Therapists in Skagit County, WA
Cheryl Enstad, MSW, LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Mount Vernon, WA 98274
I have openings for Gender Affirming Letters according to WPATH standards of care 7 and 8 (and associated advocacy), Emotional Support Animal Letters for gender expansive people, and Name/ID/Gender Marker Change support. I do not have openings for ongoing therapy at this time. I come to this work as a parent. I am queer and gender affirming and I am WPATH soc 8 certified. I hope to empower you to find your voice, embody your authentic self, as I support and advocate for you through informed consent and also gatekeeping insurance/standards of care to access the care you need.
I have openings for Gender Affirming Letters according to WPATH standards of care 7 and 8 (and associated advocacy), Emotional Support Animal Letters for gender expansive people, and Name/ID/Gender Marker Change support. I do not have openings for ongoing therapy at this time. I come to this work as a parent. I am queer and gender affirming and I am WPATH soc 8 certified. I hope to empower you to find your voice, embody your authentic self, as I support and advocate for you through informed consent and also gatekeeping insurance/standards of care to access the care you need.
I take a holistic approach to counseling, with an emphasis on mind, body and spirit in relationship to self and others. I specialize in trauma informed practices utilizing modalities such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and family systems therapy.I am a Children's Mental Health Therapist and a Minority Mental Health Therapist with experience working with Native American, Hispanic and African American and LGBTQ populations.
I take a holistic approach to counseling, with an emphasis on mind, body and spirit in relationship to self and others. I specialize in trauma informed practices utilizing modalities such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, and family systems therapy.I am a Children's Mental Health Therapist and a Minority Mental Health Therapist with experience working with Native American, Hispanic and African American and LGBTQ populations.
Accepting New Patients, same week availability................................... Maribel Aheran Ed.D, LMHC-QS, NCC, MCAP is a bilingual (English & Spanish) licensed clinical mental health counselor with over 12 years of experience treating children, adolescents, college students, and adults. She completed a bachelor's degree in education from Caribbean University, a master's degree in English for speakers of other languages from Turabo University, a master's degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University, and a doctorate degree in education from Edgewood College.
Accepting New Patients, same week availability................................... Maribel Aheran Ed.D, LMHC-QS, NCC, MCAP is a bilingual (English & Spanish) licensed clinical mental health counselor with over 12 years of experience treating children, adolescents, college students, and adults. She completed a bachelor's degree in education from Caribbean University, a master's degree in English for speakers of other languages from Turabo University, a master's degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University, and a doctorate degree in education from Edgewood College.
Each of us is born into an existing and developing story that impacts and shapes us, but not always in healthy or beneficial ways. The desire to be seen, heard, loved, and understood are fundamental needs that often, through no fault of our own, go unmet. Using modalities that draw from trauma informed psychodynamic and narrative therapies, I work with my clients to help them discover, understand, accept, and integrate parts of their story and themselves without shame.
Each of us is born into an existing and developing story that impacts and shapes us, but not always in healthy or beneficial ways. The desire to be seen, heard, loved, and understood are fundamental needs that often, through no fault of our own, go unmet. Using modalities that draw from trauma informed psychodynamic and narrative therapies, I work with my clients to help them discover, understand, accept, and integrate parts of their story and themselves without shame.
My clients present adjustment issues, anxiety & depression, eating disorders, marital problems, postpartum depression in moms and/or dads as they adjust to new babies, LGBTQI issues, grief & loss, lethargy (fibromyalgia or auto-immune disorders), or just a loss of meaning and direction.
Whenever you think of talking with someone, thoroughly explaining everything from how you feel today, or how you have felt for years, or to the choices you are facing, or how your body and sense of yourself alters things, and you wonder, how do I find that "right" person to talk to? You have found them. Adolescent or adult, individual or a couple, call me for a free consultation, and let's see where to go from here!
My clients present adjustment issues, anxiety & depression, eating disorders, marital problems, postpartum depression in moms and/or dads as they adjust to new babies, LGBTQI issues, grief & loss, lethargy (fibromyalgia or auto-immune disorders), or just a loss of meaning and direction.
Whenever you think of talking with someone, thoroughly explaining everything from how you feel today, or how you have felt for years, or to the choices you are facing, or how your body and sense of yourself alters things, and you wonder, how do I find that "right" person to talk to? You have found them. Adolescent or adult, individual or a couple, call me for a free consultation, and let's see where to go from here!
Counseling Centers of North Puget Sound
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
NOTE: We accept new appointment requests only through our confidential online portal: www.bit.ly/newcounseling. We work with individuals, couples, and families, all ages, and can work with a broad range of issues. We are committed to fostering an environment of safety and respect for people of all beliefs, backgrounds, abilities and lifestyles. We achieve our mission by offering affordable, best practice, behavioral science and faith-integrative offerings. No specific faith practice is required to receive services with us.
