Life is what you make of it. You can make your life into the best experience possible, or if you're suffering from depression, anxiety, or any other problem life throws at you, you may not feel like you're fit enough to cope with life. If you feel that way, a counselor based in Issaquah can help. 

The meaning of Issaquah is unclear. It can mean “the sound of birds,” “snake,” or “little stream.” It’s all up to your interpretation. A counselor can help make sure you have a strong focus on life. Talk to a counselor today if you want to learn more. 

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Michelle Drake-Mermea

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA, LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

ABOUT ME Welcome! I look forward to working with you and helping you to overcome obstacles and begin living the life you imagine. It takes courage to seek out counseling supports and I'm glad you've reached out to improve your life with our help today. Here is a little about me and how I plan to support you: I have a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacific University (2009) and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Washington state. I have experience working with teenagers in psychiatric residential treatment, children in public schools, community mental health, running group workshops using ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and in the last 8 years working in a non-profit serving children, adults, couples and families. I am a clinical supervisor for a team of therapists helping children and families involved with the Department of Children and Family Services and I offer clinical supervision to other therapists seeking licensure. My therapeutic style involves helping you to arrive at insight, strategies, and skills that you can implement into your daily life to experience relief of overwhelming feelings and increase positive changes. My goal is to make you feel validated, supported, and most importantly, to meet you where you are at. You are the expert of your life and I value this about my clients. Your input and voice is the driving force for our success in this process. We will set realistic and manageable goals to guide you and improve your life. I am here for you throughout this process and I encourage you to ask questions, to share concerns if they arise, and to check in at any point about your progress/needs. Finding a counselor can be daunting and I hope we can work as a collaborative team to best meet your needs! SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Parenting issues Self esteem Depression Family conflict Teens Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) Chronic illness Life transitions Years of Experience: 15

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Janet Buntrock

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA Counseling, MA Christian Studies,Fellow in Thanatology
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteemDepression
21 years of experience

Hello, my name is Janet Buntrock and I want to congratulate you on taking this step to growth and healing, I remember my first experience as a client. I was so anxious that, when the counselor answered the phone, I hung up! I know what it feels like to be the one seeking help and I have over twenty years experience offering that assistance. My initial background was in Early Childhood Education, but I realised how much I enjoyed helping the parents in their roles as parents, spouses and as single parents. I then went back to school acquiring two Masters degrees, one in Counseling and one in Christian Studies. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State. I am also a Fellow in Thanatology, (the study of Death, Dying and Bereavement). As my life experience changed, I began to spend more and more time with people in transition: job loss, personal and professional identity, divorce. I have worked extensively with individuals with chronic illness and/or the grief and loss associated with either being chronically ill or as the caregiver. My areas of speciality include training and credentialing in Grief & Loss, Critical Incident Response, Trauma and Taumatic Loss. My ideal client is one who wants to learn and grow and is willing to do the work to do so, My passion is to see people heal and to have hope again.

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Michael Rhine

Offering therapy in WA
License: MS Counseling Psychology, LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCompassion fatigue
27 years of experience

I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington with over 25 years of experience working as a counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, and trauma. I am also trained extensively in working with ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and addictions. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, and trauma informed practice. We will work together to develop a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It is a sign of strength to take the step you have taken to seek a counselor. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Crystal Cash

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC,MCAP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am a mental health counselor (she/her) licensed in Florida and Washington State with over 14 years of experience working as an assessor and a mental health specialist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, Mood Disorders and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, solution-focused and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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April Mullen

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Barbara Leigh

Offering therapy in WA
License: M.S.Ed., LPC-S, NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersSelf esteemCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

