Living on an island seems like it would be paradise, right? Well, no matter where you live, you are always going to have problems because nobody’s life is perfect. In fact, you can even become afflicted with a mental illness like an anxiety disorder out of the blue for no obvious reasons. The counselors in Mercer Island are unsure of the exact cause but they know how to treat it. 

Anxiety disorders can be recognized by constant and severe stress, insomnia, confusion, inability to concentrate, heart palpitations, and irritability. If you or someone you know is having any of these or similar symptoms, talk to one of the Mercer Island counselors today. 

This is Taylen Gilden's avatar and link to their profile

Taylen Gilden

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate. I am located in Wenatchee, WA and have had over 3 years experience as therapist. I earned my Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Whitworth University in 2017. I have experience working with relationship issues, self-esteem, life changes and stressors, anxiety, depression, trauma, sexual issues, and more. We often experience seasons where we struggle to find hope - hope in relationship, hope through depression or anxiety, hope beyond current circumstances. I believe that therapy is a place people come searching for that hope. We long for a change. We long for someone to hear our hearts, our stories, our circumstances and say “yes, there is hope.” That’s what I am here to tell you: there is hope. You are more than your circumstances. You do not have to be stuck. I believe that transformation is a journey that takes vulnerability with oneself. My goal in every session is to provide a safe and supportive space for you to be your authentic self and grow more to who you want to be. I want to walk alongside you, look at all that you are facing and overwhelmed with, and find that spark of hope and foster it. When hope is renewed, we can then take the steps to change - change our situations, our mindsets, our hearts, etc. Starting at hope, we then move to practical steps to help you move past your circumstance and achieve your desired self.

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Darcy Elton

Offering therapy in WA
License: MSW, LCSW,LICSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Welcome! Are you looking for support? Want to make a change in your life? I'd love to join you on your journey. I’m passionate about helping people heal and achieve their personal goals, hopes, and dreams. To me, counseling is an individualized process where I get to know you for the unique person you are to best offer support, collaborative problem solving, and resources to help get you where you want to go. People find me to be warm, compassionate, sincere and non-judgmental. I approach my work with holistic wellness in mind and am sensitive to the cultural backgrounds/intersectional identities of those I have the privilege of working with. Because of my expertise and commitment to empowering others, you can build upon your own inherent ability to navigate tough circumstances and the challenges life throws our way in work with me. I received my Bachelor’s in Human Development & Social Justice and my Master’s of Social Work at Southern University at New Orleans. As an LCSW/LICSW, I'm licensed in Washington, Oregon, Utah, and Arizona with over 10 years experience in counseling. I use a variety of approaches including narrative therapy, existential therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR (not currently offering EMDR on BetterHelp), Gottman Method, Seeking Safety, solution focused brief therapy, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, creative expressive therapies, play therapy, and more. I have experience working with all ages- from birth to elders. My experience includes training other counselors, work in counseling centers, in integrated healthcare, in major teaching/research universities, in hospice/homecare, in non-profits, in schools and more in rural and urban areas. Some specialty areas of mine include life transitions, spirituality, trauma, grief, loss, depression, anxiety, relationships, LGBTQ issues, marginalization, personal growth, among others. Outside of this work, I enjoy spending time in nature, growing food, being with my loved ones, creative projects, and exploring new places. Everyone deserves support and I look forward to connecting! My biggest hope for our work together is that you will achieve the healing and growth you desire to both feel better and build a deeply meaningful life,

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Michael Miller

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficulties
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have been licensed in the state of Washington since 2014. My primary environment of support has been working with clients in educational settings such as helping parents support their child through the developmental stages in high school or adults managing the stresses of attending college. My background in career counseling pairs well when partnering with clients transitioning to new positions or career opportunities. Topics I provide support for have included depression, anxiety, parenting problems, career challenges, ADHD, and various other qualified accommodations. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in partnering with people by treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, compassion, and above all using a culturally intelligent lens. My approach is client-centered with a cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused therapy. I will facilitate a discussion as we develop a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Change can be a difficult and sometimes overwhelming path to take on ones own, I will walk with you and support you along your journey. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Melissa Schniers

Offering therapy in WA
License: PhD,MS,LPCS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed professional counselor and I have a PhD in marriage and family therapy in Texas with over 17 years of experience working as a counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, marriages issues, career challenges, and OCD. I also helped many people who have experienced Post traumatic stress disorder. My therapy 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, NLP, emotionally focused therapy and client centered therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards 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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Dovie Desirey

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
24 years of experience

I am licensed in Oregon and Washington State with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & 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. 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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Marla Majors

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with almost a decade of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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. My style is warm, interactive, funny, and wholesome. Therapy should be fun, introspective and engaging. With clients I have worked with, they will tell you that they have laughed and cried at the same time. I even had one client snort in a therapy session! While in session, I will use talk therapy, supportive Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy as my main model of care but I will certainly use a client centered approach to help guide the session. 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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Hansoo Kim

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

I am licensed in Washington with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Jennifer Brown

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

I'm a licensed therapist in Missouri , Indiana, New Hampshire and Washington with over 20 years of mental health experience. I have experience working with individuals who have struggled with trauma, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, motivation, parenting issues, stress and more. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I work to create a safe and open environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I assist clients in gaining an understanding of their experiences, and move from surviving to thriving. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage. I'm so glad you've taken that first step!

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Amanda Roland

Offering therapy in WA
License: LPC,MS
Trauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemCompassion fatigueADHD
5 years of experience

I'm Amanda and I'm here to provide you a safe place to land. Whether you're experiencing complex trauma, existential issues, or your symptoms are just disrupting the positive rhythm of your life I'm here to help. I'm here to provide a warm and non judgemental place to share your story and collaboratively work towards growth in your goals. We can work together to explorer and understand negative patterns or behaviors that aren't serving you. Let's work together to help you find peace and personal growth in a compassionate and steady therapeutic space. I utilize an eclectic approach with clients, though tend to draw primarily from a humanistic, person-centered approach. This dynamic in a therapeutic relationship means I attempt to “meet each client where they are.” This serves as a catalyst, allowing each individual to progress through their unique process of self-discovery. I also utilize principles from leading psychological modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. My role as a therapist is not to give you advice or change you. Rather, it is to be an understanding, empathic, and non-judgmental support to help guide you to your own choices, AT YOUR OWN PACE. Together, we can establish goals for therapy, and while I can help you gain insight, I will never push an agenda or risk rupturing our therapeutic relationship. You're the captain of the ship and I'm just here to help you figure out where you want to go and how to read the map. I also currently work as a Co-Responder with the Boulder Police Department. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from North Dakota State University and a Master of Science in Counseling from The University of Mary. I have worked in the mental health field since 2007 and have a background in crisis stabilization, inpatient treatment, animal-assisted therapies, outpatient treatment, adult and child trauma, in-home family therapy, and adolescent residential treatment. I have specialized training in crisis counseling, trauma, and equine therapy. I hail from the Midwest and love animals and the outdoors. In addition to an extensive background with teens and foster children I also work alongside law enforcement and other first responders giving me unique experience in specializing with these populations.

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This is Feifei Chen's avatar and link to their profile

Feifei Chen

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Illinois with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, career difficulties, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find counseling in Mercer Island

Finding the best therapist close by in Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island. 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 Mercer Island, 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 Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island, elsewhere in King, 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 Mercer Island area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island, 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 Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island 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 98040 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 Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island 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 Mercer Island, 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.

Mercer Island 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 Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, 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 Mercer Island.

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

98040

Popular cities near Mercer Island, WA

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