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Mountainous Landscape

Counseling Client Portal

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about me

About Me

Hi, I’m Laurie. I am a mental health care provider offering supportive, attuned care for the perinatal period - before, during, and after your new family member arrives.
 

The reality of fertility, birth, and parenting is often quite different than what we imagine. It isn’t always easy. Every family deserves support and community. I am glad that you are here seeking that.
 

I believe the best way to have a positive impact on the future is through supporting those raising the next generations – parents. I earned my Master of Arts degree in Guidance and Counseling from Bowling Green State University in 1993 and have done advanced training through LIOS at Bastyr University. Before becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, (LMHCA), I have been honored to assist hundreds of families in welcoming their little ones as a birth doula, massage therapist, and perinatal educator for over 20 years. I am indebted to these families who allowed me into their lives, sharing their joys and difficulties with conception, birth, grief, and navigating new identities as a parent.

Clients describe me as warm, engaging, practical, and even funny on occasion. On a personal note, I am an avid crafter and reader, paddle-boarder, queer-identified, culturally Jewish, PMAD survivor, and an east coaster. I live in Seattle with my three red-headed kids, my partner, and a bevy of animals.

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Focus Areas

What we talk about​​

I specialize in providing nurturing space for people at various stages of their reproductive journey.

Potential topics we can explore include:

  • preconception

  • grief and loss

  • life transitions

  • preparation for birth

  • high risk pregnancies

  • NICU experiences

  • adjustment to parenting

  • birth trauma

  • perinatal mood disorders such as depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder

  • couples adjusting to parenthood

  • birth worker trauma and stress

How we talk about it​​

I incorporate a variety of different approaches and techniques to best meet the needs of individual clients. Central to all are principles of non-judgement, anti-oppression, bodily intelligence, and the belief that clients are the experts on their own experience. My practice is trauma informed and, as a member of the queer community myself, LGBTQA+ affirming.
 

Some of tools I use include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy

  • Dialectical behavioral therapy

  • Somatic techniques

  • Health at Every Size

  • Internal Family Systems

  • Attachment/Polyvagal therapy

  • Gottman Couples Therapy

focus areas

Rates & Insurance

Self-pay rates

  • Individual $140 (55-minute session)

  • Intake $160 (60-minute Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation)

  • Couples Therapy $190 (80 minute session)
     

If you plan to use insurance to supplement the cost of therapy, I will gladly provide reimbursement documentation for your out-of-network benefits. In most cases, your out-of-network reimbursement covers a significant amount.
 

It is the client’s responsibility to confirm coverage before treatment begins. Please check your policy carefully and ask the following questions of your insurance provider:

  •  Do I have out-of-network mental health benefits?

  • What is my out-of-network deductible and has it been met?

  • How many mental health sessions per calendar year does my out-of-network insurance cover?

  •  How much does my plan cover for an out-of-network mental health provider?

  • Is approval required from my primary care physician?

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Insurance
I am able to bill the following insurance plans as an in-network provider:

  • Premera

  • Regence

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (except Boeing)

  • Anthem Blue Cross

  • Kaiser Permanente/Group Health

  • Lifewise (WA)

  • First Choice (some plans)

 

Clients may be able to get reimbursement for services through the following plans as an Out-of-network provider:

  • Cigna

  • HMA/RGA

Sliding Scale
A limited number of reduced fee services are available. Please email me for details.

 

Payment
Clients are responsible for co-pays at the time of service. Cash, check, PayPal, Square and all major credit cards accepted for payment.

rates and insurance
trainings and experience

Counseling Related Education, Workshops, & Trainings​

  • Clinical Foundations in Gottman Method Couples Therapy Levels 1 & 2 – The Gottman Institute, online, 2024

  • Facilitating Attuned Interactions – Cooper House, online, 2024

  • Group Peer Support Facilitator Training – GPS, online, 2023

  • Perinatal Mood Disorder: Components of Care – Postpartum Support International, online, 2022

  • Four Blinks Version of Flash – Four Blinks Online, online, 2023

  • Perinatal Mental Health 10-Week Intensive – Perinatal Support-WA- online, 2023

  • Best Practices in Prevention, Treatment, and Identification of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders – Perinatal Support-WA, Certificate of Completion, 2022

  • Integrative Practices Program – LIOS Institute at Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA, 2000

  • MA, Guidance and Counseling - Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 1993

  • Additional courses in perinatal health to include Sleep in the Newborn Period, Psychosis, Neurodiversity, Attachment, Cultural Humility, and Harm Reduction

trainings and experience

Counseling Related Education, Workshops, & Trainings​

  • Clinical Foundations in Gottman Method Couples Therapy Levels 1 & 2 – The Gottman Institute, online, 2024

  • Facilitating Attuned Interactions – Cooper House, online, 2024

  • Group Peer Support Facilitator Training – GPS, online, 2023

  • Perinatal Mood Disorder: Components of Care – Postpartum Support International, online, 2022

  • Four Blinks Version of Flash – Four Blinks Online, online, 2023

  • Perinatal Mental Health 10-Week Intensive – Perinatal Support-WA- online, 2023

  • Best Practices in Prevention, Treatment, and Identification of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders – Perinatal Support-WA, Certificate of Completion, 2022

  • Integrative Practices Program – LIOS Institute at Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA, 2000

  • MA, Guidance and Counseling - Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 1993

  • Additional courses in perinatal health to include Sleep in the Newborn Period, Psychosis, Neurodiversity, Attachment, Cultural Humility, and Harm Reduction

Relevant Experience​

  • Clinical Extern, Perinatal Support Washington, Seattle, WA 2023-4

  • Birth and Bereavement Doula, Swedish Doula Program, Seattle, WA, 2016-present

  • Mom-to-Mom – Mom support volunteer, Jewish Family Services, Seattle, WA, 2007

  • Group Facilitator – PEPS (Program for Early Parent Support) Seattle, WA, 2006

  • Postpartum Support International – Warm line volunteer, Seattle, WA, 2005

  • Birth doula – private practice, Seattle, WA, 2002-present

  • Patient Advocate – Aradia Women’s Health, Seattle, WA, 1994-5

  • AIDS Hotline volunteer – NW Aids Foundation. Seattle, WA, 1993-5

  • Counseling intern – Jewish Family Services of Sylvania, OH, 1992-3

  • Patient Advocate, Center for Choice II, Toledo, OH, 1991-3

policies

Confidentiality
I do not disclose information about my work with patients, except when required by state or federal law. I will not disclose any other information about my clients without the written consent of the patient.

Cancellation Policy
Appointments must be cancelled at least 48 hours in advance of scheduled appointment. No show appointments and appointments cancelled after the 48-hour window has elapsed are charged the full session rate, without exception. Phone calls and emails are appropriate venues for conveying an appointment cancellation, text messages are not. Whenever possible, I will confirm that I received your notice of cancellation.

Contact
Questions? Please contact me for further information.

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