Suicidal Ideation Therapists in Mercer Island, WA
Laura Claire
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate , MA, LMHCA
1 Endorsed
Mercer Island, WA 98040
The psychic wounding left from feeling unseen, unheard, or unsafe in the spaces meant to hold us with care can be profound and run deep. I work with a range of experiences, but feel particularly called to support those navigating the lasting impact of relational trauma, emotional neglect, narcissistic abuse, and complex family systems. These dynamics can erode our ability to trust our instincts, recognize our needs, maintain boundaries, and connect authentically with ourselves, with others, and to the world around us.
The psychic wounding left from feeling unseen, unheard, or unsafe in the spaces meant to hold us with care can be profound and run deep. I work with a range of experiences, but feel particularly called to support those navigating the lasting impact of relational trauma, emotional neglect, narcissistic abuse, and complex family systems. These dynamics can erode our ability to trust our instincts, recognize our needs, maintain boundaries, and connect authentically with ourselves, with others, and to the world around us.
Initial trust is not earned; it is a risk. And so, it means you might be a human if you’ve struggled in this. The more emotionally safe a person is, the easier it is to venture into trust, a process which requires getting to know someone. For some though, it comes down to “who is even worth the risk anymore?” Well, for starters, it’s when you can be yourself, feel acceptance and kindness, do not have to fear controlling behavior, and the other person demonstrates honesty and accountability through courage, compassion...and a tad of humor, as the medicine of connection comes in both the oxygen of laughter and the saline of tears.
Initial trust is not earned; it is a risk. And so, it means you might be a human if you’ve struggled in this. The more emotionally safe a person is, the easier it is to venture into trust, a process which requires getting to know someone. For some though, it comes down to “who is even worth the risk anymore?” Well, for starters, it’s when you can be yourself, feel acceptance and kindness, do not have to fear controlling behavior, and the other person demonstrates honesty and accountability through courage, compassion...and a tad of humor, as the medicine of connection comes in both the oxygen of laughter and the saline of tears.
Hello :) I'm here to support you on your wellness journey, whether your goal is personal growth, improving relationship(s), reducing anxiety, increasing joy, navigating a life change, or processing trauma. I also specialize in helping people in recovery from substance use disorders (or loved ones coping with a family member impacted by SUD), with a Post-Master's Certificate in Addiction Studies and extensive experience. Education from: Duke University (BA, Psychology), Pepperdine University (MA, Clinical Psychology); Antioch University (PMC, Addiction Studies); University of Washington (MA, Communication).
Hello :) I'm here to support you on your wellness journey, whether your goal is personal growth, improving relationship(s), reducing anxiety, increasing joy, navigating a life change, or processing trauma. I also specialize in helping people in recovery from substance use disorders (or loved ones coping with a family member impacted by SUD), with a Post-Master's Certificate in Addiction Studies and extensive experience. Education from: Duke University (BA, Psychology), Pepperdine University (MA, Clinical Psychology); Antioch University (PMC, Addiction Studies); University of Washington (MA, Communication).
Our lives are overwhelming. We need time and space to sort through what is most important; to connect with ourselves and the ones we love. Working together, we’ll build on your strengths, understand what brought you here, and create new ways forward.
I offer my clients warmth and directness, with practical tools to help bring more calm and ease. I honor the many layers of each client’s life (family, culture, identity, and lived experience) and work at the pace that feels right for them.
Our lives are overwhelming. We need time and space to sort through what is most important; to connect with ourselves and the ones we love. Working together, we’ll build on your strengths, understand what brought you here, and create new ways forward.
I offer my clients warmth and directness, with practical tools to help bring more calm and ease. I honor the many layers of each client’s life (family, culture, identity, and lived experience) and work at the pace that feels right for them.
Has life been really hard on you lately? Have you been here multiple times looking up counselors trying to decide if now’s the time to finally reach out for help? Has things become so overwhelming that life just seems like too much to handle anymore? If you say, “how the hell did I get here?” multiple times a day, you’re in the right place. “I think I need help” is the scariest sentence to say, but when you do, I promise it’s the most freeing feeling imaginable. You feel this way now, but you don’t have to stay in pain forever. Asking for help is the first step in healing. Take that first step now.
Has life been really hard on you lately? Have you been here multiple times looking up counselors trying to decide if now’s the time to finally reach out for help? Has things become so overwhelming that life just seems like too much to handle anymore? If you say, “how the hell did I get here?” multiple times a day, you’re in the right place. “I think I need help” is the scariest sentence to say, but when you do, I promise it’s the most freeing feeling imaginable. You feel this way now, but you don’t have to stay in pain forever. Asking for help is the first step in healing. Take that first step now.
