Therapists in Yakima County, WA
Lynsey Westfall
Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
Yakima, WA 98902
Waitlist for new clients
No matter the starting point, I will meet your teen where they are and help them find their way.
The high school years are complicated. Teens are complicated. You're wondering where your happy child went and how to get them back. As a Mental Health Counselor and former High School Counselor that has worked with thousands of teens, I believe this unique developmental stage is deserving of specialized care. Teenage mental health is different than adults and children which is why we have to treat it differently. It doesn't have to be about disorders, labels and canned treatments. I believe teenage mental health is about seeing this complex developmental and transitional stage of life as an extraordinary opportunity for growth.
No matter the starting point, I will meet your teen where they are and help them find their way.
The high school years are complicated. Teens are complicated. You're wondering where your happy child went and how to get them back. As a Mental Health Counselor and former High School Counselor that has worked with thousands of teens, I believe this unique developmental stage is deserving of specialized care. Teenage mental health is different than adults and children which is why we have to treat it differently. It doesn't have to be about disorders, labels and canned treatments. I believe teenage mental health is about seeing this complex developmental and transitional stage of life as an extraordinary opportunity for growth.
I have been a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist for 34 years and helping heal families in my private practice for 24. I specialize in many areas such as child abuse, domestic violence, adoption and infertility related issues, grief, anxiety, depression, addiction, communication training and fair fighting techniques. Many clients come for short, solution focused therapy. I welcome everyone, despite gender, age, ethnicity, religion or sexual preference. My goal is to make the client feel welcome from the moment they arrive, until the time they leave with information that can immediately make a difference in their life.
I have been a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist for 34 years and helping heal families in my private practice for 24. I specialize in many areas such as child abuse, domestic violence, adoption and infertility related issues, grief, anxiety, depression, addiction, communication training and fair fighting techniques. Many clients come for short, solution focused therapy. I welcome everyone, despite gender, age, ethnicity, religion or sexual preference. My goal is to make the client feel welcome from the moment they arrive, until the time they leave with information that can immediately make a difference in their life.
Dr. Scott A Whitmer Psyd
Counselor, PsyD, LMHC, CFMHE, ABVE, IPEC
Verified Verified
Yakima, WA 98908
Dr. Whitmer treats individuals, couples, and families. His doctoral training in clinical psychology has prepared him to treat many mental health disorders with various interventions. Dr. Whitmer is board certified as a Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator and a Forensic Vocational Expert. He is nationally certified as Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and is International Psychometric Evaluation Certified. Dr. Whitmer is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State.
Dr. Whitmer treats individuals, couples, and families. His doctoral training in clinical psychology has prepared him to treat many mental health disorders with various interventions. Dr. Whitmer is board certified as a Certified Forensic Mental Health Evaluator and a Forensic Vocational Expert. He is nationally certified as Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and is International Psychometric Evaluation Certified. Dr. Whitmer is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State.
Online Therapists
Swell Sessions w/ Chericka Ashmann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, MHP, CMHS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Puyallup, WA 98371
As a multi-racial, formally diagnosed autistic individual with lived experiences of systemic violence, I bring a unique and deeply empathetic perspective to therapy. These experiences have shaped my understanding of how trauma impacts vulnerable populations differently and often more severely. My commitment to civil rights advocacy is driven by a passion for addressing systemic violence against marginalized communities, including people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, those living in poverty, and people with disabilities.
As a multi-racial, formally diagnosed autistic individual with lived experiences of systemic violence, I bring a unique and deeply empathetic perspective to therapy. These experiences have shaped my understanding of how trauma impacts vulnerable populations differently and often more severely. My commitment to civil rights advocacy is driven by a passion for addressing systemic violence against marginalized communities, including people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, those living in poverty, and people with disabilities.
Jennifer R Trefonas
Counselor, MS, LMHC, MHP
Verified Verified
Auburn, WA 98002
Waitlist for new clients
Hello, I am Jennifer R. Trefonas, MS, LMHC, MHP. I was initially licensed in FL in 1992, moved to WA 2002; licensed WA 2001. I ENJOY assisting INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, COUPLES, & CHILDREN in overcoming obstacles. I AM ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Contact me for HELP with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, addiction issues, bullying, grief, feeling shamed, taken advantage of, abuse of any kind, trouble at work, getting along with others, HOW TO BE HAPPY and POSITIVE, hypnosis, and most anything! I'm NOT PARANOID, but that is funny,,,:)
Hello, I am Jennifer R. Trefonas, MS, LMHC, MHP. I was initially licensed in FL in 1992, moved to WA 2002; licensed WA 2001. I ENJOY assisting INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, COUPLES, & CHILDREN in overcoming obstacles. I AM ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS. Contact me for HELP with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, addiction issues, bullying, grief, feeling shamed, taken advantage of, abuse of any kind, trouble at work, getting along with others, HOW TO BE HAPPY and POSITIVE, hypnosis, and most anything! I'm NOT PARANOID, but that is funny,,,:)
Hi! My name is Brianne Cossey. We are currently accepting new clients! I specialize in working on trauma, anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. I work with children, teens, and young adults seeking help with trauma, attachment wounds/style, relationship issues, anxiety, life transitions, depression, and behavioral struggles.
