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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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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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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LaRae Lentz

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSleeping disordersDepression
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State. I have worked for residential, inpatient and outpatient community mental health agencies since 2001 and have 20+ years of experience in the behavioral and mental health fields. I have been working as an independently licensed practitioner for the last 6 years. I believe that our quality of life is directly related to the quality of our relationships and our ability to maintain those relationships. These relationships include but are not limited to: our relationship with our self and our own inner world; our nuclear and blended family members; our close friends; the people that we work and interact with daily; our relationship with our Creator. The quality of these relationships over a lifetime influences how we cope with stress, frustration, sadness and joy. I use a variety of different therapeutic techniques, including cognitive behavioral, dialectical, solutions focused and family systems to help clients identify problematic patterns of thinking, processing and behavior; to reflect on how their experiences thus far in life have shaped these patterns, and; challenge clients to discuss possible solutions or ways to experience the problem in new and more adaptive ways.

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wendy Averett

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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. 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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Chloe Sidoti

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and a certified CognitiveBehavioral Therapist (CBT) with 5 years of clinical experience. Although I have experience working with a wide range of presenting problems, working with those experiencing stress and anxiety, parenting issues, & coping with life changes are my speciality. I also enjoy helping individuals who want to work on issues related to ADHD.

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Monique Jordan

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoaching
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for Washington State. I have 20 years of professional work experience. I provide therapy for clients who experience stress, anxiety, and relationship issues. I also support clients coping with grief and loss. I enjoysupporting clients who desire motivation, indreased self esteem, confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming your challenges. We all know that the first step toward seeking a more fulfilling life takes courage. I am here to support you through your unique challenges.

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Kayla Sterling

Offering therapy in WA
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in the state of Wyoming and in the process of becoming licensed in Ohio as well. I have nearly 8 years of experience providing therapy in a community mental health setting. I have experience treating clients across the age spectrum from young children to the elderly. I also have a wide range of experience treating multiple diagnoses and presenting problems. I have experience in treating PTSD, Generalized Anxiety, Depression, OCD, ADHD, Bipolar, Personalty Disorders, and much more. I have experience in providing substance abuse treatment, individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and play therapy. I am trained in EMDR and have specific training in providing EMDR via tele-health. I have extensive experience in trauma treatment and have a passion for this particular area of therapy. My therapy style is warm and inviting. I’m a firm believer in using a client centered and eclectic approach during the therapeutic process. Each person, situation, and presenting problem is unique so therefore I believe in providing tailor made therapeutic interventions specifically designed for each client. As a therapist I always treat each client with unconditional positive regard and acceptance. It takes bravery and courage to be vulnerable in sharing our stories with a therapist. There is tremendous strength in being vulnerable. If you are ready to take that step and move forward with your own healing journey I am here to support you. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Katelyn "Katie" Favela's avatar and link to their profile

Katelyn "Katie" Favela

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Child Mental Health Specialist with over 13 years of experience in providing compassionate and effective mental health support to individuals, youth, and families. I believe I am a compassionate and dedicated therapist who embodies the philosophy of helping clients discover and embrace their true, authentic selves. I am dedicated to empowering my clients to overcome challenges and improve their overall well being, and, have built a reputation as a trusted guide for individuals seeking self-discovery, personal growth, and healing. I have always had a deep interest in understanding human behavior and emotions. This curiosity led me to pursue a career in mental health and behavioral health, as I believe that each persons uniqueness deserved recognition and appreciation. I have worked in various settings, including community mental health centers, schools, and private practice, addressing a wide range of mental health concerns. I lean towards an empathetic and nonjudgmental approach, creating a safe and supportive space for my clients to explore their feelings and experiences. I strongly believe that each person has a unique inner essence that is worthy of exploration and celebration. I follow a person-centered and integrative approach, tailoring my therapeutic techniques to suit each individuals specific needs and goals. I have a particular interest in assisting clients in developing a strong sense of self-identity and self-worth. I incorporate mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and positive psychology interventions to help individuals build resilience and foster personal growth. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of authenticity.

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Sharon Mayo

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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. I am a Washington State licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and substance use disorder professional (SUDP) who helps repair the world one step at a time through teaching, inspiring, and motivating. I have a holistic approach that includes exercise, diet, sleep, and mindfulness to aid patients with life difficulties, such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and unresolved childhood trauma. I possess excellent interpersonal skills and a natural ability to engage with all ages and groups, supporting them as they work through and rise above the oppression of physical, mental, and emotional challenges that might keep them from achieving their highest selfhood and goals. I enjoy sailing, white water rafting, theater, reading, exercise, and healing, and is known for her untiring tenacity, vitality, and enthusiasm. Sharon Mayo, MA LMHC, SUDP, CSAT, CRC, MAC, CIMHP

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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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