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.

Pamela (Pam) Skon
Welcome to Better Help! Making the choice to seek counseling is a difficult one and I am happy that you decided to reach out. Counseling can help you to build a more fulfilling and happier life. There are a variety of approaches in counseling and I will work with you to find the one that works best for you. My counseling style is warm and interactive and combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic counseling styles. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Sometimes it takes talking to someone else to help you find your true potential, we all have strengths within ourselves. I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work with an emphasis in counseling in 2009 and hold a license in the State of Minnesota as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, self-esteem concerns, addictions, and career challenges. I also have helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. 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!

Nina Lupo
Hello! My name is Nina and I am a licensed therapist in the state of Washington, with over 25 years experience. In my career, I have worked with adults, families, couples, adolescents, and children. I have worked across many settings, including non-profit, private practice, and education. I have served as a counselor, therapist, case manager, advocate, consultant, and supervisor. My current position allows me to work with adults, families and young adults finding their way in the world. I truly enjoy helping others realize their potential, overcome fears and trauma, and find a place of peace in this crazy world we live in. I did my undergraduate work at University of Washington in Seattle, where I majored in Psychology and worked with Dr. John Gottman's marital therapy research project. I completed my graduate studies at Pepperdine University in California, where I majored in Clinical Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy. You will find me to be direct, yet compassionate and thoughtful. I tend to sit most comfortably with a person-centered, solution-focused approach. I am here to help you work toward strength and happiness in your life, whatever that may look like for you. Therapy with me is a collaboration. I believe you have virtually everything you need to heal within you. I am here to help you access those parts and provide you tools to help you continue on your path of growth. If you want a therapist who is willing to put in weeks or months of work with you, I will invest myself in your journey. If you're looking for a therapist who can support you about a particular issue, I will have tips and tools for you to effectively heal and grow stronger. If you are going through a crisis and just need a sounding board and guidance, I am here for you and you are not alone. The last couple years have been quite a ride and I have yet to meet someone who is completely okay right now. We are experiencing collective trauma, and all of your experiences and emotions are relatable to so many others. I am looking forward to meeting you and being part of your community of support and healing.

Derek Durst
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor / Licensed Mental Health Counselor licensed in the states of Texas, Colorado, and Washington. I graduated in 2016 from Angelo State University with a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology. I have been providing counseling services for the past three years. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, mania, audio/visual hallucinations, and substance abuse. I have also worked with many clients who have experienced past trauma and including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm, energetic, inviting, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect, as well as approaching issues with sensitivity and compassion . It is my goal to create a safe place for people to feel comfortable in sharing their life's story. My counseling approach combines cognitive behavioral therapy with attributes of psychotherapy and person-centered therapy. I will tailor our treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I have a passion for working along side people in their journey of life. It takes courage to reach out for help and assistance, but it is the first step toward making a change. I am here to provide the support and empower you if you are ready to take that step. I look forward to working with you!

Stephanie Cooper
I am licensed in Washington and Missouri with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, bipolar disorder, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Mirical Saddler
I am licensed in Florida, Illinois and Washington with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

Gina Gross
I am licensed in Washington with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, family conflicts, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Nicole Wright
I have spent my career supporting people confronting various life challenges. Participating in grassroots politics for social justice and providing case management in the criminal justice system, introduced me to the underserved. This was the catalyst for pursuing an education in clinical social work. During graduate school, I interned for a government housing agency, and provided individual therapy and psychoeducational classes at a Veterans Affairs hospital. After graduation, I spent several years providing individual and group therapy in an inpatient facility that simultaneously addressed chemical dependency and mental health complications. I also had the privilege of being a medical social worker for a local hospital. I was stationed at a primary care clinic where I collaborated with patients, their families and providers, to achieve health care goals. I met patients at doctor appointments, visited their homes, and assisted in their discharge planning from hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. This gave me insight into the impact of poor physical health on emotional wellbeing, the importance of autonomy in end of life care, and the reality of caregiver burnout. With in these various community mental health roles, it became clear that regardless of which disenfranchised population was facing social injustice, or the specific hardship a person was enduring, there was a common theme. People want to be heard. They want to be valued. Twenty years in the helping field taught me that without the basic tenant of dignity, no technique or therapeutic approach will make a difference. And I can assure you that you ARE worthy of dignity. You are also worthy of love, honor, trust, and respect. I know this may be hard to believe. And as trauma and grief start to accumulate, positive self regard can be replaced with criticism. Feelings of hopelessness and shame become overwhelming. Joy disappears, self-care is nonexistent, and isolation is preferred. Despair and loss of community may lead to addictive behaviors and even thoughts of dying. The time to process past hurts is now. You can create and nurture healthy relationships, increase self-esteem, interact with others more meaningfully, and learn to trust your voice. You have the ability and authority to rewrite your narrative. Choosing therapy takes grit and determination. You have these traits! And you are not alone. It is an honor to accompany you during this sometimes difficult, but tremendously rewarding journey. I am committed to providing an accepting and encouraging space to allow you to heal. Regardless of your religion, sexual orientation, or lifestyle preferences, you can be yourself with me.

Karen Keith
I am licensed in Montana and Washington with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Maria Chiodo
Hi! My name is Maria and I would love the opportunity to work with you to help you resolve whatever is going on! I am a licensed mental health professional in the state of Florida and have been practicing for over 25 years. I am the type of therapist who can usually get to the root of the problem quickly so you can begin to feel better. Most of us feel emotional pain because of relationship difficulties, whether it be with a significant other, siblings, co workers, children, parents, and even friends. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, and substance abuse. 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, humanistic, psychodynamic 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!

Lorri Hanson
I am a licensed independent clinical social worker in Washington State with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, perinatal mood disorders & 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.
Find a therapist serving clients in Washington
Types of therapists available to clients in Mercer Island
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Mercer Island that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Mercer Island available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Mercer Island therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Mercer Island therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Mercer Island region and in the state of Washington.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Mercer Island can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Mercer Island may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.