skills targeted to meet your specific needs. I am direct and interactive and enjoy working with individuals who may be challenged by a background of trauma; wrestling with career or personal relationship difficulties; or who are wanting to explore and identify their unique path in life. I work to create a respectful and emotionally supportive relationship with you in order to promote your understanding of yourself and your place in the world. This collaborative effort facilitates identification and clarification of your personal goals in a safe, dependable environment. The work involves skill-building, setting objectives and monitoring progress toward your goals. Throughout the process we honor and celebrate who you are and what you bring to the world.

How to find counseling in Mercer Island

Finding the best therapist close by in Mercer Island can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Mercer Island. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Mercer Island, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Mercer Island or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Mercer Island area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Mercer Island, elsewhere in King, or in the greater state of Washington.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

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

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

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Mercer Island due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Mercer Island may not take health insurance, some in the state of Washington may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Washington you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

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

Therapists in Mercer Island, Washington working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

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

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Mercer Island above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Mercer Island helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Mercer Island therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Mercer Island therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

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

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Mercer Island therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in WA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 98040 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Mercer Island licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Mercer Island, Washington can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Mercer Island has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

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

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

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

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

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Mercer Island.

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

98040

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