NOTE: We accept new appointment requests only through our confidential online portal: www.bit.ly/newcounseling. We work with individuals, couples, and families, all ages, and can work with a broad range of issues. We are committed to fostering an environment of safety and respect for people of all beliefs, backgrounds, abilities and lifestyles. We achieve our mission by offering affordable, best practice, behavioral science and faith-integrative offerings. No specific faith practice is required to receive services with us.
Accepting New Patients, same week availability................................... Louis Poeltl Ed.S, NCC, C-DBT, LMHC, LPC is a clinical mental health counselor with over 15 years of experience providing therapeutic services to diverse populations, including children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. With a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and an Education Specialist Degree in Family Counseling, Louis is especially suited to incorporate clients’ familial and cultural backgrounds to uncover negative internalized beliefs that are holding back clients from living their best lives now.
Accepting New Patients, same week availability................................... Louis Poeltl Ed.S, NCC, C-DBT, LMHC, LPC is a clinical mental health counselor with over 15 years of experience providing therapeutic services to diverse populations, including children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. With a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and an Education Specialist Degree in Family Counseling, Louis is especially suited to incorporate clients’ familial and cultural backgrounds to uncover negative internalized beliefs that are holding back clients from living their best lives now.
Hannah Huntley
Counselor, LMHC, NCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Burlington, WA 98233
Not accepting new clients
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I strive to create a safe space within my practice for individuals exploring their sexual and gender identities as well as LGBTQIA+ individuals who are struggling with self-compassion or finding a support system.
Welcome! My name is Hannah, and I believe that every individual deserves to be heard, affirmed, and supported as they work to build up skills to address the issues they are facing daily in their lives. Thank you for taking a minute to read my bio to see if I might be a good fit to come alongside you on your journey. I use a person-centered, trauma informed, multimodal approach to ensure each client is supported while identifying and working towards their goals. Along with this, I also believe it is important to understand the interconnectivity of cultural, historical, and social impacts and experiences within one’s life.
As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I strive to create a safe space within my practice for individuals exploring their sexual and gender identities as well as LGBTQIA+ individuals who are struggling with self-compassion or finding a support system.
Welcome! My name is Hannah, and I believe that every individual deserves to be heard, affirmed, and supported as they work to build up skills to address the issues they are facing daily in their lives. Thank you for taking a minute to read my bio to see if I might be a good fit to come alongside you on your journey. I use a person-centered, trauma informed, multimodal approach to ensure each client is supported while identifying and working towards their goals. Along with this, I also believe it is important to understand the interconnectivity of cultural, historical, and social impacts and experiences within one’s life.
Rives Whittle Thornton
Counselor, MS, LMHC, NCC, ACS, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Burlington, WA 98233
Not accepting new clients
Gaia Wellness Center offers counseling for presenting issues and challenges that individuals, relationships, and families are experiencing. Please contact us today to see how we might be helpful to you.
Gaia Wellness Center offers counseling for presenting issues and challenges that individuals, relationships, and families are experiencing. Please contact us today to see how we might be helpful to you.
Chelsey Graff
Counselor, MAMFT, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Not accepting new clients
All Creations Counseling was established with the goal to provide a safe space for LGBTQAI+ and straight individuals to come process on themselves, their lives, and learn skills to move forward.
Do you struggle with feelings of helplessness, depression, or anxiety? Are you or your teen struggling with tough times in life? Do you need a safe space to talk about self identity? Everyone goes through difficulties in life. That is why I am here to help. Hello. My name is Chelsey and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a background in Family therapy in the Stanwood area. I am currently full but have a waitlist for potential clients.
All Creations Counseling was established with the goal to provide a safe space for LGBTQAI+ and straight individuals to come process on themselves, their lives, and learn skills to move forward.
Do you struggle with feelings of helplessness, depression, or anxiety? Are you or your teen struggling with tough times in life? Do you need a safe space to talk about self identity? Everyone goes through difficulties in life. That is why I am here to help. Hello. My name is Chelsey and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a background in Family therapy in the Stanwood area. I am currently full but have a waitlist for potential clients.
Online Therapists
As a queer individual, I am passionate about supporting those who have experienced the silencing of their identities and the deep emotional pain that often accompanies it.
As hard as we try to avoid it, pain and suffering creep into our lives and make us feel heavy, stuck, and hopeless. However, it doesn't have to stay that way. Together, we can create a space to heal and grow from the pain you've been carrying. It starts by carefully unpacking your story and the experiences that have brought you here. Then, we will work toward discovering a path to greater hope and freedom. The core of my practice is relational and psychodynamic, and the treatment options I use include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotion focused therapy (EFT), and narrative therapy.
