Therapists that accept Cash Pay in Washington

Choosing a cash pay option for mental health care can provide flexibility and access to quality support without the constraints of insurance networks. With 163 verified therapists in Washington who accept cash pay, you can explore therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and supportive counseling to address a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist that has a cash pay option listed below is currently welcoming new clients and has availability soon, offering you a straightforward path to compassionate, accessible care on your terms.

Find therapists near you in

SeattleSpokaneOlympia

Availability updated: 10/1/2026

$150/session

Authentic
Warm
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+10
Hi, I’m Kristen Levin, LCSW. Life can feel overwhelming at times, and holding everything together isn’t always easy. If you’re going through a challenging season, feeling stuck, or simply needing space to focus on yourself, therapy can offer support, clarity, and relief. My approach is client-centered and strengths-based, with care tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals. I work collaboratively with clients to better understand their thoughts, emotions, and patterns, while gently guiding, supporting, and challenging them when helpful. I strive to create a safe, trusting, and comfortable environment where you can openly express yourself, process emotions, build coping skills, and develop a stronger sense of self. Together, we work toward meaningful change and a more balanced, fulfilling life. I draw from a range of evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Client-Centered Therapy. Treatment is always collaborative, and we’ll develop a plan together that aligns with your specific goals. I look forward to connecting and supporting you on your journey.
VirtualAvailable

New to Grow

$175/session

Specialties
Attachment Issues
Couples Counseling
Men's Issues
+6
Welcome! I am a licensed therapist dedicated to providing a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you can explore life’s challenges and work toward meaningful growth. My practice focuses on helping individuals navigate anxiety, major life transitions, relationship dynamics, and personal identity. I utilize an integrative, evidence-based approach tailored to your unique needs, combining cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and humanistic care. Together, we will build actionable coping strategies, foster self-compassion, and empower you to live a more fulfilling, aligned life.
Available

$160/session

Authentic
Direct
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Trauma and PTSD
Psychotherapy provides a safe place to discuss fears, thoughts, and difficult decisions we as humans must make during our journey in life. I believe we are capable of making life changes with the right tools. I am here to listen without judgement. I believe we all have a story to share. Being heard is one of the most important aspects of communication. My passion is working with clients who have experienced some form of trauma in their lives. By sharing your story, we can begin to process the trauma from experience to a new understanding, while remaining in the present.
Available

$200/session

Empowering
Intelligent
Solution oriented
Specialties
Mood Disorders
Personality Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
+8
Trevor Duncan, PsyD, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 13 years of experience helping teens and adults navigate a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and serious mental health challenges. Throughout his career, he has worked with individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, mood disorders, life transitions, and other complex mental health concerns, providing compassionate and evidence-based care tailored to each person's unique needs. Beyond his professional role, Trevor is a father, grandfather, brother, and son who understands the importance of connection, family, and personal growth. He believes that meaningful change occurs through authentic relationships, empathy, and a collaborative therapeutic process. His goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives. When he's not working with clients, Trevor enjoys spending time outdoors and riding his bicycle. His appreciation for nature, movement, and balance informs his holistic approach to wellness and mental health. Whether you are facing significant challenges or simply seeking personal growth, Trevor is committed to helping you build resilience, develop practical coping skills, and create a more fulfilling life.
Available

$150/session

Warm
Empowering
Open-minded
Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Parenting
+10
Hello! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience in working with clients of all ages. I am able to help individuals navigate struggles with anxiety, ADHD, relationship challenges, domestic violence, stress, and parenting issues to name a few. As a compassionate therapist, I meet clients where they are at and work from a strengths-based approach. I believe that all individuals deserve a safe place to heal, be heard, and share their thoughts and feelings without judgment. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques in my approach and encourage clients to find personal strengths as they work through life transitions. If you're ready to take the next step towards a more fulfilling life or need supportive guidance, feel free to set up a consultation today.
VirtualAvailable

$150/session

Authentic
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+4
I am an independently licensed clinical social worker in Washington and Oregon. I have four years of experience as a therapist and over a year of experience in independent clinical practice. Coming to this career later in life, I bring valuable life experience, perspective, and a commitment to lifelong learning to my work. I am passionate about social justice, respecting individual differences, and recognizing the unique strengths each person brings. My previous experience as a teacher and a social worker has given me the opportunity to work with people from many backgrounds. It is deeply important to me, , to honor our differences while recognizing our shared humanity, . I am passionate about helping people heal from trauma, navigate life transitions, develop greater self-understanding, and cultivate self-compassion. My goal is to provide a supportive, collaborative space where clients can understand themselves and move toward a life that is authentic and fulfilling.
Available

