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. 

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Marion Saulque

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health counselor in Washington state with four years experience working with individuals struggling with addictions, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorders. I have worked with women who were in domestic violence relationships living in shelters. I have worked with women in recovery in substance use treatment services wanting better lives for them and their children. While in this position I learned a great deal about about trauma and survival. I went back to school in my early 40's transitioning from an automotive mechanic to mental health counseling. I have lived in California, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, and Washington state where I currently reside. My counseling style is client centered and eclectic with a little humor. I have recently been training in eye movement desensitization reprocessing or EMDR and internal family systems. I think of myself as a culturally competent individual with a open mind and try my best to be nonjudgmental. I am Native American and have a spiritual perspective and believe all living things should be respected. Change is hard and it takes courage and hard work, it can be scary at times, however you do not have to do it alone. I would like to work with you in seeing you through to the end and a life worth living. Life is a journey with lessons that can be hard and rewarding at the same time. I try and provide two skills per-week, you can use what you want and leave the rest. These skills do work, however only if you practice them.

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Dr. Nanesha Courtney

Offering therapy in WA
License: MA, MS, LMHC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoaching
25 years of experience

I am an open-minded individual with a belief that everyone deals with things differently and that is what makes us – us. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Certified Disability Management Specialist, with more than 25 years’ experience working with chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and vocational issues. I utilize Choice Theory, education, and a mix of mindfulness, and other evidence-based practices to help people manage their pain, stress, anxiety, and depression. I work closely with clients to help them identify and fulfill their needs. I am trained in EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which is a top-tier trauma intervention. We will work as a team to identify coping strategies that work for you. I will be thrilled to be there with you through this process of learning to become more adaptive, healthier, and happier. Licensed in Washington and currently live in Kentucky. I am experienced in working with individuals ranging in age from 16 – 85 years old. I have worked with clients struggling with chronic pain, medical conditions, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, relationship difficulties, abuse and trauma (sexual, verbal, physical, and emotional), PTSD, teen issues, school/work stress. My "Office Hours" are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, from 8 am to 4 pm. This means I respond to messages on these days and between these hours. I am also available for live video, phone, and chat sessions though hours vary depending on the day.

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Crystal Cash

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC,MCAP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
14 years of experience

I am a mental health counselor (she/her) licensed in Florida and Washington State with over 14 years of experience working as an assessor and a mental health specialist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, Mood Disorders and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling 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, motivational interviewing, solution-focused and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a 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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Christina Kunisch

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCSW, MAC, CAMS - II
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
11 years of experience

Hello there! My name is Christina, and I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker. During the past decade of my professional practice, I have worked in a variety of care settings and different levels of care. My passion remains in providing individual therapy in a safe and healing space by joining with you on this journey. Whatever brings you into considering the therapy as a tool for improving your quality of life, my role is to create a space for exploring, questioning, learning, reducing distress, and building healthy coping skills to allow you to flourish. I have a great deal of experience with multiple mental health concerns. However, my areas of particular interest and skill, are anger management, addictions recovery, and recovery from the impact of traumatic stress. In our work, I offer different specialty therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Life Stress Reduction, Cognitive Therapies, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I look forward to meeting with you, hearing about what brings you to consider therapy, and how this process might fit into your healing journey.

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Jenna Lander

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Oregon with a Masters in Social Work from the University of Denver. I hold my LCSW license in Oregon, I have over 8 years of experience working with individuals. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, postpartum and ADHD. I have also helped many individuals who have experienced trauma or abuse. My counseling style is calm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, individuality and compassion . My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic/holistic, solution-focused and Motivational Interviewing therapies. I also practice Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. This process can be an empowering experience giving you the insight to accept, change, grow and accomplish whatever you identify as your goals. I believe the therapeutic relationship can be a rewarding and remarkable experience. I take great care in the work I do to understand you and your needs. I would be honored to be invited to witness and walk with you on your journey during this chapter in your life story. Whatever your goal or motivation, therapy can be a rewarding adventure of acceptance and discovery. I believe that we all have our own answers; however, they are sometimes covered by life's challenges and stress. My role is to help you uncover the answers that make sense for you. Every one of us can experience satisfaction and fulfillment in life. I am passionate about the field of psychology and therapy and am committed to being a consistent support to you as you navigate life’s challenges. I have a flexible schedule including days, evenings and weekends. I look forward to getting to know you!

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Daniel Klinkert

Offering therapy in WA
License: MUP,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
20 years of experience

I became motivated to pursue a career in psychotherapy through my lived experience as a trauma survivor and a recovering addict. My specialties include treating depression, anxiety, relationship issues, chemical dependency, process addictions, and trauma-related disorders. I am fortunate to have had a rewarding and successful career in the mental health field which includes working for 18 years as a fully licensed therapist, providing over 10,000 hours of individual and group psychotherapy, running my own professional training company, and doing research into psychosocial rehabilitation models. My approach to psychotherapy is very client-centered and while I am eager to learn and apply a wide variety of treatment modalities I believe this work is highly individualized. I enjoy working with a diverse client base and my priorities are to build strong relationships and work with clients to apply their individual strengths towards whatever life challenges they are seeking to overcome.

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Derrick D'Abreau

Offering therapy in WA
Grief
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions & coping with grief and loss. 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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Zoe Johnson

Offering therapy in WA
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, depression/self esteem, & motivation, quarter life crisis, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Visit my website: https://www.redirectlifecounseling.com

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Ebony Gums

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Minnesota with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, and relationship issues. 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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Skyla Baker

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. 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 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 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 Mercer Island.

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

98040

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