As a queer individual, I am passionate about supporting those who have experienced the silencing of their identities and the deep emotional pain that often accompanies it.
As hard as we try to avoid it, pain and suffering creep into our lives and make us feel heavy, stuck, and hopeless. However, it doesn't have to stay that way. Together, we can create a space to heal and grow from the pain you've been carrying. It starts by carefully unpacking your story and the experiences that have brought you here. Then, we will work toward discovering a path to greater hope and freedom. The core of my practice is relational and psychodynamic, and the treatment options I use include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), emotion focused therapy (EFT), and narrative therapy.
I am continuing to prioritize BIPOC and LGBTQ/QIAAP2S Communities.
You've been doing your work, but are finding it's not enough to make the changes you're ready for on your own. You're getting clear about what you want, but need help seeing it through. Making changes can be one of the most difficult things in our lives, especially when they effect our relationships and people we care about. My hope is to encourage the process of change by helping clients make difficult choices and to learn to identify and speak their Truths aloud to themselves and to others. My ideal client is close to being ready to take action, and needs some moments of support in those final moments.
I am continuing to prioritize BIPOC and LGBTQ/QIAAP2S Communities.
You've been doing your work, but are finding it's not enough to make the changes you're ready for on your own. You're getting clear about what you want, but need help seeing it through. Making changes can be one of the most difficult things in our lives, especially when they effect our relationships and people we care about. My hope is to encourage the process of change by helping clients make difficult choices and to learn to identify and speak their Truths aloud to themselves and to others. My ideal client is close to being ready to take action, and needs some moments of support in those final moments.
I offer therapy and counseling services to support folks in moving through trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions and many other challenges.
I work with a wide variety of folks who are experiencing mental health, trauma, family, and life related stressors. With experience supporting children ages 3 and up, teens, adults, and families I aim to provide holistic services meeting folks where they are at in their journey. My work includes providing affirming services for LGBTQ+ and Non-monogamous folks. I am skilled at providing services for neurodivergent (ADHD/Autistic) folks aimed at increasing self-understanding and coping with the stressors of the outside world.
I offer therapy and counseling services to support folks in moving through trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions and many other challenges.
I work with a wide variety of folks who are experiencing mental health, trauma, family, and life related stressors. With experience supporting children ages 3 and up, teens, adults, and families I aim to provide holistic services meeting folks where they are at in their journey. My work includes providing affirming services for LGBTQ+ and Non-monogamous folks. I am skilled at providing services for neurodivergent (ADHD/Autistic) folks aimed at increasing self-understanding and coping with the stressors of the outside world.
I have a particular interest in working with individuals who are LGBTQIA+ and/or neurodivergent.
I offer a warm, validating and authentic space in which you can explore, deeply examine, and accept who you are as well as seek to change alongside someone who genuinely cares. You may experience the occasional gentle challenge, but diverse perspectives and social justice are valued here; your worldview will be treated as valid. You are the expert on you, so my priority is facilitating your search for your own answers over presenting mine. I point out beliefs, connections and patterns without presenting my interpretation as the best or only one. Strategies and conclusions you buy into are the most likely to have a lasting impact.
I have a particular interest in working with individuals who are LGBTQIA+ and/or neurodivergent.
I offer a warm, validating and authentic space in which you can explore, deeply examine, and accept who you are as well as seek to change alongside someone who genuinely cares. You may experience the occasional gentle challenge, but diverse perspectives and social justice are valued here; your worldview will be treated as valid. You are the expert on you, so my priority is facilitating your search for your own answers over presenting mine. I point out beliefs, connections and patterns without presenting my interpretation as the best or only one. Strategies and conclusions you buy into are the most likely to have a lasting impact.
Christopher Skaggs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Seattle, WA 98144 (Online Only)
I offer relationship therapy to LGBTQ+ people in relationships, I am poly and multiple partner inclusive, sex positive, and kink affirming.
I work with people individually, and in relationships that struggle to effectively communicate their needs. Because of how they were brought up, or conditioned through experience, they might have vastly different ways of showing up in relationships, especially through conflict. We all want to work on what drives our behavior so that we can better understand ourselves and each other. This allows us to be vulnerable with one another and experience our real selves, so we can connect and love on a much deeper and more meaningful and satisfying level.
I offer relationship therapy to LGBTQ+ people in relationships, I am poly and multiple partner inclusive, sex positive, and kink affirming.
I work with people individually, and in relationships that struggle to effectively communicate their needs. Because of how they were brought up, or conditioned through experience, they might have vastly different ways of showing up in relationships, especially through conflict. We all want to work on what drives our behavior so that we can better understand ourselves and each other. This allows us to be vulnerable with one another and experience our real selves, so we can connect and love on a much deeper and more meaningful and satisfying level.
