Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Mountlake Terrace, WA

After getting my master's in counseling psychology decades ago, there has been a strong focus in helping others process through trauma, depression, anxiety and other mental health symptoms getting in the way of living one's best life, I am a licensed mental health counselor who uses several skills and techniques to help people heal.

Please fill out the intake form prior to our appointment: https://intakeq.com/new/d0rpoq

Hey! You’re seeking help because it is needed. That’s huge! Many people don’t seek treatment or therapy but you’re already on this path. Some folks don’t find the path. You’ve got some idea of what you need and are ready for someone to be along with you on this journey. We both know humans succeed in a team not so much when we are alone. First, give yourself credit because it takes a lot of courage to not do things alone and to be willing to open up to someone you do not know. Your courage is where our journey together starts. It would be an honor to be a part of your team in life, for life!

Something keeps pulling you back to the same place. The anxiety that spikes when the pressure builds, the relationship patterns you've tried to change but can't quite shift, or something from your past that still shows up in ways you didn't expect. I'm Michael, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 18 years of experience working with adults navigating anxiety, depression, and trauma. I've worked with a lot of people who thought they were permanently stuck and discovered they weren't. Clients often describe me as direct, grounded, and genuinely invested in lasting change.

I am a triple board-certified nurse practitioner in psychiatry, family, and women's health, so have experience caring for a diverse client population. I've worked several years in each specialty and settled in psychiatry, where my passion lies. I specialize in the medication management of depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, bipolar disorder, and more. Because of my training in women's health, I am uniquely qualified in the psychiatric care of women during pregnancy and postpartum.

I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Washington State with a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Gonzaga University. My professional background has largely been in community behavioral health, where I've spent years working with individuals experiencing serious mental illness as well as people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life stress. I've worked across different parts of the behavioral health system - including clinical and leadership roles - which has given me a broad understanding of how mental health challenges show up in real life, not just in theory.

Because of that experience, I approach therapy from a holistic and systems-oriented perspective. Our mental health is shaped by far more than what's happening internally. Relationships, work stress, family dynamics, physical health, and the larger systems we interact with every day can all play a role in how we feel and function.

My style tends to be warm, collaborative, and often a little humorous. Therapy is important work, but it doesn't have to feel overly stiff or clinical. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being honest about what's going on while also gaining insight, perspective, and practical ways to move forward.

I have worked in the mental health field since 1997 in multiple systems including psychiatric hospitals, early childhood education, family advocacy, residential treatment, crisis intervention, community mental health, and private practice.

I have been professionally and personally engaged in LGBTQIA+ advocacy and community for over 30 years.

I specialize in working with adolescents and adults (ages 16 and up). Areas of focus I often explore with clients include relationships, ADHD/neuro-divergence, LGBTQIA+ identity, Non-monogamy/diverse relationship strutures and life transitions. I have a direct, relational styIe, and believe in life-span development. I am honored to support my clients as they navigate change.