Lake Forest Park is one of the most beautiful small cities in the country, as it was planned with natural landmarks in mind. The picturesque landscape and lush parks are a comfort to its residents. But sometimes, even in the midst of peaceful nature, you might feel feelings of despair or turmoil.

Depression, stress or anxiety can attack anyone at any time and in any place. If you are struggling with inner turmoil, help is available. Counselors in the Lake Forest Park area are available now to offer you support and guidance. Do not fight your battles alone. Contact a therapist today.

This is Dr. Hillary Schaefer's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Hillary Schaefer

Offering therapy in WA
License: PhD,LCP
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
12 years of experience

Whether this is your first session or 100th, searching for a new therapist can feel overwhelming or daunting. Picking a person you trust to hear your struggles from a picture and a paragraph is no small thing! Here’s a little bit more about me to help guide your decision. PLEASE NOTE: currently all my evening slots are full. I do apologize, these times go fast! My current available hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 pm EST. My background: I am a licensed clinical psychologist with experience working with clients of diverse backgrounds. I earned my doctorate in 2013 from the University of Virginia and have worked in clinic, hospital, university, and military settings. Previously, I saw clients at and directed a clinic for families and children, and I also have more general experience across age groups and areas of concern. I feel comfortable helping you with stress and anxiety, depression and self-esteem, trauma, motivation, parenting issues, relationship concerns, LGBTQ+ issues, Veteran or military issues, and can provide support for medical difficulties of your own or in those you love. I’m excited to step into an online platform and continue to help clients see their strengths. My practice: I aim to create an environment where you feel understood and supported, but also leave with practical tools that you can use immediately. I strive for transparency and collaboration, and want us to work together to find pathways to your goals. My approach is anchored in sound science and best practices, with plenty of wiggle room to adjust to who you are as a person and what works best for you. No matter what, I believe that there is a better, happier version of your life and I’d be privileged to help you find it.

Get started View profile
This is Jacqueline Davis's avatar and link to their profile

Jacqueline Davis

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
21 years of experience

I am licensed in South Carolina and Washington state with almost 21 years of professional work experience. As an individual who has struggled with depression and anxiety my entire life, I bring to the profession significant insight as well as experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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.

Get started View profile
This is (Gary) Trent Allen's avatar and link to their profile

(Gary) Trent Allen

Offering therapy in WA
License: LMHC,CPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTBipolar disorderDepression
20 years of experience

My name is Trent and I’m glad to help you work through these issues that you’ve brought today. I’m a client centered solution focused therapist and would love to focus on what your dreams and aspirations are. I would start by asking the miracle question to determine if you woke up tomorrow and your life was perfect and everything you wanted was how you hoped it would be then I would you describe that life for me. Moving forward from there we can work on your goals around the things that you’d like to work on first and prioritize those goals and come up with solutions, copy mechanisms, and strategies to get you to where you would like to be. Life is fulfilled and determined by you and your supportive work and meaningful interactions that you you are looking for and brought to me today. Once we establish a treatment plan based your goals then we can work through them one at time to achieve them. We will consistently check in and see how you are feeling about your progress and re-assess the treatment plan as needed. We can add goals as well moving forward if you determine through the process that there are further things you would like to work on. Initially when doing therapeutic work things can initially feel worse before they feel better so please check in and tell me how you feel the process is working for you. Your feedback to me as we progress is my way to adjust your treatment plan and make sure that your therapeutic goals are being met. I look forward to working with you. I am professional counselor licensed for private practice in WA state as an LMHC with many years providing experience to a very diverse population which an array of mental health concerns. I have worked in non-profit mental health with the severely mentally ill, homeless and substance abuse population for many years. I have also worked in a correctional setting with forensic patients and have practice with residential programs as well. I have a client centered approach to counseling and employ a variety of tools in my "counselor tool belt" to assist my patients with concerns and symptoms they may want help with. I have used solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy and trauma focused therapy. My approach to always meet patients where they are at and provide unconditional acceptance and positive regard to provide a safe environment for people grow, heal and move on what they have brought to the session to work through. I have worked with anxiety and depressive symptoms, PTSA, trauma, personality disorders, Bipolar disorders, Schizoaffective and Schizophrenia disorders to name a few. I look forward to forming a positive therapeutic relationship with you and helping you to grow and become whatever it is you are wanting to be.

