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 Patricia Lehr's avatar and link to their profile

Patricia Lehr

Offering therapy in WA
License: MSW M.Eds. LCSW
Parenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
40 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of California and the state of Washington. I earned my Master of Social Work Degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and my Masters of Education from University of Texas San Antonio. For the past thirty years I have worked in private practices, schools, juvenile courts and community health organizations doing therapy and mediation. I have worked with a wide variety of clients from children, young adults, families, and the elderly from diverse backgrounds. My specialties include, parenting issues individually or in groups, play therapy with children concerning friendships, grief and loss and autistic children's social needs. With teenagers ,and young adults our focus has been relationships, anger management ,and career choices, and with the elderly 65+ population their issues of loneliness and depression. I am a compassionate and experienced therapist using a combination of approaches. I work with my clients where they are, give them the space to explore and use their strengths and experiences in order to help them get to where they want to go. As we process together gaining an understanding of their struggle, they will simultaneously learn new tools and skills to foster healthy functioning self esteem and relationships. Given the present social isolation, people are looking for a secure place to reach out and find support. I am passionate about helping those in need. I can offer a supportive and nurturing environment enabling clients to work through their challenges. I respect your courage for making the choice to work with Better Help to seek better understanding.

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Janet Buntrock

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA Counseling, MA Christian Studies,Fellow in Thanatology
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefSelf esteemDepression
21 years of experience

Hello, my name is Janet Buntrock and I want to congratulate you on taking this step to growth and healing, I remember my first experience as a client. I was so anxious that, when the counselor answered the phone, I hung up! I know what it feels like to be the one seeking help and I have over twenty years experience offering that assistance. My initial background was in Early Childhood Education, but I realised how much I enjoyed helping the parents in their roles as parents, spouses and as single parents. I then went back to school acquiring two Masters degrees, one in Counseling and one in Christian Studies. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State. I am also a Fellow in Thanatology, (the study of Death, Dying and Bereavement). As my life experience changed, I began to spend more and more time with people in transition: job loss, personal and professional identity, divorce. I have worked extensively with individuals with chronic illness and/or the grief and loss associated with either being chronically ill or as the caregiver. My areas of speciality include training and credentialing in Grief & Loss, Critical Incident Response, Trauma and Taumatic Loss. My ideal client is one who wants to learn and grow and is willing to do the work to do so, My passion is to see people heal and to have hope again.

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Mark Smith

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Hi – I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State and a National Certified Counselor. While I have an MS in clinical psychology, I also have a BA in business administration, having managed companies for many years. It took a while but I finally got around to honoring an inner calling to become a therapist, which is a privilege and very rewarding. While I’m experienced in treating a variety of challenges, I specialize in working with anxiety and mood related conditions, grief/loss, and unresolved trauma. I also work with clients experiencing interpersonal conflict, parenting concerns, career related stressors, and stage of life angst. My counseling approach is client-centered and honors a person’s unique nature and needs. Depending on the challenges at hand, this may involve teaching coping skills that help reduce immediate symptoms; insights-based work to discover how our life experiences shape and form us; and developing behaviors that help people transition from suffering to focusing on what they find important and meaningful. Our inner drive for happiness and capacity for growth moves me. You may not feel particularly resilient right now, but do know that reaching out for help demonstrates courage and strength. I look forward to meeting and talking with you. Be assured that I’m personable by nature, engage openly and respectfully, and aim to walk alongside you on your journey!

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Heather Stone

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesCareer difficulties
5 years of experience

We live in a complex web of relationships, and having a better understanding of yourself in relation to others can be the key to living your most authentic life. Therapy is a tool to better understand the barriers that keep us from experiencing joy, finding peace, and building meaningful relationships. Issues at work, grief, relationship challenges, and feelings of sadness and despair can be overwhelming. Finding the hidden emotional truth is the first step to identifying and addressing the real reasons we struggle. A therapist is a supportive partner who helps you navigate and understand the turbulent waters of human existence. Depth-oriented therapy gives people the ability to identify and understand the problem at hand. There are often patterns that are repeated unconsciously, and my approach to therapy is to be honest about the misunderstood but authentic emotions and motivations that shape our behavior. A better understanding of your true self lays the foundation for a life with meaning. My clients often ask me "How did you know?". My education, post-graduate training, and experience (both personal and professional) have taught me how to recognize the patterns and hidden truths that are core to our personalities and emotional well-being. I am passionate about helping others learn how to grieve; our society doesn't allow us the space to grieve all the things we lose, whether it be loved ones, relationships, opportunities or dreams. The only way to move beyond loss and sadness is to truly and deeply grieve, find the meaning in our lives, and move forward with hope.

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Alicia Powell

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCSW,LICSW,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
26 years of experience

I have been working in the mental health field since 1995. I obtained my LCSW, in Idaho, in 2004. My LICSW was obtained in 2009 and my LMHC was obtained in 2001. Both of these licensures are in Washington. I have experience working with a wide range of concerns including ADHD, anger management, OCD, Eating Disorder, Trauma, Anxiety and Depression. I also have experience working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. I believe it is important for an individual seeking services to be able to participate in creating their treatment plan for therapy in order to assure that their goals are met. It is my opinion that a therapist should be open minded so that individuals are comfortable discussing difficult topics. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you. Thank you, Alicia

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Satnam Gfeller

Offering therapy in WA
Coping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with life changes. 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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Linda Lee

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteem
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington , Idaho and Hawaii. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Lindsay Clark

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseEating disordersDepressionCoaching
6 years of experience

I truly believe that each person on this earth is designed and created for excellence. Yes, even when you don't feel or believe that that is true. My goal is to help cultivate a safe space where each human has the potential to heal and reach their true selves. Your true self is who you are designed to be! I pull from a variety of approaches; including inner child work, polyvagal theory practices, attachment based therapy, and several others; to help heal the root of your challenge.

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Stephanie Passmore

Offering therapy in WA
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
8 years of experience

I am licensed to practice in Texas and Washington, and I have 8 years of professional work experience. My expertise lies in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, as well as parenting issues. I strongly believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I understand that every individual has their unique needs, and I will tailor our conversations and treatment plan accordingly. Taking the first step towards seeking therapy can require a great deal of courage, and I am proud of you for getting started.

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Erin Burvee

Offering therapy in WA
License: LSCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesDepression
28 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker in Overland Park, Kansas with 28 years experience treating individuals with relationship conflicts, parenting struggles, grief and loss, as well as mood disorders, anxiety, and ADHD. I believe firmly in the importance of continued growth and self-awareness. My therapy style is interactive and helps individuals identify their strengths as well as areas of growth. My approach uses a cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, as well as a family systems approach. Our sessions will be tailored to your specific needs. Taking the first step to ask for support and guidance is tough. It takes courage and strength to be willing to own the process and seek guidance for growth. If you are interested in taking that step, I am here to support you with your journey.

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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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