Therapist Washington State: Choosing the Best Fit For You
Takeaway: If you’ve recently made the decision to start therapy, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by the process. If so, you’re not alone. Plenty of people struggle to find the right therapist for them, which is why I put together this guide. Here, I’ll explain how to find and choose the best therapists in Washington for your needs.
The landscape of mental health in Washington State
Mental health issues are a serious concern nationwide, and Washington State is no different. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), more than 1.2 million Washington residents have a mental health condition.
Thankfully, treatment is available. While barriers like stigma, accessibility, and affordability are significant for many people, there are many different options for therapy in Washington. In fact, there are so many options that it can feel difficult to choose the right therapist for you.
As both a therapist and therapy-seeker myself, I deeply understand the life-changing power of finding a therapist you truly connect with. While there are plenty of qualified mental health professionals, not everyone is the best fit for you.
Here, I'll offer my top suggestions for finding Washington State counselors who align with your unique needs, values, and goals. Plus, I'll tell you exactly where to look to actually find your therapist.
Let's dive in.
Reflecting on your personal mental health needs
I recommend starting your search by pausing for some reflection. While therapy will help you grow your understanding of yourself, you're still the expert in "you" right now. Take a moment to consider some of these questions. They'll help guide you in your search for a therapist.
What main issues or concerns are leading me to seek therapy?
What do I want to get out of therapy?
What am I looking for in a therapist?
Do I have any preferences about the gender, race, or background of my clinician?
Would I rather meet my counselor online or in person?
While these aren't the only factors to think about when choosing a therapist, they can help you get clear on what you need and want. Therapy is all about staying true to yourself, and starting from this intentional place can help.
Resources for finding therapy in Washington State
Now that you have some clarity about what's driving you and what you want in a therapist, it's time to get down to business. While there are many different places to find potential therapists, here are some of the most common ones.
Therapist directories
Many therapists list their services in online directories. General directories, like Psychology Today or TherapyDen, show you tons of options for therapists in your local area. Some directories have filters that allow you to narrow down your search by type of therapist, gender, and more.
You can also check out a more specialized directory, like Latinx Therapy or Asian Mental Health Collective, for more specific results. Directories like these are important as data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows that there are major racial discrepancies for people seeking mental health care.
Search engines & social media
Directories aren't the only place to find Washington therapists online. You can also try a simple Google search to find providers in your area. Typically, searches like "counseling in Washington" will produce more generalized results while specific searches like "self-esteem therapy in Washington" will produce more niche results. Many therapists are also on platforms like Instagram and TikTok—just make sure therapists you find on social media are actually licensed in your state.
Referrals & recommendations
Asking people you know for recommendations can be another effective way to get in touch with therapists. Service providers, like healthcare workers or other wellness professionals, can often provide referrals to local therapists they know. You could also consider asking people in your personal life if they can recommend a counselor.
What to consider during your search for a Washington therapist
Once you've started looking around for a therapist, you can create a shortlist of counselors you want to reach out to. Here are some additional considerations when deciding who you may want to work with.
Type of therapist
Therapists can have all sorts of various credentials. Some people have preferences about which kind of professional they want to work with, like a psychologist or a licensed marriage and family therapist. Different educational programs have different focuses and requirements, and some are better suited for certain issues than others. Generally speaking, though, any licensed therapist has a significant amount of education, training, and professional experience.
Therapeutic approach
You'll also want to consider the different therapeutic modalities that prospective therapists use. For example, I draw from a psychoanalytic-based approach in my work with clients. Other therapists might use techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), or even play therapy.
Specialty
Aside from a therapist's approach, you'll also want to make sure that your potential therapist is equipped to help you with your specific situation. Some therapists are generalists who support people with a wide range of different issues. Others have a more specific niche, like co-dependency, personality disorders, or even domestic violence.
Logistics
While logistics aren't the most exciting aspect to consider, they're a vital part of choosing the best Washington therapist for you. Make sure that the therapists you're considering are licensed in your state and provide therapy in your preferred setting (online or in person). If you plan to use insurance coverage, make sure that they're in-network or can provide a statement for out-of-network benefits. Once you speak with them directly, you'll also discuss whether your schedule aligns with their availability.
Overall compatibility
The therapeutic relationship will be one of the most crucial components of your time in therapy. Thinking about all of the elements I've described above is important, but it's also important to reflect on how you feel about each therapist. If you feel drawn to one person over another, honor that. Having a true connection with your therapist will support your healing and personal growth.
Deciding which therapist in Washington is best for you
After you've decided which therapists you want to reach out to, you can start scheduling consultations. Most therapists offer free consultations that typically last anywhere from 10-30 minutes. During the consultation, you can ask any questions you want that will help you get a better sense of whether you might be the right fit for each other.
Some examples include:
What is your experience helping people like me?
How would you describe your approach?
What are your practice's values?
What are your fees?
What is the process for getting started?
You'll also tell each prospective therapist a bit about what brings you to therapy and what you're hoping to get out of the experience.
From here, you can reflect on each therapist's answers and how you felt during the consultation. Re-connecting with the values and needs we discussed at the beginning of this guide will help you make an informed decision about your mental health care.
Looking for therapy in Washington State? I'm here to help.
Hi, I'm Dr. Ann Krajewski. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist in Washington providing talk therapy to adults. My private practice is exclusively virtual, so I can support individuals in all Washington cities.
I specialize in helping people who struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, co-dependency, and low self-esteem. I take an in-depth approach to therapy, so we'll reflect on your deepest emotions and explore how your past relationships inform your current challenges. By gaining this intimate understanding of your inner workings, you can find true healing.