$130/session

Warm
Humorous
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Chronic Illness
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Many people come to therapy carrying experiences they've never told another person. Whether you're living with anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic illness, chronic pain, or navigating life as a neurodivergent person, you don't have to carry it alone anymore. I work with children, teens, and adults to create a space where you can be yourself without fear of judgment. Many of my clients have spent years masking who they are, minimizing their pain, or believing they have to handle everything on their own. Others carry experiences they worry are "too much" to share. In our work together, you don't have to hide parts of yourself or worry about being judged or misunderstood. I strive to create a therapeutic relationship where you feel safe enough to be honest, even about the things you've never said out loud. Whether you're processing trauma, navigating difficult life experiences, learning to live with chronic illness, or discovering what it means to be neurodivergent, we'll move at a pace that feels right for you. Together, we'll build practical coping skills, deepen self-understanding, and work toward a life where you feel more connected, empowered, and less alone.
Available

New to Grow

$80/session

Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
+3
Hello, I’m Ida Ramos, a Licensed Professional Counselor serving clients in Texas and Washington with 11 years experience. I work with adults, couples, and veterans who struggle with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. As a bilingual counselor fluent in English and Spanish, I provide a warm, supportive, and culturally responsive space where clients feel safe and understood. I personalize sessions to meet your needs and focus on building trust in the first few sessions. My compassion and personal experiences guide my work, and I am passionate about helping others experience the healing and growth that counseling can provide.
Available

$150/session

Authentic
Warm
Empowering
Specialties
Couples Counseling
LGBTQ
Life Transitions
+4
COUPLES-Please note that most insurances will not cover the cost of couples session unless the reason for counseling is related to the a mental health diagnosis for the insured partner so the sessions will be billed as self pay. I have over 20 years of experience helping adults and couples navigate life's challenges in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes that align with your values and goals. As a Certified Sex Therapist and CBT-certified therapist, I use an integrative approach to treatment, tailoring therapy to meet your unique needs rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) serves as one foundation of my work, I also incorporate evidence-based techniques from other therapeutic approaches to provide individualized care. I have experience working with clients facing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, intimacy and sexual concerns, LGBTQIA+ issues, military-related experiences, and major life transitions. Whether you're navigating communication difficulties, rebuilding trust, managing stress, exploring your identity, or working toward greater emotional and relational wellness, I am committed to helping you develop practical skills and lasting insight. I believe therapy is a collaborative process built on trust, authenticity, and compassion. Together, we will identify your strengths, explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop strategies to help you move forward with confidence. My approach is warm, direct, and solution-focused while honoring your pace and individual experiences. Seeking therapy is a courageous step, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients throughout their journey. I am passionate about helping people build healthier relationships, improve emotional well-being, strengthen resilience, and create fulfilling lives that reflect who they truly are.
VirtualAvailable

$175/session

Authentic
Humorous
Solution oriented
Specialties
Career Counseling
Life Transitions
Women's Issues
+8
Are you a woman facing big decisions? Navigating relationship challenges, family dynamics, parenting difficulties, career pivots? My background shapes how I approach therapy with clients facing such women's issues, which includes years as a licensed mental health counselor, but also as serving in senior leadership within higher education, supporting clients as a transformational coach, and balancing parenting along the way. This mix (and juggling act) gives me a practical understanding of how emotional wellbeing is often shaped by work, caregiving, relationships, and major life responsibilities. Many of the woman I work with are thoughtful, capable, and carrying more than others realize. They often appear highly functional on the outside while privately feeling overwhelmed, depleted, uncertain, or disconnected from themselves. I help clients slow things down enough to understand what is happening beneath the surface, identify what needs attention, and move forward in ways that feel grounded and realistic. I am licensed in Washington, Virginia, and Rhode Island, am a nationally certified counselor, and hold a doctorate in adult and higher education. While my colleagues may call me Dr. T, in counseling I'm just Melanie. I'm here to support you, help you find clarity and calm, offer guidance, levity, and a safe space for tears, perimenopausal rage, or a well placed curse word. Together, we find solutions to the barriers keeping you from your next chapter.
VirtualAvailable

