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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Kate OLeary

Offering therapy in WA
License: M.A.,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

Born and raised in the vibrant heart of San Francisco I became fascinated at a young age with consciousness, personal growth, meditation, and the healing arts. I was born a sensitive child which felt like a tremendous burden yet over the years I have discovered many gifts that these extra sensory abilities provide. I have learned to trust and hone my intuition and reclaimed my empathic awareness. My sessions come from a place of loving presence. I will meet you where you are and I will walk with you through the darkness and into the light. Know that you are not alone. My master's thesis was titled "The Power of the Labyrinth." I explored the use of labyrinths historically and also examined the symbol of the the circle as a representation the self through the lens of Jungian psychology. Labyrinths are "mini" spiritual pilgrimages that appear to be a mere walking meditation yet have the ability to lead to us to an illumination of the soul. I see therapy in this way. We are all on the hero's journey by consciously and courageously living our lives. I can provide support, light and guidance along the way and in the end you will rejoice and feel empowered that you reached your goals. My theoretical background is multimodal, meaning, that I include cutting edge techniques from cognitive behavioral, motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, attachment theory, somatic psychology, transpersonal psychology, neuro-emotional technique and systems theory. I utilize mindfulness to help you to identify what is here to be worked on in the present moment. I also assign homework because I believe that much of the work happens in real life in between therapy sessions and I want you to come back stronger each time we meet. I specialize in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and narcissistic abuse. Counseling and Life Coaching are my passion and I look forward to working with you.

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Michele Turner

Offering therapy in WA
License: LPCC-S,LICDC-CS
AddictionsAnger managementSelf esteem
15 years of experience

Hi, and welcome :) I am Michele, an Ohio transplant originally from Pennsylvania. I graduated from John Carroll University in 2008 with an MA in Community Counseling. I am licensed in the state of Ohio as an Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and as a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor-- with a Counseling Supervisor designation. I also hold independent mental health counseling licenses in the states of Michigan, and Kansas. I have been providing counseling services since 2001 in a variety of settings including inpatient mental health, residential substance abuse, private practice, dual diagnosis, and most recently Employee Assistance Counseling. I have worked with a wide age rage of clients with my youngest being 3 and spanning into late adulthood. I have worked with a variety of issues including depression, anger, self-esteem, anxiety, substance abuse, work stress, parental guidance, offending behaviors, etc. I have a special interest in helping those who are dealing with grief after a loved one has completed suicide. I like to meet people where they are at and help them develop the skills they need to in order to feel better or be well. I have been described by colleagues as " having an uncanny ability to think outside the box to meet people where they are at without judgement." I utilize cognitive behavioral techniques, Motivational Interviewing, and other evidenced based practices, but overall i listen and help where help is needed and wanted. Choosing a counselor is often times a hard task to accomplish, I am truly grateful when someone chooses to trust me to guide them on their personal journey. When I'm not helping others, i enjoy reading, writing, and being creative. I'm a mom to two boys who are always on the go and an avid bargain\ flea market hunter. My family and I enjoy home improvement, and are sometimes actually pretty good at it :) I like to have fun, make people laugh, and just enjoy the moments. I look forward to getting to know you better and potentially helping you achieve your goals.

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Michael Friedman

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA,LHMC,NCC
Trauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

It's not easy asking for help and therapy can seem pretty intimidating. It doesn't have to be, though. Sometimes, it's nice to just talk to a non-friend/relative to get a fresh re-frame, hear some "professional" advice , or just vent about your day. I've been on both sides of the couch and used these learning experiences to bring insight, humor, and a friendly approach to my work. Hi, I'm Michael I am a licensed mental health therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children, teens, and adults. I have helped a wide range of clients with concerns such as depression, anxiety, parenting problems, relationship issues, trauma, domestic violence, career and life changes, and family with personality disorders. As a bonus, I also studied art therapy counseling and utilize this whenever a client is interested. As another bonus, I'm quite witty. My therapy style is interactive, engaged, and empathetic. I have a diverse background of educational trainings and combine cognitive behavior therapy with a behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanistic approach. I also promote strength-based work with a trauma-focused understanding, which means learning how to utilize your own strengths to overcome your individual challenges. My overall therapy goal is to help you see yourself in better perspective, learn new skills to aid in your growth, and feel supported in moving through life's difficulties while making the changes you want to see. I look forward to working with you!

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Christina Kunisch

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCSW, MAC, CAMS - II
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
11 years of experience

Hello there! My name is Christina, and I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker. During the past decade of my professional practice, I have worked in a variety of care settings and different levels of care. My passion remains in providing individual therapy in a safe and healing space by joining with you on this journey. Whatever brings you into considering the therapy as a tool for improving your quality of life, my role is to create a space for exploring, questioning, learning, reducing distress, and building healthy coping skills to allow you to flourish. I have a great deal of experience with multiple mental health concerns. However, my areas of particular interest and skill, are anger management, addictions recovery, and recovery from the impact of traumatic stress. In our work, I offer different specialty therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Life Stress Reduction, Cognitive Therapies, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I look forward to meeting with you, hearing about what brings you to consider therapy, and how this process might fit into your healing journey.

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Esther John

Offering therapy in WA
Trauma and abuseEating disordersDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with eating disorders & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming those 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. I am a Rogerian therapist, so the focus is on YOU in our sessions. I have exercises to help you feel more relaxed and optimistic. I look forward to meeting you!

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Kristin Daschbach

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in Washington State with 4 years of professional work experience. I attended Wake Forest University to obtain my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, motivation, self esteem, depression and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am eclectic in my approach, utilizing both directive and non-directive counseling techniques to best fit your needs. I will use my clinical knowledge and experience to help you find the answers and peace you are looking for. Often, people are not aware of their automatic negative thoughts and the damage they can do. Challenging and changing thoughts with you in session is helpful in working towards this feeling of wholeness.

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Heather Bomben

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. Stacey Shaw

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington and Florida with over 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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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Karen Contardo

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

Hi and welcome. It takes courage to ask for help, and counseling can be helpful in many ways. I will provide a kind and safe place where I make no judgments and do my best to help you learn self-compassion; and, how to achieve a healthier life. Counseling is a challenge because it requires a commitment. It is an experience we share and we will do this together. I want to get to know you and ask you to try some new things that I think may be helpful to you. I will help you focus on what is most important to you. We can develop achievable goals together and practice important skills to create the life you want. Life can be difficult at times and you can learn to handle those difficulties. If right now you are struggling, that’s ok, you are capable of becoming healthier. I am optimistic about your ability to be healthier and look forward to working with you. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington with 13 years of professional experience as a mental health counselor working both online and in person. I earned my Masters of Arts in Community Counseling in 2010. Prior to becoming an experienced therapist, I had an additional 14 years of professional experience in higher education, and at least 9 of those years working with students on wellness issues such as disordered eating, adjusting to change, career choices and more. I am experienced in helping clients with stress and anxiousness, depressing thoughts, loss of focus, worry, or the inability to get things done, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, personal growth, career planning and work/life balance. I treat everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. We will build your treatment plan together to meet your specific concerns and I will support you in your healing process.

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Karis Ward

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & parenting issues. 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. I believe that the most important part of counseling is the therapeutic relationship in which trust and respect is built. I look forward to walking with you on your journey.

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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 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 Mercer Island.

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

98040

Popular cities near Mercer Island, WA

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