Finding peace of mind can be difficult, especially when life throws challenges at you. A counselor based in Tacoma can help you by providing guidance and giving you the strength you need to defeat any challenge that comes your way. 

Tacoma is known for being the city of railroads and harbors. No matter what train or ship you take in life, you want to make sure your destination is reached. A counselor can help you with any storms or stops along the way. 

This is Shannon Gaskell's avatar and link to their profile

Shannon Gaskell

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I have had seven years of counseling experience working with children, adolescents and adults in individual, group and family sessions utilizing evidence-based practices. I have also provided faith-based services for clients wanting to integrate their Christian faith into their counseling. I completed my Masters of Arts in Counseling at Western Seminary, in Portland, Oregon, where I received Bible and Theology courses in addition to my counseling courses, as well as specialized courses in how to integrate faith into a counseling setting. I also have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Central Washington University. I have received training in Cognitive Behavior Therapy Plus, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy along with many workshops and trainings for continuing education with depression, anxiety and trauma. I have an additional special interest in early life and family of origin, and how these early experiences and relationships can affect us throughout our lives-- the modality I often use in exploring this is Schema Therapy. I would be honored to walk alongside you and support you in your life. Thank you!

This is Maria  Castro's avatar and link to their profile

Maria Castro

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in Washington State, with more than 10 years experience. I provide therapy in English and Spanish. I have worked with a broad range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, low self-esteem, grief/loss, ADHD. I have also helped many who have experienced physical trauma (i.e. injury), physical, sexual and emotional abuse. My counseling style is strengths-based and person centered, which means I see you as the expert of your life, while I assist and guide you through your healing journey towards joy and freedom. I believe in treating you with respect, sensitivity, inclusivity and compassion. My therapy approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy to accomplish your therapy goals. I will tailor therapy to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes strength and courage to seek for and take steps towards healing, joy and freedom. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to participating in this journey with you!

This is Elizabeth Newman's avatar and link to their profile

Elizabeth Newman

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCPC,LMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
5 years of experience

joining people on their journey to a new self. The fact that you are searching for a therapist shows you would like something to change. This is very brave. We often lose perspective about situations and how we deal with them. This can be a result of things we have buried from our past, or relationships that did not support us in the way we need. I will give you a safe and supportive place to look at your unwelcome patterns and find a way to make your journey more fulfilling. My counseling focus is on children, adolescents, and adults. My philosophy is client-centered, trauma informed, and goal oriented. I have training and experience with Play Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness. My areas of focus include trauma, attachment issues, and difficulties with distress tolerance and emotional regulation. Your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are what make you who you are. As we work together to understand these parts of you, we will find a way to alter those thoughts that no longer work for you and strengthen those that are helping you become who you wish to be.

This is Monica Morrow's avatar and link to their profile

Monica Morrow

Offering therapy in WA
License: NCC,LPCMH
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a licensed, professional counselor with over 10 years of experience in clinical mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, and school counseling. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including substance abuse and dependence, depression, anxiety, grief, bi-polar disorder, relationship issues, parenting problems, ADHD, trauma, and change of life/adjustment issues. I believe in treating others with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. In our sessions, I will help you to identify strengths, formulate goals, and navigate a path to achieving those goals. My approach integrates cognitive-behavioral and motivational interviewing techniques within a humanistic counseling framework. Please note, the services I provide through BetterHelp are congruent with supportive counseling. They would not be appropriate for someone in crisis or someone who needs clinical assessment, diagnosis, or intensive psychotherapy. At this time, I am only offering chat and texting sessions, not video or phone sessions. I look forward to working with you!

This is Tina Clement's avatar and link to their profile

Tina Clement

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
28 years of experience

I am licensed in both Washington and Hawaii with 28 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Jeannette Horton's avatar and link to their profile

Jeannette Horton

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

My name is Jeannette Horton, although most people call me Jean. I have worked in the mental health field in various capacities since 2008 including outpatient chemical dependency treatment, community mental health agencies and long-term care communities. I work with adults and specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, older adult issues, self-esteem, anger, grief and loss, women’s issues and more. I am also a veteran with experience being deployed overseas and specialize in veteran’s issues as well. Seeing a therapist can be scary. To benefit from therapy, it's critical that you feel safe. In fact, you deserve to be safe. So, while I very much want to help you with whatever challenges you have, please know that helping you feel safe in our relationship will be the first step. And throughout our time together, it will be one of my main priorities. What I’m most known for is my ability to have comfortable, candid, down to earth conversations about really tough stuff along with a sense of humor. Trust is key in the therapeutic relationship and to me, trust is best developed when both people feel safe to really say what’s on their mind and heart. That is how I will speak to you, and I will do everything I can to help you feel like you can speak that way to me. Clients have often told me that working with me is “like working with a real person.” I welcome the opportunity to become a safe, real person in your life whom you can trust.

This is Amy Termeer's avatar and link to their profile

Amy Termeer

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Idaho with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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.

This is Stephanie Basilias's avatar and link to their profile

Stephanie Basilias

Offering therapy in WA
LGBTCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue
6 years of experience

Hi, thanks for stopping by - here is a little about me: I am a Clinical Social Worker independently licensed in the states of Washington and Michigan. I have six years of clinical work experience and ten years of professional work experience. The majority of my practice has focused on helping clients with LGBT identity-related challenges, Veteran and military service, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. My goal is 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 requires courage, and I am proud of you for getting started! Regarding my limited scheduling availability: I work full time, am a Mommy, Wife and have a few fur babies. I wanted to sign up to be a therapist through BetterHelp in order to help mitigate the national mental health care shortage. I wish I could offer more availability, however, that is my fullest capacity at this point in time. If our schedules align and you’d like to set an appointment, I’ll look forward to meeting with you. Thank you!

This is Melissa Cooper's avatar and link to their profile

Melissa Cooper

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCompassion fatigueADHD
16 years of experience

I am licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Florida with 15 years of professional work experience. I started as a School Counselor mostly working with middle and high school students and their parents and have transitioned to mental health. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, & 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Jill Nealey Moore's avatar and link to their profile

Jill Nealey Moore

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

How to find counseling in Tacoma

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma, 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 98406 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma, 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.

Tacoma 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 Tacoma.

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

98401, 98402, 98403, 98404, 98405, 98406, 98407, 98408, 98409, 98411, 98412, 98413, 98415, 98416, 98417, 98418, 98419, 98421, 98422, 98444, 98448, 98465, 98471, 98481, 98490

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist