In life, development is to be expected. You're not the same person you were a long time ago. And you're going to continue to grow and develop. However, many obstacles can impede your progress. Depression, anxiety, and a feeling like you don’t belong can be a few factors. How can you stop them? One way you can is by speaking to a counselor based in Yakima. 

Yakima is a developing town, going from agriculture to being a shopping hub. It’s not the same as it was years ago, yet it’s kept its core. You can be like Yakima, always growing but never losing sight of yourself. 

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Amy Plumb

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LMHC, SUDP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
11 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I work with you to identify how you want your life to look and feel like and then to address any blocks you might have to having the life you desire. I want to help you achieve your desired therapy goals as quickly as possible while giving you as much time as you need. I teach mindfulness skills to clients and skills to help them learn how to take control of their emotions so that their emotions are no longer controlling them. I use dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, EMDR therapy, energy psychology methods and other types of therapy that might be helpful depending on your preferences and problems. I am also a certified life coach. I got my start working in residential treatment with counseling and providing case management for people who have severe and persistent mental illness. From there, I moved to an outpatient community mental health agency, where I worked for five years as a therapist specializing in helping people who have co-occurring disorders (one or more mental health disorders and a substance use disorder and/or addiction). While working in community mental health, I started my private practice and did both until September 2016, when I went full time in private practice. My coaching practice is online and I facilitate a personal growth and development group. I have a bachelor's degree in social science, a master's degree in counseling psychology, seven years (ABD) in a doctoral program for counseling psychology, and I transferred to a PhD program in psychology specializing in consciousness, spirituality, and integrative health.

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Maiah Merino

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
24 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello! I am Maiah Merino and I am a licensed mental health counselor. I was trained as a Family Systems Therapist, meaning, I acknowledge the familial stories that were passed down and look at how those may be shaping your current narrative. I am Person-Centered, listening and following your lead as we develop goals and practices together that support your Counseling experience. I also utilize Creative Arts, Mindfulness, Narrative (stories and writing), Solution-focused, along with reflection to add support in a variety of ways for those I work with. I have worked with many people who have experienced trauma physically, sexually, and mentally. And because of this my training with early childhood is shared with Adults in regards to issues of Attachment and Intimacy in relationships. I have also supported people with depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief & loss, parenting issues, life transitions and building greater self-esteem and confidence. If you choose to work with me, our work will be interactive, creative, engaged and warm. Your healing path is unique and I look forward to supporting you in the ways that work for you! Congratulations on taking this first step!!!

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Katherine Weller

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
30 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I’d like to introduce myself. I am a practicing psychotherapist licensed in both Washington and California. My licensure is as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) since 1989. My training working with individuals and families is informed by an educational and experiential foundation in human systems, so my perspective is through the lens of our human experience in context, both historic and present day. Early family experiences, present day relationships, work and school environments and community surroundings all impact our view of ourselves, others, and our relationship to the world. I am excited to work with each of you to discover what can create for you a sense of hope, promise, self-regard, and general increased emotional health. Together we will look to those positive possibilities to inspire action to address and change what holds you back and stands in the way of a true sense of wellbeing and personal agency. I have worked in the field for a long time in multiple settings from hospitals and public health to military bases, agencies, and small practice offices in rural and urban communities; from these varied experiences I have developed so much respect for the diversity of human experience and the personal and unique nature of each individual’s set of challenges. I am trained in many approaches and find that the core of effective work is the quality relationship with you, the client, and the level of understanding and trust that grows out of listening, challenging, and encouraging positive action. I will draw from a number of proven effective models of therapy as appropriate to help you find your way, and our work will be dedicated to moving you towards your personal goals. I truly look forward to our time together.

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Jamie Clausen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a licensed mental health counselor who has worked in community mental health agencies for 10 years. I’ve worked with a variety of different needs including depression, bipolar disorder, trauma, and anxiety. I use a client centered approach and draw on cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and narrative therapy approaches as well. I also work on family and communication issues for individuals.

