It is not just soldiers who get post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, anyone who has been through a traumatic experience can get PTSD. Some of the signs include nightmares, flashbacks, dizziness, rapid heartrate, racing thoughts, nausea, chest pain, and panic attacks. Luckily, there are many therapists in the Sumner area who can diagnose and treat PTSD.

The town was founded in 1853 and in 1891, Sumner was named after Senator Charles Sumner, whose name was chosen in a lottery. The town is known for its friendly neighbors and welcoming community. Take the time to get checked out by a therapist in the Sumner area so you can get out and enjoy life again.

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Amie Roberts

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC
LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesAnger management
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with experience treating substance use, relationship conflict, domestic violence, LGBTQ specific counseling, trauma, major life changes, and I am kink and poly experienced and friendly. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish literature and a Master’s degree in counseling. Clients have commented that they find my approach to be caring and empathetic with a healthy dose of straightforward realness. I believe each one of us has struggles, that we need assistance from time to time, and that it takes real courage to reach out and ask for it. I see my role as assisting you to discover your own answers, not to adopt my way of thinking. If you feel lost, stuck, or confused, I am confident that I can help. Take care!

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Hope Schaffrick

Offering therapy in WA
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

Educated, understanding, and experienced. I am an empathic and versatile clinician. I went into counseling to share my knowledge so others too can rise to their potential. I offer client centered therapy to meet you where YOU are. You can expect a person who listens. You can expect a professionaI. I studied Clinical Psychology at Tufts University in Boston and received my Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Connecticut. My experience includes 19 years in hospital and outpatient social work with ages 18 and above, in a variety of areas such as depression, anxiety and panic, grief, trauma, coping with medical issues, geriatrics, caretaking, career and lifespan issues, divorce, and single parenting. I am licensed in Washington State, Utah, Maine, and Massachusetts. I enjoy the seasons, gardening, cooking, and rescuing dogs.

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Rick George

Offering therapy in WA
License: LICSW
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoaching
10 years of experience

It takes courage to ask for help and to admit that we don't have all the answers. My name is Rick and while I don't have all the answers either, I am an experienced therapist committed to helping people process their history, make sense of their experiences, understand how to change behaviors and to chart a new life path forward. We are all on a journey and need others to support us along the way. I use a cognitive behavioral approach as the foundation to treatment along with solution-focused, client-centered and psychodynamic approaches. More specifically, I am committed to ensuring my clients feel heard, understood and supported able to make informed well grounded decisions in their life. My approach is to create an environment where you can unravel your experiences, understand them in new ways, and gain new insights as a result of deeper understanding. If you feel that I may be a good fit for you, I look forward to hearing from you.

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Diana Elstad

Offering therapy in WA
License: MS,SUDP,LMHC
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health counselor and substance use disorder professional in the state of Washington with 30 years of experience working in various community clinics, treatment centers, hospitals and private practice. I am also a geriatric mental health specialist. I have worked with hundreds of people with a wide variety of concerns, including addiction/recovery, depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress management, family systems, codependency, self-esteem, relationships of all types, grief and loss, and issues related to abuse and trauma. My intention with each client is to be warm, kind, respectful and a good listener. I endeavor to hear the unspoken heart-messages that are sometimes underneath the words. My counseling style is eclectic and I draw from many schools of therapy, always attempting to be fully present and meet each client where they are. I look forward to meeting and 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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frank aldridge

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA,LMHC,frank aldridge
AddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Amberton University and a Bachelors of Science degree in Communication with a minor in Sociology from the University of Arizona in Tucson. I enjoy working with individuals and families and have experience working with issues of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, emptiness, relationships, life transitions and others. I began my counseling career 14 years ago as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Dallas Texas where I was a therapist and family counselor at Solutions Outpatient Services. After 3 years at SOS, I took a position at Enterhealth treatment facility in Van Alstyne, Texas as one of their first primary therapists. I left Enterhealth a year later to open a private practice In Dallas. In 2010 my wife and I moved to the majestic Pacific Northwest. Currently I live in Kirkland, WA and have an 8 year old son and a pug. My approach is person centered and eclectic. I integrate and blend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Family Systems Theory and other philosophies and techniques. Please know that I have the greatest respect for your courage. Feelings can be overwhelming and disorienting. Intense emotions can be frightening and painful. Depression robs us of the moments in life that are truly worth savoring. It is my firm belief that all emotions have value and utility, containing large veins of information if we take the time to drill down a bit. The more we can embrace and utilize the full spectrum of our experience, from joy to pain, the greater our capacity for self actualization becomes. It is my hope that we can collaborate on a journey of discovery; one that fosters awareness, clarity, acceptance, and change.

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Amelia Jensen

Offering therapy in WA
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Seeking additional clients from ARIZONA Welcome to my Therapy Room. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working in Mental Health. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including refugees, geriatric, chronic mental illness, relationship issues, and trauma. I have had special training in diagnosing Adults on the Autism Spectrum using the ADOS 2. My therapy style is person centered and solution focused. I believe you already have answers within you but may need someone to shine a flashlight on parts that may be hidden or buried. I will tailor our dialogue to meet your unique and specific needs. I am an introvert and will be more of a listener and guider. My style is not as interactive and upbeat as compared to an extroverted therapist. I am straightforward and go straight to the work in most cases, rather than spending lengthy time on small talk. I am part of the LGBTQ+ community. I came to this country as a refugee in the 1980s and am a survivor of trauma. Age is important to clients so I will disclose I am in the 40 to 45 age range. My hobbies, include hiking, board games, reading, drinking tea and playing with cats. Betterhelp does not allow us to diagnose people. In some cases diagnoses may not be helpful, as they can tend to place people into self defeating pattern. If medications are required such as in the cases of Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia, diagnoses and medications can certainly be helpful to obtain prior to attending therapy. A little explanation on how I use different therapies: Somatic- helping you locate the feeling in the body and describing it based on a feeling meditation that originates from Eastern philosophies (this is a common technique used by therapists in recent years) CBT- working on thought distortions. Specifically, I like to teach a session on 13 common thought distortions and help you identify how they show up for you. ACT- working on seeing things can be both this way and that way, it's not black and white. We add the word "and" rather than "or" to your view of the world. AEDP- exploring how anxiety is really a cover for other emotions such as disappointment, rage, fear etc. Compassionate Inquiry- identifying how the emotional flashbacks (aka triggers) you are experiencing now are related to things that took place in the past. Awareness leads to initiation and we work on no longer letting these patterns take control of your life. Therapist self disclosure with personal stories that relate to yours is necessary. (this goes against some older styles where therapists didn't self-disclose) Motivational Interviewing- looking at how your goals don't match your current behaviors. Regular talk therapy and venting is great too- it helps me reflect back your patterns to you. For instance if you say a certain phrase frequently I will point this out to you. Poetry- I enjoy mixing in poetry when it pertains to certain issues and especially if you are a writer/poet. Shadow Work- exploring your unconscious patterns and stored memories and how they affect your way of thinking. Please take advantage of the journal feature. If you share it with me I may comment and we can discuss highlights during our sessions. I am ok with you having to multitask/snack/cook/text as long as you are dressed appropriately and engage in therapy. While we try our best to have a professional setting, sometimes working from home entails apartment noises, and a less than perfect setting. I may eat a snack or use my standing desk and exercise my feet for health reasons. If you are here for relationship struggles I will ask you and your significant other to take the Gottman Relationship Checkup which will cost $39 per couple. It will give us a comprehensive map of areas to focus on. My sessions are 30 to 45 minutes. We can see how the session is flowing and the stopping point will occur naturally for each session. However the minimum is 30 minutes. I can't accept less than that due to financial reasons. I look forward to meeting you!

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Lisa Smith

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtqia related issues, trauma and abuse. 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. 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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Manzie Lohrey

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA, ,LPC
Coping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Phoenix Arizona, with over 10 years of experience combined working as a Practitioner and subsequently as a Professional. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including relationship issues, anxiety, depression and parenting difficulties. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. It truly takes courage to seek a more fulfilling, rewarding and happier life. I'm here to encourage, support, validate and inspire you. If you are ready to, I am. I look forward to working with you.

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Hao Zheng

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, 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. 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 Sumner

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Sumner 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 Sumner 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 Sumner 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 Sumner, 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 Sumner 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 Sumner 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 Sumner 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 Sumner 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 Sumner 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 98390 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 Sumner 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 Sumner 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 Sumner, 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.

Sumner 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 Sumner.

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

98390

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