Starting therapy can be an effective way to manage the symptoms of various mental health conditions, like complex PTSD or depression, or learn new coping skills to handle the challenges of the world. However, transportation issues, financial concerns, and scheduling conflicts can make finding support at an independent practice or counseling center challenging. Online therapy can make attending sessions more convenient. If you’re looking for a therapist in Federal Way, WA, consider an online platform like BetterHelp.

When you work collaboratively with a provider online, you can learn healthier ways to cope with any struggle. BetterHelp providers are committed to helping their clients by providing resources and using various therapeutic techniques to support them through their unique challenges.

If you are looking for individual counseling in the Federal Way or Des Moines area, contact one of the therapists below to get started. You can also read reviews from clients who love working with their providers online to learn more about the benefits of teletherapy.

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Heidi Martin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyGriefIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changesCoaching
11 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hi my name is Heidi and I am a licensed mental health counselor in Florida, Massachusetts, and Washington State, as well as a board certified coach. I have over 10 years of experience, primarily working in private practice Please note I am currently only taking clients within Massachusetts. People come to therapy because they want to feel better. It may be relationship problems, anxiety/depression, work related concerns, etc., but whatever the reason, they want to feel better and do better. In my experience, most people want a greater understanding of themselves and their situation. Making life work and feeling more comfortable with themselves is the goal. I focus on altering self-defeating behaviors and beliefs, helping my clients to gain perspective with a focus on improving the quality of their lives. Among the many tools that promote growth and well being, I utilize insight and mindfulness to help achieve client goals. The people I work with tend to be bright and high functioning yet they sense something is missing. My job includes, among other things. noticing hidden themes and repetitive patterns. Many people treat others better than they treat themselves and usually are much harder on themselves than others, which causes untold pain. I have a lot of admiration for people who embark on a therapeutic journey, it takes courage to seek a more fulfilling life but as serious as I take my work, I also conduct therapy in a relaxed manner where laughter and collaboration is encouraged. I look forward to working with you!

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Maria Reymundo

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Deciding to initiate change in your life, is the first step to getting to where you want to be. The alliance between the counselor and client sets the foundation to reach a place of growth and healing, therefore making it the key agent of change. I strongly believe that a collaborative approach to treatment, ensuring that the client feels invested as a direct participant in their own journey, is the best means to achieve goals in therapy. As an eclectic therapist, I incorporate a variety of therapeutic principles and philosophies in order to create the ideal treatment program to meet the specific needs of the client. Primarily using a strength-based, trauma-informed approach to therapy, I work with clients to identify and master skills that will make attaining identified goals in therapy achievable. I earned a Master's in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago, and have been in direct clinical work for 10 years. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I have had experience working with a wide variety of clients ranging from adolescents to geriatrics. My experience includes providing therapeutic services through settings such as inpatient psychiatry, community mental health, internal medicine, addiction treatment centers, and a University counseling center. Through these professional settings, I obtained an array of clinical experience working with various mental health diagnoses, though my expertise lies within treating depressive, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment disorders. I am a culturally sensitive, bilingual therapist (English/Spanish) with experience working with multicultural populations within and outside the United States. If you find yourself in a position to initiate this journey toward change, I would be honored to join you.

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Melissa Phillips

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC,SUDPT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuse
6 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Washington with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & LBGTQ+ -related issues. I also have experience working with trauma and abuse. I am taking clients who desire to work on growing and developi g who they are. If you have tried other therapists and felt unable to be authentic or transparent I may be the therapist for you. No topic is off limits and no concern is considered little or silly (i hear this often). Let me help you on your journey to healing amd moving forward in your journey of life. Let's meet and figure it out.

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Melissa Pagarigan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCompassion fatigue
7 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a licensed clinical social worker and have been a practicing clinician for 4 years. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including, but not limited to depression, anxiety, relationship issues, familial issues, and ADHD. I have also provided services to individuals who have experienced physical, sexual and emotional trauma. I take a personal approach to my counseling. I believe in taking a personal approach and building a strong relationship with clients in order to assist them through the storm. I utilize a cognitive behavioral, humanistic and strengths based counseling approach. Each therapeutic approach is personalized to the clients needs. It takes strength to get help when needed. The first step is always the most difficult. If you are ready to to take that leap, I am here to help and empower you. I look forward to working with you.

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Adam Hewitt

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience as a mental health therapist

Hello! My name is Adam Hewitt, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Missouri. I have been with BetterHelp since 2021 after spending several years in private practice as a mental health therapist and substance abuse counselor. I've always been passionate about helping people overcome their challenges. When it comes to therapy, I like to keep things friendly and honest. I will never talk down to you or make you feel like a burden. I find it incredibly rewarding to see the joy on people's faces when they realize just how strong they can be, whether it's facing their fears, overcoming addictions, or taking control of their lives. As for my therapeutic approach, I focus on your strengths. I believe that everyone has innate abilities that can help them achieve their life goals, and it is my job to help you find yours. I take a mindfulness based approach, and am very sensitive to how technology and culture intersect to make our lives more complicated. I've worked significantly with people dealing with trauma, substance and gaming addiction, and systemic oppression. My aim is to help individuals become empowered to go out into the world feeling in charge of their lives. I don't consider myself to work for an agency; I'm here because of you. My promise is to let you take the lead to make the changes in your life that are meaningful to you. My hope is that my openness and positive attitude will make you feel trusted and inspired to live the life you deserve.

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Bridget Ideker

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Child Parent Psychotherapist in Minnesota and Washington with 10 years of clinical practice in a variety of settings. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, PTSD, PPD/A, traumatic births and disability, trouble adjusting after a big life change, and helping to process and shape impactful experiences. I've been able to facilitate healing from trauma, support navigating parenthood, inspire self expression, light motivation to make change, and witness clients embody renewed confidence. I will stay curious about your thoughts, feelings and experiences, to understand and help you. I use attunement, humor, intuition and education to guide you through a reflective and therapeutic experience.

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Julie Knox

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Alabama, Arizona, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Washington with 15 years of professional clinical, counseling, and coaching experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & depression. I also have experience working with clients coping with life changes. 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!

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Michael Bergman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSleeping disordersDepression
10 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Washington with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & sleeping disorders. 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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miranda sullivan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
AddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderADHD
4 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Washington with 8+ years of Social Service experience and 4+ years of clinical psychotherapy experience. Much of my focus has been supporting teens, young adults, and co-occurring adults (those struggling with addiction) with coping with big feelings, complex trauma, & mood disorders. I also have a lot of experience working with ADHD and parenting kiddos who are neurodiverse. My passion is walking with clients through the most challenging times of their life. We will work together to improve your quality of life and increase your self awareness to make positive change. I am trained in several evidence based modalities such as ARC trauma informed therapy module, Cognitive behavior therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy. I am more than happy to meet with you for a free 15 minute consultation to answer any questions you may have.

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Ava Wilde

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WA
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
4 years of experience as a mental health therapist

I am licensed in Washington with 4 years of professional work experience. I specialize in autism and gender identity. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBTQ+ related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Federal Way

Finding the best therapist close by in Federal Way 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 in Federal Way that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Federal Way. 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 Federal Way, 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 in the Federal Way region and in the state of Washington. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Federal Way or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Federal Way area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find Federal Way 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 Federal Way, elsewhere in King, or in the greater state of Washington.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Federal Way area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Federal Way 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 Federal Way 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 Federal Way 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.

How is a licensed therapist on this Federal Way online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Federal Way, 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 Federal Way psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health therapist, including the therapists in Federal Way 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 Federal Way helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified Federal Way 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:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Federal Way 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 in Federal Way?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Federal Way 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.

Federal Way therapists 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 Federal Way 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 Federal Way 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 psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in WA, therapists 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 98023 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Federal Way counselor?

Before seeing your Federal Way 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 while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy in Federal Way.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 from a therapist. A Federal Way 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 with a Federal Way counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor 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 therapist 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 Federal Way, 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.

Federal Way 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 during telehealth appointments?

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 for Federal Way, Washington

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 to customer service 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 Federal Way.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Federal Way:

98001, 98003, 98023, 98063, 98093

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