Nothing. These are all general terms used to describe talk therapy provided by a trained and licensed healthcare provider. There are, however, differences in training and specializations. Here’s a brief breakdown:

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC): a master’s level counselor trained in individual mental health, and the psychology of human growth and development. (psst, this is us). We are best suited for treating individuals who are seeking to better understand themselves, improve their mental health, and achieve their fullest potential.
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): a master’s level therapist who’s training has been concentrated on family systems and interpersonal relationships. As their name suggests, they are the go-to experts for couples and family counseling.
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LICSW): a master’s level provider. Their education has focused on issues of social justice, policy, and advocacy for marginalized members of society. Social workers help individuals and families navigate social systems such as the legal system, welfare, healthcare, and education. 
• Psychologist: Doctorate level therapist with extensive training in human psychology, and mental health, mental illness. Their super power is assessing and diagnosing of complex conditions such as learning impairments, autism, attention deficit, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar, post traumatic stress, and schizophrenia. Often, patients will see a psychologist for initial diagnosis, and then work with a master’s level therapist for ongoing treatment.
• Psychiatrist: These are medical doctors who specialize in prescribing mental health medication. They typically see patients for an hour long initial appointment, and then monthly 15 or 30 minute check-ins.

Nope. Wittingly specializes in talk therapy. If you are considering medication as part of your mental health treatment, we can help you consider the pros and cons, and provide trusted referrals. 

If you are currently taking medications for mental health, we will gladly collaborate with your prescriber as part of your mental health team. 

No. We specialize in individual therapy for women. We are all about serving you.  This is your space, and we are solely focused on supporting you, helping you find your voice, and become the best version of yourself. 

If you are seeking couple or family therapy in addition to your individual treatment, your therapist is happy to refer and/or collaborate with your couples or family counselor.

We will typically start out with weekly sessions, and then transition to every-other-week as you begin to feel better. Some clients prefer to start with 2x per week. This is an option as well.

While there is a wide range, most clients see significant improvement within 6 months.

If your concerns are related to anxiety, depression, personal growth, unresolved childhood wounds, or situational struggles (major life changes, break-up, grief and loss, and career development, etc), we are probably a great fit for you. 

Individuals experiencing conditions that impact their safety, physical health, or ability to function at work or school, may need a therapist with advanced training in their specific condition. Common areas of specialization include OCD, bipolar disorders, eating disorders, domestic violence, borderline personality disorder, acute suicide ideation/self harm, and substance abuse.

Our free consultation is designed to identify what type of treatment will be best for you. We are happy to provide specialist referrals if we are not the best fit for your needs.

Since (reluctantly) transitioning to an all telehealth format in March of 2020, we have been thrilled to discover that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Clients have overwhelmingly expressed a preference for online treatment. In response to this demand, we decided to make the change permanent.

Here are some of the benefits clients love:

• Time savings - Without the drive to and from the office, it’s much easier to schedule your session within your busy day
• Flexibility - Join your session from anywhere within WA state (especially great for college students).
• Comfort - sit on your coziest chair, your bed, or a peaceful outdoor setting; whatever space feels most nurturing. Snuggle with your fur baby. Wear your PJ’s, drink your coffee or tea from your favorite mug, light a scented candle. You can completely customize your space to fit your flavor of zen.
• Less intimidating - many clients find it easier to share personal information. There’s just enough distance to make the vulnerability less scary and easier to tolerate.
• Eco friendly - for those of us concerned about climate change, it feels great to know we are reducing our carbon emissions by 1 trip per week.
• Fewer treatment interruptions - no worries if you have the sniffles, it’s a snow day, or childcare cancels at the last minute

Of course, there are a few drawbacks. Here's what we've seen and the best ways to manage:

• Zoom fatigue is real - If the thought of yet another video call is exhausting, consider requesting phone calls rather than video sessions. You can even walk and talk!
• Privacy challenges - Sometimes it’s really tough to find a private space at home. We have done plenty of closet and bathroom therapy sessions in the past year! When it’s difficult to avoid distraction and really open up at home, our best recommendation is the car. Your personal therapy pod. Bonus if you can park somewhere with a nice view!
• Tough to get in the zone - some clients don’t feel as present and self-reflective as they might in the office. We have found that this can typically be solved by planning to spend 15-20 minutes before your session to set the scene, reflect on your week, and quiet your mind. If you are joining during your work day, move away from your work space, make yourself a warm drink, use the restroom, eliminate distractions, Make sure those around you know not to interrupt you for the next hour. A few easy steps will prime you for a great session.
• Technical difficulties - while our secure video platform is very reliable, occasional connectivity issues are inevitable. In these cases we can switch to phone call or reschedule the appointment allowing time to troubleshoot

While we do not offer sliding scale, there are several ways to reduce or offset the cost of treatment:

• Choose a provider that fits your budget. Our therapists have differing rates based on license level, specializations, and years of experience. 
• Submit your receipts to your insurance provider for reimbursement. We offer Reimbursify to make this process quick and easy!
• Pay with HSA or FSA. If your employer (or spouse/parent’s employer) offers an HSA or FSA program, contribute to this account and use these funds to pay for therapy. This allows you to use pre-taxed dollars for treatment. Your human resources department can help answer these questions
• Use an EAP. Many companies offer a limited number of free counseling sessions for employees and their families. Again, check with your HR department
• Request a scholarship. Each of our therapists offers a limited number of partial scholarships. Scholarships provide a limited number of sessions at a reduced rate.

We are out-of-network providers. To support clients in using their insurance benefits, we have partnered with Reimbursify to offer free and easy claim submission. Each month you will receive an itemized statement. Use the app to quickly and easily submit your claim. Insurance will send reimbursements directly to you.

We request cancellation by 5pm the evening before your appointment. Cancellations after 5pm are subject to a $100 late cancellation fee. Missed appointments are subject to full session fee.

While counselors are qualified to write ESA letters, this is a more specialized service and falls outside our scope of practice. There are several reputable online services that offer ESA letters at a reasonable cost. 

Yes. Counselors are qualified to complete the forms required for mental health related leave of absence. Depending on your employer, you may also need paperwork from your medical doctor. We are happy to complete forms and collaborate with your healthcare team as needed.