Navigating family, health, love, work, and your mental health can be complicated– especially when one or more of those areas begin to slip into crisis. You might struggle to connect with yourself or your loved ones, build new relationships, or manage new hardships. Through non-judgmental discussion and an in-depth exploration and contextualization of your symptoms, we'll develop solutions for a more resilient, connected, and fulfilling way of life. I frequently work with adolescents and adults navigating life transitions, relational difficulties, depression, anxiety, identity exploration, and terminal diagnoses.
Navigating family, health, love, work, and your mental health can be complicated– especially when one or more of those areas begin to slip into crisis. You might struggle to connect with yourself or your loved ones, build new relationships, or manage new hardships. Through non-judgmental discussion and an in-depth exploration and contextualization of your symptoms, we'll develop solutions for a more resilient, connected, and fulfilling way of life. I frequently work with adolescents and adults navigating life transitions, relational difficulties, depression, anxiety, identity exploration, and terminal diagnoses.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with adults navigating reproductive health transitions and challenges. This includes mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy or postpartum, parenting stress, miscarriage or infant loss, fertility challenges, and coping with gynecologic conditions. I also have expertise in treating PTSD related to reproductive or childbirth trauma.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in working with adults navigating reproductive health transitions and challenges. This includes mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy or postpartum, parenting stress, miscarriage or infant loss, fertility challenges, and coping with gynecologic conditions. I also have expertise in treating PTSD related to reproductive or childbirth trauma.
The Only Cure Is Strength. Our work together will focus on your needs. Psychoanalytic Therapy, integrated with other perspectives, is a powerful and effective way to help individuals and couples address life's most urgent issues. Together we can work through, overcome, or improve: Depression, stress and anxiety,
Love and intimate relationships,
Family conflict resolution,
Sexuality and body image,
Parent-child conflicts,
Drug abuse and eating disorders, Balancing work and personal life, Managing emotions effectively, Strengthening the will/ego,
Artistic and athletic creativity, and Creation of meaning.
Every effort in therapy should be focused on achieving an aesthetic self-creation.
The Only Cure Is Strength. Our work together will focus on your needs. Psychoanalytic Therapy, integrated with other perspectives, is a powerful and effective way to help individuals and couples address life's most urgent issues. Together we can work through, overcome, or improve: Depression, stress and anxiety,
Love and intimate relationships,
Family conflict resolution,
Sexuality and body image,
Parent-child conflicts,
Drug abuse and eating disorders, Balancing work and personal life, Managing emotions effectively, Strengthening the will/ego,
Artistic and athletic creativity, and Creation of meaning.
Every effort in therapy should be focused on achieving an aesthetic self-creation.
IFS therapist - Do you feel like you’ve spent years caring for everyone else—only to realize you’ve slowly lost yourself in the process? If you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure what you need anymore, you’re not alone. I help women who feel invisible in their relationships reconnect with their inner worth, rebuild a sense of calm in their bodies, and learn to care for themselves with the same compassion they give to others. Through Internal Family Systems (IFS) and trauma-informed therapy, we create space for the parts of you that are tired, numb, or overworked to finally be heard—so you can feel grounded, clear, and whole again.
IFS therapist - Do you feel like you’ve spent years caring for everyone else—only to realize you’ve slowly lost yourself in the process? If you’re overwhelmed, exhausted, or unsure what you need anymore, you’re not alone. I help women who feel invisible in their relationships reconnect with their inner worth, rebuild a sense of calm in their bodies, and learn to care for themselves with the same compassion they give to others. Through Internal Family Systems (IFS) and trauma-informed therapy, we create space for the parts of you that are tired, numb, or overworked to finally be heard—so you can feel grounded, clear, and whole again.
Whether you're grieving the loss of a loved one; experiencing relationship challenges; struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma; or if you've simply hit a rough patch in your journey, I'm here to listen and help you begin to heal. Using an eclectic approach to counseling, I utilize a variety of evidence-based therapies to meet the unique needs of each of my clients. I will help you build resilience, heal your relationships, learn tools to calm your anxiety, discover your strengths, regain a sense of well-being, and live life more freely.
