Locally Based Grief Counseling Resources
Grief Counseling
The Puget Sound area has an exceptional network of dedicated bereavement professionals; however, at this time finding a licensed therapist for individual counseling can be challenging. Bereavement coordinators and/or chaplains at hospitals and hospices can be good sources for referrals, as they work closely with the greater counseling community. Listed below are just a few of the many therapists in the area, and more will be added over time. Counseling is also available from individuals who are not state-licensed but who have received training in grief. More information is provided below. |
Some things to know:
In Washington the Department of Health regulates licensed mental health professionals. Their website has information on how to check credentials, as well as "what to expect" from counselors. Click here.
Professional grief counseling is performed by someone who has been licensed by the state or an "associate," an individual who has a graduate degree in the mental health field and is working under supervision to obtain licensure. Some professionals may also be nationally certified as grief counselors.
Licensed Professional Grief Counselors/Associates
Seattle
Virg Augoustatos, MA, LMHCA - 425.243.7495
Individual and group grief counseling (ages 13+).
Jacquelyn Baker, MA, LMHCA - 206.309.7680
Specializing in grief and trauma. (Also child loss and miscarriage.) May have openings soon.
Susan Cyr, MA, LMHCA - 206.800.8638
Counseling for spousal loss. Specializes in traumatic loss and suicide. (Also counsels bereaved parents.) Telehealth only at this time.
Dawn Dickson, MSW, LICSW - 206.777.5283
Individual psychotherapy sessions for young people and adults. Telehealth only at this time.
Jill Gross, Psy.D. - 206.778.2780
Counseling for grief and loss (adults). Offers a Young Widows Support group for widows under age 55 who have lost their spouse/partner within the past 18 months. In-person appointments may be available.
Annika Jakes, MSW, LSWAIC, CTP - 206.307.1037
Medical social worker and certified trauma professional, using a body-oriented approach to therapy. Virtual sessions at this time.
Ellen Rugg, MA, MSW, LICSW - 206.547.7844
Individual and group psychotherapy to women at mid-life and older (includes grief). Virtual sessions at this time.
Wendy Smith, MA, LMHC - 206.965.8749
Counseling for bereavement, traumatic loss, and grief related to disability and illness.
Laura Takacs, LICSW, MPH - 564.210-7035
Therapist supporting trauma, loss, and grief. Virtual and in-person sessions.
Betsy Zuber, MS, GMHS, LMHC - 206.455.0452
Counseling for grief and loss, which is currently taking place via Zoom and Microsoft Teams. (Also works with older adults and families dealing with dementia care issues.)
Eastside
Scott Rutledge, Eastside Grief and Loss, MA, LMFT (Issaquah) - 425.651.6510 - Grief counseling for those who have lost their spouse or partner (or any family member or friend). Counseling is currently taking place virtually.
Geri Schnitzer-Newson, MSW, ACSW (Issaquah) - 206.354.6138 - Counseling for those who are experiencing grief and loss, as well as those with serious illnesses. Counseling is currently taking place via video or phone.
Snohomish County
Alexandra Hepburn, PhD, CC (Edmonds and Indianola) - 206.915.8833 - Individual grief counseling. Currently conducting sessions via Zoom and phone.
Suzanne Snyder, MA (Mill Creek) - 425.478.1644 - Individual counseling as well as couples and families. Experience in working with traumatic and sudden loss. Currently conducting sessions mainly through FaceTime and Skype.
Christine Daverio, MSW (Mill Creek) - 425.357.9100 - Currently conducting video sessions with children age 16+ and adults.
Other Options for Connecting to Professional Counseling
The following links may be helpful to individuals who are seeking counseling and therapy from professionals who share their specific ethnic or cultural backgrounds or identity:
Multiculturalcounselors.org is a locally based resource that enables an individual to search for local grief counselors by ethnicity, language, religion, and/or location.
African-American - Psychology Today connects individuals to local African-American providers.
LGBTQ+ - Seattle Psychology connects individuals to local independent providers for this community.
Banister Advisors (206.485.0555) helps individuals navigate life-changing events, including widowhood. They can help you connect with the right therapist based on your unique circumstances and preferences. Click here.
Psychology Today maintains a list of Seattle-area private practitioners who offer periodic grief workshops for a fee. Click here.
Counseling may also be available through your employer's Employee Assistance Program.
In Washington the Department of Health regulates licensed mental health professionals. Their website has information on how to check credentials, as well as "what to expect" from counselors. Click here.
Professional grief counseling is performed by someone who has been licensed by the state or an "associate," an individual who has a graduate degree in the mental health field and is working under supervision to obtain licensure. Some professionals may also be nationally certified as grief counselors.
Licensed Professional Grief Counselors/Associates
Seattle
Virg Augoustatos, MA, LMHCA - 425.243.7495
Individual and group grief counseling (ages 13+).
Jacquelyn Baker, MA, LMHCA - 206.309.7680
Specializing in grief and trauma. (Also child loss and miscarriage.) May have openings soon.
Susan Cyr, MA, LMHCA - 206.800.8638
Counseling for spousal loss. Specializes in traumatic loss and suicide. (Also counsels bereaved parents.) Telehealth only at this time.
Dawn Dickson, MSW, LICSW - 206.777.5283
Individual psychotherapy sessions for young people and adults. Telehealth only at this time.
Jill Gross, Psy.D. - 206.778.2780
Counseling for grief and loss (adults). Offers a Young Widows Support group for widows under age 55 who have lost their spouse/partner within the past 18 months. In-person appointments may be available.
Annika Jakes, MSW, LSWAIC, CTP - 206.307.1037
Medical social worker and certified trauma professional, using a body-oriented approach to therapy. Virtual sessions at this time.
Ellen Rugg, MA, MSW, LICSW - 206.547.7844
Individual and group psychotherapy to women at mid-life and older (includes grief). Virtual sessions at this time.
Wendy Smith, MA, LMHC - 206.965.8749
Counseling for bereavement, traumatic loss, and grief related to disability and illness.
Laura Takacs, LICSW, MPH - 564.210-7035
Therapist supporting trauma, loss, and grief. Virtual and in-person sessions.
Betsy Zuber, MS, GMHS, LMHC - 206.455.0452
Counseling for grief and loss, which is currently taking place via Zoom and Microsoft Teams. (Also works with older adults and families dealing with dementia care issues.)
Eastside
Scott Rutledge, Eastside Grief and Loss, MA, LMFT (Issaquah) - 425.651.6510 - Grief counseling for those who have lost their spouse or partner (or any family member or friend). Counseling is currently taking place virtually.
Geri Schnitzer-Newson, MSW, ACSW (Issaquah) - 206.354.6138 - Counseling for those who are experiencing grief and loss, as well as those with serious illnesses. Counseling is currently taking place via video or phone.
Snohomish County
Alexandra Hepburn, PhD, CC (Edmonds and Indianola) - 206.915.8833 - Individual grief counseling. Currently conducting sessions via Zoom and phone.
Suzanne Snyder, MA (Mill Creek) - 425.478.1644 - Individual counseling as well as couples and families. Experience in working with traumatic and sudden loss. Currently conducting sessions mainly through FaceTime and Skype.
Christine Daverio, MSW (Mill Creek) - 425.357.9100 - Currently conducting video sessions with children age 16+ and adults.
Other Options for Connecting to Professional Counseling
The following links may be helpful to individuals who are seeking counseling and therapy from professionals who share their specific ethnic or cultural backgrounds or identity:
Multiculturalcounselors.org is a locally based resource that enables an individual to search for local grief counselors by ethnicity, language, religion, and/or location.
African-American - Psychology Today connects individuals to local African-American providers.
LGBTQ+ - Seattle Psychology connects individuals to local independent providers for this community.
Banister Advisors (206.485.0555) helps individuals navigate life-changing events, including widowhood. They can help you connect with the right therapist based on your unique circumstances and preferences. Click here.
Psychology Today maintains a list of Seattle-area private practitioners who offer periodic grief workshops for a fee. Click here.
Counseling may also be available through your employer's Employee Assistance Program.
Alternative Options for Counseling (Not State Licensed)
Individuals Who Have Received Training in Grief - Another option for counseling is to work with someone who has received a certificate from one of the national for-profit entities that offer classes in grief education. (This training can range from weeks to months.) These individuals frequently have the credential of personal experience when it comes to loss and they have a strong desire to help the bereaved. They may or may not have a background in psychology or mental health.
Local counselors include Brian Hartzman (206.297.6287). Click here for website.
Peer-led Support Groups - Community centers sometimes offer grief support groups that are facilitated by those who have also suffered the death of a loved one. These are usually small groups and may either be free or a nominal donation may be requested to help defray the cost of room rental.
Additional Options for Grief Support
Help Texts (formerly Grief Coach) was founded by a Seattle area widow. Help Texts provides customized, supportive text messages, tips and suggestions twice a week to those who are grieving. Friends and family members can also receive helpful tips and key date reminders. Free one-month organizational trial. Click here for website.
Wild Grief incorporates the healing power of nature with peer support by leading grieving individuals, families, and youth on hikes and camping trips. Options include two-hour nature hikes, longer day hikes, overnight camping trips, and backpacking adventures. Hikes are guided by those trained in outdoor leadership, first aid, and grief support. Hikes and camping supplies are free; donations are accepted. Click HERE for more information.
Individuals Who Have Received Training in Grief - Another option for counseling is to work with someone who has received a certificate from one of the national for-profit entities that offer classes in grief education. (This training can range from weeks to months.) These individuals frequently have the credential of personal experience when it comes to loss and they have a strong desire to help the bereaved. They may or may not have a background in psychology or mental health.
Local counselors include Brian Hartzman (206.297.6287). Click here for website.
Peer-led Support Groups - Community centers sometimes offer grief support groups that are facilitated by those who have also suffered the death of a loved one. These are usually small groups and may either be free or a nominal donation may be requested to help defray the cost of room rental.
Additional Options for Grief Support
Help Texts (formerly Grief Coach) was founded by a Seattle area widow. Help Texts provides customized, supportive text messages, tips and suggestions twice a week to those who are grieving. Friends and family members can also receive helpful tips and key date reminders. Free one-month organizational trial. Click here for website.
Wild Grief incorporates the healing power of nature with peer support by leading grieving individuals, families, and youth on hikes and camping trips. Options include two-hour nature hikes, longer day hikes, overnight camping trips, and backpacking adventures. Hikes are guided by those trained in outdoor leadership, first aid, and grief support. Hikes and camping supplies are free; donations are accepted. Click HERE for more information.
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