In general, when finding a therapist, Seattle WA can have different options available. Many people understand the importance of clinical mental health counseling, and appreciate the fact that there are more therapists available there than in many other cities. However, even with the abundance of WA therapists it’s not always going to be easy to find the right therapist for you. Different mental health challenges often require different specializations. You may be looking for someone with extensive training in eating disorders, or a psychologist with a doctoral degree in gender identity or cultural identity. It’s not a given that the therapist you need is going to be in an area of the city that's easy to travel to for you. 

That’s why an online therapy platform like BetterHelp can be an effective solution. BetterHelp offers over 30,000 licensed therapists with specialties in everything from solution focused therapy to trauma informed therapy for victims of systemic oppression. In addition, online therapy can help ensure that you achieve the level of therapeutic alliance necessary for your therapy to be successful. If at any time you don’t feel that you don’t have a true rapport with your therapist, you can switch at no additional cost. Another benefit of online therapy is that sessions can be far easier to fit into a busy schedule. With video chat, phone, or text sessions, you can participate in therapy from the comfort and convenience of your own home or office. 

With everything going on in life, it can feel overwhelming to take that first step in starting the therapeutic process. BetterHelp offers a convenient starting point toward the path of self-discovery and healing through therapy. Simply fill out an online questionnaire to get matched with a therapist who meets your goals and needs.

This is Kerry Schafer's avatar and link to their profile

Kerry Schafer

Offering therapy in WA
License: M Ed Counseling Psychology,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
10 years of experience

I am a mental health counselor licensed in Washington State. I am also a professional writer with experience working as an RN and a creativity and life coach. I love to draw on all of these elements in counseling, as I believe that our mental, physical, and spiritual health are intertwined and we are happiest and healthiest when we pay attention to all three. My counseling style is open, warm, flexible, and collaborative. I draw on elements of mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy, positive psychology, journal therapy, and Emotional Freedom Technique meridian tapping. We'll agree on goals and a treatment plan together, revising as your situation changes. My specialty areas include: Depression Anxiety Chronic pain Medical problems Grief and Loss Working through challenging life experiences Creative blocks Deciding to engage in counseling is a courageous and empowering first step to a happier and more fulfilling life, so I'm glad you've found your way here. I would be honored to travel on this journey with you.

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Yvette Smith

Offering therapy in WA
License: NCC,LPCC,TCADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
7 years of experience

I am a knowledgeable therapist - Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor and a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, who takes a non-judgmental, open-minded, practical approach, with an understanding that we are all different. Utilizing this approach, along with evidenced-based practices, I educate, encourage and empower clients to increase growth and healing. I have first-hand experience with the military culture. I am a veteran and I was a military spouse. I understand the challenges that the military can bring - from military trauma, separation due to deployment, to combat-related stress. I am currently independently licensed in Washington state and Kentucky, specializing in addictions, primarily substance use. I am experienced working with individuals who struggle with mental health disorders - depression, anxiety, trauma and issues coping with daily life stresses. I am no stranger to teens and young adults as I have worked in a youth group home setting. I look forward to working with you towards wellness and wholeness!!!

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This is Mackenzie Bayless's avatar and link to their profile

Mackenzie Bayless

Offering therapy in WA
License: LICSW,
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I have been a mental health therapist for nearly 14 years. I spent six years working with children, adolescents, families, and those in foster care primarily helping those who have experience significant trauma. I have spent the last eight years working with adults with serious mental illness and their families to decrease symptoms and increase quality of life. I strive to provide the most client centered experience and to make sure you feel respected while working through areas of your life that can be painful. I look forward to working with you!

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Heather Adaro

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 5 years of professional work experience as a therapist, but over 20 years of experience in the counseling profession. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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Melissa Phillips

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC,SUDPT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuse
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & LBGTQ+ -related issues. I also have experience working with trauma and abuse. I am taking clients who desire to work on growing and developi g who they are. If you have tried other therapists and felt unable to be authentic or transparent I may be the therapist for you. No topic is off limits and no concern is considered little or silly (i hear this often). Let me help you on your journey to healing amd moving forward in your journey of life. Let's meet and figure it out.

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This is Erin Porter's avatar and link to their profile

Erin Porter

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida, New Jersey, Maryland, Arkansas, Washington and South Carolina with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBT-related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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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John Johnson

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
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, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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. 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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Jennifer Winslow

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

I am licensed in Missouri and Washington state with 13 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. 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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This is Kayla Sterling 's avatar and link to their profile

Kayla Sterling

Offering therapy in WA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in the state of Wyoming and in the process of becoming licensed in Ohio as well. I have nearly 8 years of experience providing therapy in a community mental health setting. I have experience treating clients across the age spectrum from young children to the elderly. I also have a wide range of experience treating multiple diagnoses and presenting problems. I have experience in treating PTSD, Generalized Anxiety, Depression, OCD, ADHD, Bipolar, Personalty Disorders, and much more. I have experience in providing substance abuse treatment, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and play therapy. I am trained in EMDR and have specific training in providing EMDR via tele-health. I have extensive experience in trauma treatment and have a passion for this particular area of therapy. My therapy style is warm and inviting. I’m a firm believer in using a client centered and eclectic approach during the therapeutic process. Each person, situation, and presenting problem is unique so therefore I believe in providing tailor made therapeutic interventions specifically designed for each client. As a therapist I always treat each client with unconditional positive regard and acceptance. It takes bravery and courage to be vulnerable in sharing our stories with a therapist. There is tremendous strength in being vulnerable. If you are ready to take that step and move forward with your own healing journey I am here to support you. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Michelle Taft Webb's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Taft Webb

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

As a community mental health professional, I have received top-notch training that equips me with the therapeutic resources to meet the counseling needs of my community. With extensive work experience in low-income/wealthy, mental health/substance addiction, inpatient/outpatient, and individual therapy settings, I am confident in my ability to offer the best therapeutic support to my clients. I am a natural born therapist, with an innate ability to understand emotions and communicate effectively. My clients have all received the necessary therapeutic support to reach their goals under my care. In the rare event that a client's needs exceed my expertise, I always refer them for the best possible therapeutic help. As a Board Certified National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor, I am well-educated and experienced in all aspects of individual, family, and couple dynamics. With trauma certification and training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT trained at Beck Institute) and Motivational Interviewing therapeutic interventions, I have the skills and knowledge to help my clients achieve their goals. Each client is unique, and I offer client-specific treatment plans tailored to their specific needs and goals. I am passionate about my work as a therapist and take pride in my ability to connect with my clients. With over 9 years of experience in the field, I am confident in my ability to offer the best therapeutic care to my clients. I look forward to connecting with you and providing a solution to your therapeutic needs.

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How to find counseling in Seattle

Finding the best therapist close by in Seattle 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 Seattle. 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 Seattle, 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle, 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 Seattle area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle, 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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 98111 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle, 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.

Seattle 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 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 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 Seattle.

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

98101, 98102, 98103, 98104, 98105, 98106, 98107, 98108, 98109, 98111, 98112, 98113, 98114, 98115, 98116, 98117, 98118, 98119, 98121, 98122, 98124, 98125, 98126, 98127, 98129, 98133, 98134, 98136, 98139, 98141, 98144, 98145, 98146, 98154, 98161, 98164, 98165, 98170, 98174, 98175, 98177, 98178, 98181, 98185, 98191, 98194, 98195, 98199

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