Hi! My name is Brianne Cossey. We are currently accepting new clients! I specialize in working on trauma, anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. I work with children, teens, and young adults seeking help with trauma, attachment wounds/style, relationship issues, anxiety, life transitions, depression, and behavioral struggles.
Thrive on Counseling, LLC Stephanie Koerner
Counselor, LMHC, SUDP, CMHS, GMHS, EMMHS
Verified Verified
Richland, WA 99352
Waitlist for new clients
As a dual diagnosis/co-occurring psychotherapist, (licensed mental health counselor and licensed substance use disorder professional) my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges. By applying specific therapeutic approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life and incorporate healthy coping skills.
As a dual diagnosis/co-occurring psychotherapist, (licensed mental health counselor and licensed substance use disorder professional) my goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges. By applying specific therapeutic approaches and techniques, we will unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life and incorporate healthy coping skills.
Pathway to Change Counseling Services
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Puyallup, WA 98371
Today is your first step on the pathway to change and together we will make the transformation you are seeking in your life. Pathway to Change is unique in that we offer several therapists to choose from who can work collaboratively with you to accomplish the change you want to see. With over 40 years of combined therapy experience each therapist offers a different approach within the therapeutic relationship. We are excited to now offer Life Coaching through our partnership with Simply You LLC. To schedule life coaching sessions please visit the following website: www.simply-you-llc.com.
Today is your first step on the pathway to change and together we will make the transformation you are seeking in your life. Pathway to Change is unique in that we offer several therapists to choose from who can work collaboratively with you to accomplish the change you want to see. With over 40 years of combined therapy experience each therapist offers a different approach within the therapeutic relationship. We are excited to now offer Life Coaching through our partnership with Simply You LLC. To schedule life coaching sessions please visit the following website: www.simply-you-llc.com.
Welcome! I'm a highly skilled Marriage & Family therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience with clients & supervision of interns. I have a B.S. in Communications & a M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy. If you are in need of immediate help/relief or looking for long-term therapy, I can definitely address your concerns as I am trained in both. My areas of expertise are working with adults, teens, relationships, & families looking to create authentic, lasting change. My style is collaborative, compassionate, directive, & fun. Hope is essential for Healing. Resilience is essential to Thrive. I can help you achieve both.
Welcome! I'm a highly skilled Marriage & Family therapist with over 20 years of clinical experience with clients & supervision of interns. I have a B.S. in Communications & a M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy. If you are in need of immediate help/relief or looking for long-term therapy, I can definitely address your concerns as I am trained in both. My areas of expertise are working with adults, teens, relationships, & families looking to create authentic, lasting change. My style is collaborative, compassionate, directive, & fun. Hope is essential for Healing. Resilience is essential to Thrive. I can help you achieve both.
See more therapy options for Yakima County
Teen Therapists
What does therapy for teenagers look like?
When a therapist works with a teenager, the pair will talk about what the teen is struggling with and explore solutions, which may involve interpersonal skills, coping strategies, medication, or lifestyle changes related to sleep, diet, and exercise. Different therapists employ different modalities, but most involve a combination of conversation and skill building.
How long does therapy for teenagers generally take to work?
There’s variability in teenagers’ experiences and challenges; some may begin to improve from therapy within a few weeks while others may take several months or longer. Teens can discuss their progress with their therapist periodically to assess how they’re improving and any changes to the treatment plan that could potentially accelerate that progress.
How do you encourage a teenager to go to therapy?
It’s helpful to express your concern and love while framing therapy as an opportunity to explore a tool that could help improve their life; just like they practice baseball or dance, now they can practice their emotional skills. Give your teen control over the process where you can—maybe by weighing in on choice of therapist and signaling that therapy involves confidentiality, so a parent need not know all that is discussed in sessions.
How do you prepare teens for therapy?
You can prepare your teenager for therapy by describing what the process will look like and setting expectations for timeline, if requested. You can explain that the first session may begin with an assessment phase, that they can describe their experiences but that the therapist will ask questions too, and that it may take time to feel comfortable opening up. Ask how they’re feeling about the process and answer any questions calmly and supportively.