Whether you're grieving the loss of a loved one; experiencing relationship challenges; struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma; or if you've simply hit a rough patch in your journey, I'm here to listen and help you begin to heal. Using an eclectic approach to counseling, I utilize a variety of evidence-based therapies to meet the unique needs of each of my clients. I will help you build resilience, heal your relationships, learn tools to calm your anxiety, discover your strengths, regain a sense of well-being, and live life more freely.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist based in Seattle, WA. I specialize in evidence-based assessment and therapy for both children and adolescents. While I've spent much of my specialist practice at the intersection of ADHD and anxiety disorders, my generalist training has also prepared me to support those with sleep problems, depression, and adjustment issues across age groups. My evidence-based and culturally informed practice warmly welcomes individuals from underserved communities, including BIPOC, international students, and immigrants.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist based in Seattle, WA. I specialize in evidence-based assessment and therapy for both children and adolescents. While I've spent much of my specialist practice at the intersection of ADHD and anxiety disorders, my generalist training has also prepared me to support those with sleep problems, depression, and adjustment issues across age groups. My evidence-based and culturally informed practice warmly welcomes individuals from underserved communities, including BIPOC, international students, and immigrants.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Washington and I work with individuals 12 years old and up and their families in the greater Seattle area. I specialize in eating disorders, anxiety, depression and mood, and trauma. I am also an approved clinical supervisor and offer supervision to those who need clinical hours for their licensure. I provide eating disorder and body image consultation for fellow clinicians in the Seattle area; my goal is to provide other therapists the opportunity to consult with a specialist in the field in order to feel more secure and confident in their work with clients.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Washington and I work with individuals 12 years old and up and their families in the greater Seattle area. I specialize in eating disorders, anxiety, depression and mood, and trauma. I am also an approved clinical supervisor and offer supervision to those who need clinical hours for their licensure. I provide eating disorder and body image consultation for fellow clinicians in the Seattle area; my goal is to provide other therapists the opportunity to consult with a specialist in the field in order to feel more secure and confident in their work with clients.
In a stressful world, we’ll help you find healing, clarity and confidence. We provide therapy and psychological assessment for children, adolescents, young adults, couples and families. We believe that a foundation of our therapy is the relationship with our trusted and trained therapists who can help you deal with the causes of distress and help you acquire the skills to cope more successfully in the future.
In a stressful world, we’ll help you find healing, clarity and confidence. We provide therapy and psychological assessment for children, adolescents, young adults, couples and families. We believe that a foundation of our therapy is the relationship with our trusted and trained therapists who can help you deal with the causes of distress and help you acquire the skills to cope more successfully in the future.
Chris Costa, MA, PsyD(c) is a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Candidate at Antioch University, Seattle, in his fourth year of doctoral training. Chris has been trained in a practitioner-scholar model that emphasizes generalist clinical training and evidence-based practice, and has primarily worked in community mental health, and inpatient psychiatric settings. His clinical experience includes using relational, strengths-based, and cognitive behavioral approaches to working with children and adults struggling with various mental health issues, including neurodevelopmental disorders, mood disorders, complex trauma, and anger management.
Chris Costa, MA, PsyD(c) is a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Candidate at Antioch University, Seattle, in his fourth year of doctoral training. Chris has been trained in a practitioner-scholar model that emphasizes generalist clinical training and evidence-based practice, and has primarily worked in community mental health, and inpatient psychiatric settings. His clinical experience includes using relational, strengths-based, and cognitive behavioral approaches to working with children and adults struggling with various mental health issues, including neurodevelopmental disorders, mood disorders, complex trauma, and anger management.
You're probably trying really hard to keep it together—on the outside, you're functioning, but inside, you feel disconnected, anxious, or stuck in patterns that don’t serve you. You might feel shame about how heavy it all feels, or like your emotions are “too much.” You’re craving the space to be fully seen—without having to mask or explain yourself.
You're probably trying really hard to keep it together—on the outside, you're functioning, but inside, you feel disconnected, anxious, or stuck in patterns that don’t serve you. You might feel shame about how heavy it all feels, or like your emotions are “too much.” You’re craving the space to be fully seen—without having to mask or explain yourself.
I have experience working with clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and phobias.
I focus on relationship-building, playfulness, and respect. Rooted in evidenced-based treatment, my clients and I collaborative on goals and treatment targets to fit their needs. With me, clients always know what they are working on and why.
I aim to provide trauma-informed care. This includes how trauma impacts the brain and body as well as the ongoing trauma of being in a marginalized community. I am committed to providing antiracist and anticolonial, Queer and Trans affirming, and neurodiverse affirming care. I specialize in working with teens young adults, particularly college-age folks.
I have experience working with clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and phobias.
I focus on relationship-building, playfulness, and respect. Rooted in evidenced-based treatment, my clients and I collaborative on goals and treatment targets to fit their needs. With me, clients always know what they are working on and why.
I aim to provide trauma-informed care. This includes how trauma impacts the brain and body as well as the ongoing trauma of being in a marginalized community. I am committed to providing antiracist and anticolonial, Queer and Trans affirming, and neurodiverse affirming care. I specialize in working with teens young adults, particularly college-age folks.