$120/session

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Military/Veterans
+10
I am a bilingual and bicultural Licensed Mental Health Counselor licensed in Florida with over 15 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked around the world- in Mexico, in the US, in Germany, in Japan, and in US, and worked in a wide variety of settings, including extensive work in community mental health, substance abuse/addictions, child welfare, and with military and veteran populations. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including couples/relationship issues, anxiety, depression, immigration-related issues, abuse and trauma, divorce and separation, and grief and loss, among other things. I have also worked extensively with the Marine Corps in the area of force preservation and suicide prevention, and have worked with other branches of the service as well, both in the US and OCONUS. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. I honestly believe we can work together to find solutions for almost any problem and that we can emerge from challenges stronger, and even more resilient. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, mindfulness training, and other techniques. I also have incorporated many things I have learned in my travels and interactions with psychology in other cultures and countries into my extensive training. I will tailor our interactions and treatment to help you meet your goals and work collaboratively with you every step along the way. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

$150/session

Warm
Authentic
Challenging
Specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Self Esteem
+10
You may look like you have things together on the outside while privately feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or uncertain about what comes next. I work with adults navigating anxiety, self-esteem, relationship challenges, and life transitions, including people who are used to being capable, dependable, or successful but are struggling beneath the surface. With more than 10 years of experience as a social worker, I offer a collaborative and down-to-earth space to better understand the patterns shaping your life and relationships. Together, we'll build on your strengths, explore what matters most to you, and work toward changes that feel meaningful and sustainable.
Available

$100/session

Authentic
Warm
Open-minded
Specialties
Anxiety
Autism
Coping Skills
+5
Hi, I’m a licensed therapist in Washington, Montana, and Florida, and I truly believe caring for your mental health is one of the most important steps toward a steady, fulfilling life. Reaching out isn’t easy, so I’m really glad you’re here. I focus on supporting adults who are looking to expand their ways of coping and understand themselves better. My style is warm, curious, and collaborative—I use proven approaches while also trusting intuition to help you build skills and reconnect with your strengths. You can expect empathy, compassion, and a space where you can show up as your full self.
VirtualAvailable

New to Grow

$150/session

Specialties
Domestic Violence
First Responders/Healthcare Workers
Trauma and PTSD
+4
I am a licensed psychologist who works with individuals who have experienced traumatic events and are navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I use evidence-based approaches tailored to each client’s unique needs, including EMDR, CBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I enjoy helping people discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and become the best version of themselves.
Available

$160/session

Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
+10
I am a compassionate and dedicated therapist who believes that every person has the potential to grow, heal and live a meaningful and fulfilling life. my approach to therapy is centered on creating a safe, welcoming and nonjudgemental environment where individuals feel heard, valued and supported as they navigate life's challenges. As a Christian, my faith is an important part of who I am and shapes my desire to serve others with compassion, grace, empathy and genuine care. I believe that emotional, mental physical and spiritual well-being all play a part in helping people experience a healthy and fulfilling life. When appropriate and welcomed, I am honored to incorporate Christian faith and values into the therapeutic process while respecting the individual's personal beliefs, experiences and journey. My goal as a therapist is help people understand themselves more deeply, develop healthy coping strategies, strengthen relationships, overcome obstacles and find hope and courage to move forward. I wany my clients to feel empowered to make positive changes and to recognize their own strengths and abilities. I strive to help people move toward a life that is happy, healthy and fulfilling. It is my privilege to walk alongside my clients during difficult times and to support them as they work toward becoming the best version of themselves.
Available

$115/session

Warm
Solution oriented
Authentic
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Self Esteem
+3
Hi my name is Maria Mercedes Giol, I am a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, California, Utah and Washington. I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and completed my Master's in Mental Health Counseling in Miami, Florida. I have lived in sunny (sometimes Florida, lol ) for 29 years and I am a devoted mother to a 17-year-old son and 1 small dog. I enjoy boating with my family, watching sunsets, hiking, bicycling, singing, and making homemade soaps.
VirtualAvailable

$155/session

Authentic
Empowering
Warm
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
+8
I work with teens, emerging adults, and adults who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply wanting a better understanding of themselves. I believe therapy should be a place where you can show up as you are, feel heard and understood, and explore your experiences without fear of judgment. Together, we can look at the ways you think, feel, and respond to challenges, and begin to understand how those patterns may be affecting your life and relationships. My approach to therapy is warm, accepting, and collaborative. I don’t believe there is a one-size-fits-all approach to healing, so I work with each client to understand their unique experiences, strengths, needs, and goals. I use evidence-based approaches and practical tools to help you build greater self-awareness, develop skills that feel meaningful and manageable, and find healthier ways of navigating life’s challenges. Most importantly, I believe you already have strengths within you that can help you move forward. My role is to walk alongside you, help you uncover what may be underneath the struggles you’re experiencing, and support you in building resilience, confidence, and a deeper understanding of yourself. Therapy can be a place to slow down, make sense of what you’re going through, and create space for meaningful change.
Available

