In life, it’s hard to find people who really care for you. Some people are too busy with their own devices to care, and you may feel like no one cares about you. However, there are people who care and who are ready to help you, and one person who can is a counselor based in Puyallup. 

Puyallup means “The Generous People.” There are many generous people in life who can help you. A counselor can help you accomplish your goals and improve your mental health, but you must speak to one today and learn more. 

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Bruce Hall

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

Welcome! I am a mental health counselor licensed in Washington State. I've worked with adult clients for over 15 years, in private practice and other clinical settings (agencies, medical clinics). I often work with client concerns of anxiety, life transitions, relationships, and grief and loss. I use a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy: the idea that our feelings and actions are driven by our thoughts. When we become overwhelmed, we can lose sight of our own sense of self; therapy is an opportunity to gain perspective about you and your world. Our work together will be about identifying your struggles, strengths, and goals; then applying solutions that are useful and practical to you. You already possess a wisdom about yourself that will make itself known in our sessions. I encourage you to be curious; it’s the most immediate path to success!

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Megan Putnam

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteem
6 years of experience

Greetings! I am a licensed mental health counselor working in the Yakima Valley. I have experience working with anxiety, relationship issues, PTSD, and OCD, among other concerns. I am an lgbtqia+ affirming therapist. I believe you know yourself and your situation best. I'm here to be a listening ear and to help you become unstuck if you need it. We can also talk about coping skills and psychoeducation if you'd like more information. The approaches I utilize the most are cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and exposure response prevention (ERP) among others. I employ a nondirective approach, with your concerns at the heart of our therapy sessions. I generally operate from a strengths based approach to help uplift and empower. I hope you're ready to take the first step. Lets get started today.

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Dr. Liang Liao

Offering therapy in WA
License: Ph.D.,MBA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
10 years of experience

My primary practice is time-limited and skills-based therapy, which is backed by decades of research. Most clients will see significant improvement after 8 to 10 sessions. Currently I only offer video-based therapy. I have received specialized training in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression, as well additional training in treating trauma. I work especially well with professionals in tech because I was a management consultant (MBA) for three years and an engineer for six years.

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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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Melissa Hyland Wilson

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC,MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

My name is Melissa Hyland Wilson. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, couples, families, adolescents, and group therapy. I am experienced in working with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, anger management, domestic violence, grief and loss, parenting issues, LGBTQ+ concerns, mood disorders as well as life events such as career change, parenting, marriage and divorce. I know how hard it is to reach out for help. I work to provide a safe, comfortable environment free of judgement in which my clients can openly discuss their feelings. I believe the therapeutic relationship is important in facilitating change. I utilize client-centered, solution focused, CBT, DBT and other approaches tailored to each client’s individual needs. I look forward to being a part of your journey in living your best life.

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Janel Washington

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Hello, thank you so much for checking out my profile. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado working as a psychotherapist. I have practice therapy in both Chicago and Colorado. I have worked in many settings including crisis, emergency room, home and school based care. I have experience working with individuals from elementary school to adulthood. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges and social injustice. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm, friendly, open and collaborative. I believe in creating a therapeutic space that is safe and warm allowing the person to work through emotional concerns and develop skills to help accomplish their goals. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Depending on your needs I will meet you where you are to develop a treatment plan that meets those needs. Thank you for taking the steps to becoming the leader in your own life. If you are ready we can work together to support and empower you to achieve your goals. I look forward to working with you! Janel Washington, LPC

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Rachel Jones

Offering therapy in WA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

You are courageous for taking this step to better your mental health. I have been serving our community as a Licensed Professional Counselor for 18 years. I enjoy helping people overcome depression, anxiety, grief, and life changes through my eclectic approach including Cognitive Behavioral, Solution Focused, Rational Emotive, Person Centered and Brief Focused Therapist. Through developing skills to process grief, increase mood, or navigate life changes, I find happiness as you reach your mental health goals. Outside of the office, my passions include nature walks, hiking, snorkeling, exploring new cultures, playing the piano and flute, singing, dancing, and game nights. I am best friends with my twin sister and her family. My cats, Bob and Precious, are so loved, they have their own room with a view. My undergraduate studies at Missouri Western State University included playing in the marching band as a first year music major. As part of my courses, I developed a love for other cultures and how they celebrate life through music. My second year, I took time to explore other studies and fell in love with psychology. I graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology. I went on to the University of Central Missouri were I completed my Master's of Science in Psychology. My first position as a Counselor was working with urban youth in the area of Substance Abuse. With this role, I gained a wealth of knowledge in Substance Abuse, which I applied to helping adults overcome their addictions. I went on to work in this field for 13 years. In Hawaii, I developed skills in Behavior Modification working with troubled youth , their families, and school staff. At Metropolitan Community College, I helped displaced workers develop workplace skills to re-enter the work force in a new career. I have had a private practice for 6 years helping individuals like you with grief, anxiety, and life changes. When you are ready, I am here to assist you in your journey for better mental health. Please note, the one area I am not trained in is trauma. As I am not trained in this area, my licenses prevent me from working with anyone who has had a traumatic experience, even if it is not the reason you are currently seeking therapy. Thank you for your understanding in this.

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Mitch Artman

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCSW,MA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

I became a therapist to help people suffer less and grow more. I believe that therapy is a journey and that just as you wish to move past your pain, your pain has a meaning. Our goal is not to get you back to who you were before your issues began, but to integrate the lessons life is offering you through this challenging time. I've worked in private practice, a mental health jail, a high-needs public clinic and in people's homes; I've exposed myself to a variety of human challenges and triumphs. Over a decade of practice, I've learned to have space for people's processes, to be a safe space as a container, to remain grounded in my listening and to be authentic in my practice. I often use a spiritual approach in treatment -- not of any religion, but in the sense that a deeper, more meaningful and integrated you seeks to come forth. This approach has been fruitful for people of all beliefs, including atheists. I believe your life has a meaning, and that you are it. I only do teletherapy via video - no messaging or phone calls. I also need to know the basics of your case and your needs before agreeing to beginning treatment, even if the algorithm matches us. This is to ensure I am a good clinical fit for you, and can responsibly and compassionately support you in therapy. Finally, I write about therapy at https://medium.com/@myartman and https://medium.com/@myartman/membership Thank you. Mitch

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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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Lawrence Watkins

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesDepression
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, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & career difficulties. 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.

How to find counseling in Puyallup

Finding the best therapist close by in Puyallup 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 Puyallup. 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 Puyallup, 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 Puyallup 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 Puyallup 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 Puyallup, elsewhere in Pierce, 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 Puyallup area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Puyallup 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 Puyallup 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 Puyallup 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 Puyallup, 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 Puyallup 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 Puyallup 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 Puyallup 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 Puyallup 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 Puyallup 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 98372 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 Puyallup 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 Puyallup 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 Puyallup, 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.

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

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

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

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

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

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

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

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

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

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

98352, 98371, 98372, 98373, 98374

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