I work with individuals and with non-traditional relationships including polyamory, ethical non-monogamy and I have over 20 years of experience serving the QUILTBAG ( queer or questioning, undecided, intersex, lesbian, trans, bisexual, asexual or allied, gay or gender diverse). I don't name issues and disorders because labels are important to the people who pay the bills. Help, Support, and Knowledge from a person willing to stand with you when life is becoming hard and solutions aren't easy to see are more important then any diagnostic name or code for what ails you.
I work with individuals and with non-traditional relationships including polyamory, ethical non-monogamy and I have over 20 years of experience serving the QUILTBAG ( queer or questioning, undecided, intersex, lesbian, trans, bisexual, asexual or allied, gay or gender diverse). I don't name issues and disorders because labels are important to the people who pay the bills. Help, Support, and Knowledge from a person willing to stand with you when life is becoming hard and solutions aren't easy to see are more important then any diagnostic name or code for what ails you.
A bit about me: I'm a queer therapist focusing primarily on providing care through the relationship we'll form in our work.
First things first: Admitting when life is in shambles, you feel like you're floundering, and reaching out for extra support can all be humbling, to say the least. Yet, these are such courageous first steps in learning to care for yourself and those around you. Whether you're an individual or a couple, a first-timer, or a therapy regular, I'm proud of you for just getting here! I look forward to meeting you wherever here is, even (and especially) if it's different from where you want to be. And I would be honored to support you on this journey to becoming more you than you are now in whatever ways I can.
A bit about me: I'm a queer therapist focusing primarily on providing care through the relationship we'll form in our work.
First things first: Admitting when life is in shambles, you feel like you're floundering, and reaching out for extra support can all be humbling, to say the least. Yet, these are such courageous first steps in learning to care for yourself and those around you. Whether you're an individual or a couple, a first-timer, or a therapy regular, I'm proud of you for just getting here! I look forward to meeting you wherever here is, even (and especially) if it's different from where you want to be. And I would be honored to support you on this journey to becoming more you than you are now in whatever ways I can.
As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I can relate to clients from all walks of life and backgrounds.
Offering immediate openings Mondays on Whidbey. You need someone who cuts through the clinical feeling of "service provision" and really relates to you where you're at. Mental health issues can be so scary, confusing, and altogether isolating. I strive to be someone who "speaks your language" and treats the work as importantly as you do. As a team, we will need to be effective and results-driven but we'll also need to build your sense of hope over time. To do all that, I’ve assembled a skillset that utilizes evidence based practices (EBPs) and an eclectic toolbox that will create a safe space within which to do the work of therapy.
As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I can relate to clients from all walks of life and backgrounds.
Offering immediate openings Mondays on Whidbey. You need someone who cuts through the clinical feeling of "service provision" and really relates to you where you're at. Mental health issues can be so scary, confusing, and altogether isolating. I strive to be someone who "speaks your language" and treats the work as importantly as you do. As a team, we will need to be effective and results-driven but we'll also need to build your sense of hope over time. To do all that, I’ve assembled a skillset that utilizes evidence based practices (EBPs) and an eclectic toolbox that will create a safe space within which to do the work of therapy.
I also have extensive experience working with members of the LGBTQ+ community on various issues, including identity development, acceptance, and family issues.
As a licensed psychologist providing therapy to individual adults, 18 years and older, I work from a primarily person-centered, humanistic, and interpersonal orientation in psychotherapy. I focus on clients’ unique strengths, helping them to develop skills that can remove obstacles in their lives. Together, we work through a variety of issues, including depression, excessive worry, social anxiety, interpersonal difficulties, family issues, educational stress, grief, and identity issues.
I also have extensive experience working with members of the LGBTQ+ community on various issues, including identity development, acceptance, and family issues.
As a licensed psychologist providing therapy to individual adults, 18 years and older, I work from a primarily person-centered, humanistic, and interpersonal orientation in psychotherapy. I focus on clients’ unique strengths, helping them to develop skills that can remove obstacles in their lives. Together, we work through a variety of issues, including depression, excessive worry, social anxiety, interpersonal difficulties, family issues, educational stress, grief, and identity issues.
Dani’s areas of focus include chronic illiness (including low vision and blindness), LGBTQIA concerns, neurodiversity, eating disorders, as well as anxiety and depression that are often cooccuring. Dani recognizes that everyone is unique and that her work with you needs to be too.
Dani’s areas of focus include chronic illiness (including low vision and blindness), LGBTQIA concerns, neurodiversity, eating disorders, as well as anxiety and depression that are often cooccuring. Dani recognizes that everyone is unique and that her work with you needs to be too.
See more therapy options for Skagit County
LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.