$150/session

Authentic
Empowering
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
+8
Clients shouldn't have to be in therapy forever! Together, we'll co-create a balanced approach combining active listening with practical techniques, helping you reclaim your narrative and overcome obstacles. My clinical and holistic approach aims for deeper alignment and fulfillment—think more water, less soda. As an LCSW, I'm trained in EMDR, certified in Theta Healing, Reiki, Transformational Life Coaching, and Therapeutic Touch, and am a Master Practitioner in Neuro Linguistic Programming, Hypnotherapy, and Time Line Therapy. I provide a compassionate, judgment-free space to explore your wants, needs, and emotions. You know yourself best, and our work is about uncovering your truths rather than imposing mine. Together, we'll determine the tools and approaches that best suit your needs, ensuring you feel heard, validated, and empowered. The goal is to help you confidently manage challenges independently over time. We'll walk side-by-side, with you gradually taking the lead and me offering steady support. If you have pressing concerns, those always take precedence. Our sessions focus on understanding HOW you think, not just WHAT you think, exploring both conscious and unconscious beliefs and emotions. You'll leave with clear, actionable steps, such as mindfulness exercises, creative writing prompts, meditation, and breathwork techniques to regulate emotions and reclaim your narrative. Therapy isn't about fixing what's "broken" but enhancing alignment and fulfillment while overcoming obstacles. By focusing on your goals and measuring progress, we can eliminate stigma, leaving shame behind and empowering you toward greater self-awareness and fulfillment.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

$120/session

Intelligent
Authentic
Direct
Specialties
First Responders/Healthcare Workers
Military/Veterans
Trauma and PTSD
+4
I am a licensed mental health counselor and military veteran. My practice focuses on supporting adults navigating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, organizational stress, organizational betrayal, and high-stress occupational experiences. I work with veterans, first responders, public safety professionals, healthcare professionals, and individuals seeking practical, collaborative, and trauma-informed care. My approach is direct at times, supportive, and grounded in evidence-based treatment, including CBT, DBT skills, EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, and strength-based therapy. I help clients better understand their experiences, develop healthier coping strategies, and move toward healing, resilience, and meaningful change.
Available

$125/session

Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Anxiety
Couples Counseling
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
+6
I am a licensed professional counselor with experience working with mental health, trauma, addiction, grief, and couples counseling. I am here to walk alongside you and see the world as you see it. I believe that with support, people can change their beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors in order to live productively and joyfully. It is my hope to build trust in a therapeutic relationship by providing safe and nonjudgmental therapy. My desire is for you to feel comfortable in relating your goals and needs. I will collaborate with you in understanding what will work best for you to reach those goals and get your needs met. Through knowledge, encouragement, support, and relationship, I will help you reach your full potential.
VirtualAvailable

$100/session

Warm
Authentic
Empowering
Specialties
Anxiety
Chronic Illness
Depression
+10
Welcome, and thank you for taking this important first step. My name is Arany Orellana, and I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in the States of Florida, Oregon, and Washington State, with 20 years of experience supporting adults facing mental health challenges. I am fluent in English and Spanish. I offer a safe, compassionate space where you can feel heard, supported, and understood. My goal is to empower you as you build self-compassion, personal growth, and a more fulfilling life. Together, we'll explore that matters most to you and how to move forward with clarity and confidence.
VirtualAvailable