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Dr. Susan Stuntzner

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Counselor License Type(s): PhD, LPC, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Greetings! Counseling is an exciting and personal journey! Each of us can find the answers we seek and desire! My name is Dr. Susan Stuntzner. My background is in Rehabilitation Psychology and rehabilitation counseling. I hold a doctoral degree in Rehabilitation Psychology and a master’s degree in counseling with an emphasis on rehabilitation counseling. My background has extensively focused on rehabilitation counseling and the needs of individuals with disabilities. I specialize in coping with a disability, grief and loss, employment and career transitions, anxiety/depression, personal and relationship issues, skill-building and positive coping (i.e., resilience, forgiveness, and self-compassion), personal empowerment, spirituality, personal values, and education and training about disability. In addition, I am a licensed counselor in several states, but I currently practice in Oregon. I am a Board-Approved LPC Supervisor in Oregon, a Nationally Certified Counselor, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and a Certified Grief Informed Professional. I am also the author of three books: "Living with a Disability: Finding Peace Amidst the Storm," "Reflections from the Past: Life Lessons for Better Living," and "Resilience and Disability: The Family After." I have worked in the counseling profession for 25 years in several capacities some of which include being a behavioral skills coach, vocational training program coordinator, vocational evaluator, rehabilitation counselor, counselor, director of accessible education, and faculty member. I have a wide breadth of experience in helping people live with and move past a disability or difficult life events. Throughout my experience, I have worked with a wide range of people including people living with various disabilities and conditions. I am passionate about helping people learn who they are and who they want to be. In more recent years, I worked with college students at the community college level. As far as my philosophy and clinical approach, I believe that every individual has the ability to face and address their concerns in pursuit of a healthier, happier, and more peaceful way of life. As a part of practice, I utilize an eclectic approach but I have a strong focus on person-centered, cognitive-behavior, and existentialistic components and an emphasis on solution-focus approaches and strategies that help promote forgiveness, self-compassion, and resilience. If you have any questions, please reach out and ask. I am happy to assist you! I look forward to hearing from you and hope to have the opportunity to work with you soon!

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Rickey McGregor

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
11 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Washington with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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.

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Jason Mills

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Washington with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & 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.

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Nora Church

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Counselor License Type(s): MA in Clinical Psychology ,Specialization in Grief Therapy
Bipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello I am licenced professional counselor in Portland, OR with 20+ years of experience doing counseling and case management. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including parenting problems, grief and addiction. I also helpd many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My speciality is working with children and families doing grief therapy. While in graduate school, I received a specialization in grief therapy. I have had work experience with children receiving various school based or more day treatment types of mental health treatment. I have worked with parents in various type of situation a well, foster care, adoption, and parenting a child with a disability. My counseling approach is to listen closely to your personal story and provide you with a safe space to feel heard and understood. I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. I believe in treating everyone with respect. My goal is to move at the pace you are comfortable with. Welcome to this journey of insight into yourself, one of the best gifts you can give yourself, I am excited to assist you in exploring how you can make your life more fullfilling.

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Robert Ringoen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Washington with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & depression. 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.

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Brittany Aragon

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
9 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I have been licensed in Washington with 9 years of mental health support . I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ themes, relationship disconnect, trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Yakima

Finding the best therapist close by in Yakima 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 in Yakima that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Yakima. 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 Yakima, 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 in the Yakima region and in the state of Washington. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Yakima or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Yakima area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Yakima 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 Yakima, elsewhere in Yakima, or in the greater state of Washington.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Yakima area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Yakima 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 Yakima 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 Yakima 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this Yakima online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Yakima, 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 Yakima psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Yakima 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 Yakima helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Yakima 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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Yakima 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 in Yakima?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Yakima 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.

Yakima therapists 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 Yakima 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 Yakima 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in WA, therapists 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 98901 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Yakima counselor?

Before seeing your Yakima 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Yakima.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A Yakima 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 with a Yakima counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Yakima, 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.

Yakima 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Yakima, Washington

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 to customer service 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 Yakima.

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

98901, 98902, 98903, 98904, 98907, 98908

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