Dr. Stalina Harris

Dr. Stalina Harris, PhD, NCC, LASOTP, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor, counselor educator, and clinical supervisor with over 15 years of international and U.S.-based experience in mental health, higher education, and clinical leadership. She is the Founder and CEO of Beyond Horizons Counseling, LLC in Washington State, where she provides individual psychotherapy, crisis intervention, and comprehensive assessments using evidence-based, client-centered practices.

Dr. Harris holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Walden University, a Master’s degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University, and a combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Educational Psychology and Pedagogy from Birobidzhan Pedagogical State University in Russia. Her doctoral research focused on clinician resilience and supervision in forensic mental health settings.

Clinically, Dr. Harris has worked in community agencies, crisis services, forensic and inpatient facilities, and private practice. She provides individual, group, and family therapy, crisis assessment, and professional supervision, including specialized work with high-risk and justice-involved populations. Her therapeutic orientation integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and psychodynamic approaches, allowing her to address both symptom reduction and deeper relational patterns.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Harris serves as a Professor at Saint Martin’s University, where she teaches graduate counseling courses, supervises counselors-in-training, conducts research, and presents nationally on clinical supervision and evidence-based practice. She is actively engaged in professional organizations and remains committed to ethical care, cultural responsiveness, and the development of effective, reflective practitioners.

I am committed to empowering individuals and fostering resilience through evidence-based, compassionate care. I have worked with diverse populations gaining expertise in cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness-based interventions.

Guiding clients through their healing journeys and witnessing their growth is profoundly rewarding. My approach, influenced by personal experiences, emphasizes creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for clients to explore emotions and confront challenges. I am dedicated to helping individuals uncover strengths, achieve personal goals, and foster mental and emotional well-being.

I aspire to expand expertise in trauma recovery, family systems therapy, and advocacy for underserved communities. Addressing systemic barriers to mental health care and promoting equity remain central to my mission. I am enthusiastic about continuing this work, using my skills and passion to make a lasting difference.

Your first session is primarily an intake and assessment session. This meeting focuses on getting to know you, understanding what brings you to therapy, and gathering important background information to guide your treatment. I will ask a variety of questions about your current concerns, mental health history, medical history, family background, relationships, and life experiences. This may feel like a lot of questions, but it helps me develop a comprehensive understanding of you as a whole person.

We will also review important topics such as confidentiality, informed consent, therapy expectations, and your goals for counseling. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and share any concerns about the therapy process.

Because this session is focused on assessment and information gathering, ongoing therapeutic work typically begins in the second session. Starting with a thorough intake allows me to create a more effective, personalized treatment plan and ensures that therapy is aligned with your needs, values, and goals.