Are you on a journey to become the best version of yourself? Would you like a safe and inviting person to help you do just that? I love to work with people who are struggling to live to their fullest potential. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, difficult responses to traumatic events, life transitions (e.g. going to college, becoming a parent, death of a loved one), relationship or school/workplace challenges, defining your identity, or something different, I would love to talk with you to see if working together might be a good fit.
Are you on a journey to become the best version of yourself? Would you like a safe and inviting person to help you do just that? I love to work with people who are struggling to live to their fullest potential. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, difficult responses to traumatic events, life transitions (e.g. going to college, becoming a parent, death of a loved one), relationship or school/workplace challenges, defining your identity, or something different, I would love to talk with you to see if working together might be a good fit.
Our counselors work with young children to adolescents on issues such as school performance, anxiety, relationships, and behavior. We also provide parent coaching to support parents efforts to help their children and family thrive. We believe the family is a system, so we try to also work with parents in various supportive capacities. This includes coaching to create a better family as well as helping divorcing parents co-parent more effectively.
Our counselors work with young children to adolescents on issues such as school performance, anxiety, relationships, and behavior. We also provide parent coaching to support parents efforts to help their children and family thrive. We believe the family is a system, so we try to also work with parents in various supportive capacities. This includes coaching to create a better family as well as helping divorcing parents co-parent more effectively.
I believe therapy is most effective when clinicians welcome the expertise clients have about their own lives. Treatment is collaborative! My hope is to take the relationship we build and extend it to the rest of your life outside of the therapy room. I approach therapy with the assumption that clients aren’t trying to make their lives harder, but often that our attempts to manage distress may increase suffering. Through our work together, we will focus on identifying strengths and values that are guiding behavior, and then challenging and changing the unhelpful aspects and thought patterns that make reaching your goals difficult.
I believe therapy is most effective when clinicians welcome the expertise clients have about their own lives. Treatment is collaborative! My hope is to take the relationship we build and extend it to the rest of your life outside of the therapy room. I approach therapy with the assumption that clients aren’t trying to make their lives harder, but often that our attempts to manage distress may increase suffering. Through our work together, we will focus on identifying strengths and values that are guiding behavior, and then challenging and changing the unhelpful aspects and thought patterns that make reaching your goals difficult.
I am a multi-licensed clinical psychologist, with diverse experience as psychological evaluator and treating psychologist in psychiatric inpatient and private practice. I specialize in psychological testing and psychodynamic (analytic) therapy, with expertise in addiction recovery, Christian integration, and men’s psychology. I practice with clinical acumen and therapeutic hope. I provide integrative care, and collaborate with naturopathic and psychiatric practitioners and Christian services for whole person service. I prioritize the doctor-patient relationship with enhanced confidentiality and discretion.
I am a multi-licensed clinical psychologist, with diverse experience as psychological evaluator and treating psychologist in psychiatric inpatient and private practice. I specialize in psychological testing and psychodynamic (analytic) therapy, with expertise in addiction recovery, Christian integration, and men’s psychology. I practice with clinical acumen and therapeutic hope. I provide integrative care, and collaborate with naturopathic and psychiatric practitioners and Christian services for whole person service. I prioritize the doctor-patient relationship with enhanced confidentiality and discretion.
See more therapy options for Mercer Island
Suicidal Ideation Therapists
How does therapy for suicidal ideation work?
Stress, depression, anxiety, or upsetting circumstances can give rise to suicidal thinking. Therapy can address the events at the core of an individual’s suffering. Understanding why a person may be suicidal can help the therapist and the patient discover alternative methods of coping. A person with suicidal ideation may be mired in catastrophic thinking, and treatment like cognitive behavioral therapy is a good choice for breaking such patterns. In addition, treatment such as acceptance and commitment therapy can help a person manage their distress through better emotion regulation.
Which therapies are best for suicidal ideation?
Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavior, psychodynamic, acceptance and commitment therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapies are two widely used therapies that can help individuals with painful thoughts and past traumas. These therapies help an individual tolerate distress, regulate emotions, and not act on dangerous urges.
Are there specific medications to be combined with therapy?
The use of medication for suicidal thoughts must be aligned with the underlying cause; conditions such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis may be at the root of suicidal ideation. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications for symptoms, which may include antipsychotics such as aripiprazole or antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
How often and how long are therapy sessions for suicidal ideation?
As with any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Patients may see improvement within 15 to 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, while others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, perhaps, a six-month period. Still other patients, especially those with co-occurring conditions like major depression and anxiety, may need to continue sessions for up to 12 to 18 months. In some cases, residential treatment may be recommended for an individual who is judged to be at high risk of self-harm.