With over 30 years of experience as a therapist, I offer a seasoned combination of wisdom, current relevance and flexible interventions. I have seen trends come and go in the fields of psychology and counseling, so I like to identify your particular needs and tailor treatment modalities to your unique circumstances and expectations. I enjoy helping people discover their true needs/desires and pursuing their dreams, potential and meeting their life goals. I specialize in helping you overcome life's speed bumps - being stuck, restlessness, grief, depression, anxiety and trauma (I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional). I enjoy working with individuals of all ages, families and with partners/marriages. I have worked in multiple settings - inpatient, outpatient, day treatment, residential, in-home, private practice and, of course, virtual! My "pet topics" are neuropsychology, PTSD/ADHD and media psychology. My pioneering work with online counseling in the 90s (pre-Google!) was featured on Oprah's network and in Glamour Magazine, so I come to you with the highest of standards in the field. I typically use cognitive-behavioral therapy, skills-building from dialectical-behavioral therapy and neurotherapy (teaching about how your mind-body chemicals spur your feelings which lead to thoughts, behaviors and habits). I believe that people change when they're ready - my goal is to help you get ready to change and then to support you through change. You know you can't directly change others, but you CAN change yourself - and by doing so, you help change the world for the better, one step at a time. And it all starts with you! Let's create a treatment plan that is both realistic and challenging for you - one that involves a precise balance of safety and risk, comfort and courage. My clients say I'm easy and fun to work with because of the combination of my personality, professional and personal experience...and thus I use a balanced combination of compassion, reality and humor...and because I'm real. Change is hard enough - why not make it fun, meaningful and enjoy the journey? I look forward to working with you! Ready? Set....Grow!!

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Tracye Valentine

Offering therapy in WA
License: LPC-MHSP
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
13 years of experience

Thank you for reaching out! I am a clinical supervisor and therapist licensed in Tennessee as a Licensed Professional Counselor – Mental Health Service Provider and have board certification as National Certified Counselor. I have years of experience working with clients with a wide range of mental and behavioral health needs including: trauma, depression, anxiety, parenting issues, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, parenting and have been trained in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I have experience working with child and adolescent counseling and adults. I am a counselor who is very client-focused and believe in treatment planning and objectives that are reasonable and attainable. It is very important to build a rapport with the client and the pair working to identify objectives and goals of treatment. Some of the treatment modalities used are cognitive-behavioral therapy, rational-emotive therapy, narrative therapy and psychodynamic models of therapy. Therapy models of treatment generally consist of a combination of modalities. I applaud you for seeking help to find resolution and/or to reach lifelong goals by taking steps to achieve them by seeking assistance. It seems like you are ready and I am available to work with you in reaching and creating a plan to maintain those goals! I look forward to working together!

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Stephen Bunnell

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has 9 years of experience working in the mental health field. Currently practicing in Idaho focusing on mental health/behavioral challenges, but have also worked in Utah, Kentucky, and Indiana working with challenges related to mental health, behavioral health, addiction, relationships, personality disorders, culture, spirituality, rural life, and homelessness. Some of the therapies which I utilize is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Reality Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy. I believe that healing and understanding occurs when there is a strong client-counselor relationship which is caring, non-judgmental, and focuses from the client's point of view. I believe in the resiliency of people and the importance of bringing to the surface internal strengths and values which individuals can use to empower themselves with the ability to move forward in their lives. I also focus on the power of connection, and how connecting, whether it be to relationships, spirituality, values, the present moment, nature, or ones-self, leads to healing and growth.

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Bernadette Wood

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
3 years of experience

Hi and welcome. I have been a social worker for 27 years, and have worked in the field of social services for over 31 years. I have experience working with adult survivors of child abuse, child neglect, domestic violence, commercial exploitation, and rape. I have experience working with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, divorce, family separation, and caretaker fatigue. I also have experience working with adults dealing with significant life/career changes, and those dealing with crisis situations. I have a laid back approach and am here to support the changes you want to make in your life. I am available nights and weekends and can work with those who have varying or irregular schedules. I understand how vital support can be during difficult times, and I am here for you. I want to know your story and I want to work with you to help you achieve your therapeutic goals. I want you to feel comfortable sharing your story with me and working with me through the therapeutic modality you feel is most beneficial to you and your support. I will work with you so we can determine your most important concerns and needs and what therapeutic goals you have. I will ensure that we stay on target with those goals so that you have a successful therapeutic process.

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Katie Kapugi

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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. 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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How to find counseling in Issaquah

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Issaquah 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 Issaquah 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 Issaquah 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 Issaquah, 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 Issaquah 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 Issaquah 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 Issaquah 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 Issaquah 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 Issaquah 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 98029 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 Issaquah 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 Issaquah 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 Issaquah, 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.

Issaquah 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 Issaquah.

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

98027, 98029

Popular cities near Issaquah, WA

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