Often rebooked

$120/session

Authentic
Warm
Intelligent
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Spirituality
+10
Thank you for sharing information about yourself. I'm so happy that you reached out for help. I am Michael Creech, a licensed therapist. My goal is to meet you where you are by bringing a compassionate approach backed by formal training and experience and be a part of your goals in the change process. I am very personable as well as professional and I do not believe in one-sided relationships. I have a multidisciplinary, eclectic approach to therapy in which I utilize techniques and principles from a variety of modalities to include Christian based. My counseling is geared toward treating the whole person from a biopsychosocial spiritual standpoint. I view counseling as a calling and not as a career and that it is a collaborative effort in which I learn and grow as a result of every interaction. My clients describe me as a “good listener” and as someone who “makes me think”. Some of the experiences that have contributed to my professional identity and approach to mental health treatment are my formal education at Pensacola Christian College where I received a BA in Pastoral Ministry and Liberty University where I received a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I have worked as a therapist under regulatory agencies for 6 years and have worked in Christian Ministry since my ministerial ordination in 2003. Demographics I have served have included inpatient and outpatient care, private practice, substance abuse issues, psychotic spectrum disorders, gender identity issues, personality disorders, sex addiction, family and relationship issues, depression, anxiety, PTSD, Spirituality, and men’s issues. My experiences as a combat military veteran, teacher, father, husband, and a person who has experienced my own traumas and failures have contributed to my professional development. I look forward to getting to know you!
VirtualAvailable

$250/session

Intelligent
Authentic
Solution oriented
Specialties
Couples Counseling
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Introduction to Dr. Raymond H. Hamden Dr. Raymond H. Hamden is a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist with over 50 years of experience helping individuals, couples, families, and organizations navigate life’s most complex psychological challenges. His work is grounded in a simple but powerful philosophy: “People Helping People: Making a Better World.” Dr. Hamden brings a unique combination of deep clinical expertise, real-world experience, and human understanding. He has worked across hospitals, forensic settings, government systems, and private practice, supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship conflict, identity concerns, and major life transitions. What Makes His Approach Different Dr. Hamden does not believe in a one-size-fits-all model. Each person is seen as unique, with their own story, strengths, and potential for growth. His approach integrates: Clinical and forensic psychology Emotional and behavioral insight Communication and relationship dynamics Trauma recovery and resilience building Practical, real-life strategies for change He is also the developer of the Quantum Collaboration Model, focusing on improving how people relate, communicate, and support one another, at home, at work, and in society. Areas of Support Individuals seek Dr. Hamden’s guidance for: Stress, anxiety, and mood concerns Trauma and post-traumatic growth Relationship and family challenges Personal identity and life direction Behavioral and emotional regulation Conflict resolution and communication Forensic and legal-related psychological evaluations What to Expect Working with Dr. Hamden is not just about talking, it is about understanding, clarity, and meaningful change. Clients often describe the experience as: Insightful and grounding Respectful and non-judgmental Structured yet flexible Focused on real-life outcomes A Message to Prospective Clients If you are seeking clarity, support, or a path forward, you are not alone. Dr. Hamden offers a space where your experiences are understood, your voice is heard, and your growth is supported—with professionalism, compassion, and purpose.
VirtualAvailable

$150/session

Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct
Specialties
Addiction
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
Trauma and PTSD
+10
Hello! My name is Max Croteau and I have had the pleasure of being a licensed professional counselor for almost 10 years now. In this time, I have been able to mold my style of understanding, accepting while also challenging and motivational into a successful model of growth and change for those who choose to work with me. I truly am a believer that therapy can sometimes be a side-by-side process, or it can be a process where one guides and the other follows, but ultimately the choice is up to you. I don’t want you to live a life that I tell you to live. I want to help you find a life that is truly a genuine fit for yourself and one that you can see yourself living without even having to think about it. I’ve specialized in addiction, OCD, trauma therapy, family and couples counseling and various other topics in the world of mental health. One important factor that I have found is that each person has their own individual story and their journey will be just as individualized. No matter how similar, we are all different. A cookie cutter approach to the rest of your life is not something that you will get from me. I will truly meet you where you are and work with you every step of the way to achieve the success that you are looking for. I always guarantee every person I work with that therapy may not be easy, but in the end, it will be incredibly worthwhile. I’d love to start and/or continue that journey. Growth has no final destination, just the journey. It’s up to you what path you’d like to take.
VirtualAvailable

$125/session

Solution oriented
Authentic
Direct
Specialties
Anxiety
Trauma and PTSD
Women's Issues
+10
Hello! I am an attachment-based, trauma-informed Marriage and Family Therapist. I offer a warm, grounding space where you can slow down and make sense of the patterns that may be keeping you or your relationships feeling stuck. Therapy becomes a place to reconnect with yourself, strengthen your self esteem, self efficacy, relationships, and move toward a life that feels aligned, authentic, and balanced.
VirtualAvailable
Frequently asked questions

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in Washington. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across Washington from Spokane to Tacoma! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in Washington.

When booking you’ll be asked to verify with your Member ID. However, if you don’t have any of the insurances available you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need.

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs. Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center.Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.