Get started View profile
This is Kandy Alley's avatar and link to their profile

Kandy Alley

Offering therapy in WA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSleeping disordersDepression
8 years of experience

I have been in the mental health field for twenty years with a wide range of roles from activities specialist, case management, vocational services coordinator, management and as a professional licensed counselor. I enjoy working with all ages and mental health disorders. Cognitive behavior therapy is my main approach in the office. it is proven to help individuals better under stand how their beliefs and values form over time so that it becomes possible to guide them back to a healthy place if those beliefs and values about themselves contribute to distorted thinking. I have completed multiple CBT seminars through the Beck Institute and have developed the skill of interweaving dialectical behavior therapy, solution focused therapy, strengths based therapy and motivational interviewing into the process. I have a great deal of empathy for individuals with adverse child and adult experiences. I respect each individual for the strengths they have demonstrated in getting through difficult times. I want people to feel safe in my office to share their stories even when it becomes an emotional experience. Through identifying an individuals strengths and attributes, building the level of confidence in an individual to make change becomes possible. I am a strong believer in the individual leading the way to achieve changes in their behavior; I simply provide them with the tools and skills to be successful.

Get started View profile
This is Trina McDonald's avatar and link to their profile

Trina McDonald

Offering therapy in WA
License: LCMHC,LCAS,MAC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I have experience working with those who have Mental Health issues as well as Substance Use Disorders and have worked with military personnel, those living with HIV/AIDS, the incarcerated, and in Private Practice. I use a strength-based, client-centered approach with a foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; yet draw from an eclectic approach, to assist the client make therapeutic gains. I utilize my Spirituality and Christian belief implementing the tenets of faith, hope, and love to strengthen confidence, self-worth, and help one maintain their recovery and excel in their mental, physical, social, and emotional health.

Get started View profile
This is Bethany Snipes's avatar and link to their profile

Bethany Snipes

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCoaching
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Get started View profile
This is Shannon Yambasky's avatar and link to their profile

Shannon Yambasky

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Give yourself credit for taking the first step in exploring therapy—it’s a powerful action in itself. As a therapist, I am here to honor your courage. Welcome to a space where your uniqueness is celebrated, and personal growth is embraced. Our theraputic process will work to support you through untangling old patterns, fostering curiosity, and promoting self-understanding and patience. In our therapeutic journey, I create a warm and safe haven where your thoughts and feelings can unfold without judgment. I hold a license in Washington and bring over 10 years of professional experience to our sessions. From navigating stress and anxiety to boosting motivation and confidence, I’ve supported clients through various challenges and life stages . My commitment goes beyond traditional methods and I am a certified sound healer and have extensive training with emotional freedom techniques. Choosing a path towards a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I’m here to stand by you, offering support and empowerment every step of the way. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together.

Get started View profile
This is Antonia Sloan's avatar and link to their profile

Antonia Sloan

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Washington with 13 years of professional work experience. I specialize in helping children, teens, & adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, current life stressors &/or have experienced traumatic events. In my practice, I honor everyone's individual story & use client-centered approaches to support the development of self-worth, personal strengths & coping skills. I strive to create a warm, collaborative atmosphere and view it as the foundation for meaningful work with my clients. My unique approach to counseling includes traditional talk therapy with the option of adding art therapy techniques to assist my clients down the path to recovery and healing. Art therapy is a great tool in my work with children & teens. It provides both verbal & nonverbal methods of working through intense emotions & teaches ways to reorganize the thought patterns that lead to depression/anxiety, feelings of loneliness/lack of self-worth & interpersonal struggles with peers & family members. I aspire to find the best approach that will enable you to gain insights, achieve personal growth and develop happiness within your life and personal relationships. I believe that each of us has the capacity for change and look forward to assisting you in your journey.

Get started View profile
This is Teresa Dye's avatar and link to their profile

Teresa Dye

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Washington with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Get started View profile
This is Shelly Tiemeyer's avatar and link to their profile

Shelly Tiemeyer

Offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

Every interaction is a step somewhere. Every movement, no matter how small, is our way of evolving, affecting, creating. I’m confident that our meeting will be part of discovering what resonates with you, what speaks to you – connecting to that inner voice that is yours alone. This really is all we have. We are not meant to be put into categories. We are meant to discover how we are made, the truth of who we are. And to live from this place. This is the place of peace. The place of love. The place of courage. My hope is for you to discover a space with a therapist that has resonance. This is where life expands. New energy, new breath, new possibilities. Find out if your place is with me.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Lake Forest Park

Finding the best therapist close by in Lake Forest Park 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 Lake Forest Park. 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 Lake Forest Park, 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 Lake Forest Park 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 Lake Forest Park 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 Lake Forest Park, 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 Lake Forest Park area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Lake Forest Park 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 Lake Forest Park 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 Lake Forest Park 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 Lake Forest Park, 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 Lake Forest Park 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 Lake Forest Park 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 Lake Forest Park 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 Lake Forest Park 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 Lake Forest Park 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 98155 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 Lake Forest Park 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 Lake Forest Park 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 Lake Forest Park, 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.

Lake Forest Park 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 Lake Forest Park.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Lake Forest Park:

98155

Popular cities near Lake Forest Park, WA

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist