1. Seattle Anxiety Specialists
Credentials: Team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. Staff includes graduates of the International OCD Foundation’s Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI). Dr. Cassie formerly served as Director of Psychological and Wellness Services at UW Tacoma and Director of Counseling and Psychological Services at Washington State University.
Specialization: Stress, anxiety, panic, insomnia, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, OCPD, GAD, body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRB), MDD, and phobias.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, existential therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Brief Solution-Focused Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
Populations Served: Adults, adolescents, couples, and families. LGBTQ+ individuals. Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and ADHD.
Background: Private outpatient psychiatry and therapy practice recognized twice as one of the “Best in The Pacific Northwest” in the Mental Health Services category by The Seattle Times. Also recognized as one of the top 10 Psychological Services Providers in the U.S. Provides psychiatric medication, individual and group psychotherapy, couple’s and family counseling, psychological testing, psychoeducational classes, and clinical training.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at Seattle office. Telehealth available.
Location: Seattle, WA
Contact: https://seattleanxiety.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to schedule consultation.
2. Child and Adolescent Psychological Services of Seattle (CAPSS)
Credentials: Team of psychologists and therapists specializing in evidence-based treatments for children, teens, and young adults. Dr. Amy Bohlander offers specialized parenting workshops.
Specialization: Anxiety disorders, OCD, autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, gender and sexuality concerns, parenting support, stress and coping, pediatric health psychology, depression.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and other evidence-based treatments.
Populations Served: Children, teens, young adults, college students, neurodivergent adults, and parents. Most adult clients are college students, young adults, neurodivergent adults, or parents.
Background: Practice provides testing, therapy, and medication services. Offers specialized group programs including Thriving Tweens, iThrive, Parenting Anxious Kids (6-session workshop for parents of children ages 5-11), Parenting Anxious Teens, and Kids Speak Up and Stay S.T.R.O.N.G.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance and fee information.
Session Format: In-person sessions at Seattle office. Telehealth available for eligible clients.
Location: Seattle, WA
Contact: https://www.capsseattle.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice through website for information on availability and scheduling.
3. The Seattle Clinic
Credentials: Team of licensed clinicians providing Cognitive Behavior Therapy and evidence-based treatments.
Specialization: Anxiety, depression, OCD, and various behavioral health conditions.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) focusing on the connection and transaction between thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Active, present-focused approach emphasizing pattern recognition and experimentation with new ways of thinking and acting.
Populations Served: Adults seeking evidence-based, action-oriented therapy.
Background: Practice philosophy emphasizes that thoughts, behaviors, and emotions are interconnected and that lasting change comes through engaging in new behavior both in sessions and in daily life. Therapists serve as both detectives and scientists with clients, curiously exploring thought-behavior-emotion patterns.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person and telehealth sessions available.
Location: Seattle, WA
Contact: https://www.theseattleclinic.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to discuss treatment needs.
4. Evidence Based Treatment Centers of Seattle (EBT Seattle)
Credentials: Team of therapists and psychiatrists specializing in evidence-based anxiety treatment. Therapists specialize in CBT and exposure-based interventions.
Specialization: Anxiety disorders, OCD, panic disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias, generalized anxiety, and related problems. Adult and child/adolescent anxiety treatment.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure-based interventions, mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions. Psychiatric medication treatment when appropriate.
Populations Served: Adults, children, and adolescents with anxiety and related problems. Child Anxiety Center provides specialized youth treatment.
Background: Practice dedicated to providing psychological treatments with the strongest research support for anxiety-related problems. Integrates mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions given increasing research support for these approaches.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for insurance information.
Session Format: In-person and telehealth sessions available.
Location: Seattle, WA
Contact: https://ebtseattle.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice for consultation information.
5. Dr. David Kosins, PhD
Credentials: Licensed Psychologist with extensive experience specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). One of Washington State’s most experienced CBT specialists.
Specialization: Anxiety disorders, OCD and related disorders, teaching adults to manage anxiety and live healthy, balanced lives.
Therapy Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from a foundation of caring therapy relationship. Scientifically supported methods to handle life challenges effectively. Skills-based approach to resolve current problems and reduce troubling symptoms.
Populations Served: Adults with anxiety disorders and OCD. Support group participants (six different ongoing monthly support groups plus one every-other-month group).
Background: Decades of experience as one of Washington’s most experienced CBT specialists. Facilitates multiple ongoing support groups designed to follow or complement individual CBT, including optional private Facebook Groups for extended support.
Insurance Accepted: Contact practice for fee information.
Session Format: Individual therapy and group sessions. Note: Dr. Kosins is not accepting new clients at this time (verify current availability).
Location: Seattle, WA
Contact: [email protected] | https://davidkosins.com
Initial Consultation: Contact practice to inquire about waitlist and group availability.
Mental Health Industry in Washington
Average Therapy Session Costs
Individual therapy sessions in Seattle range from $175 to $275 per session depending on provider credentials and experience. Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHC) typically charge $140 to $200 per session. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LICSW) charge similar rates. Licensed Psychologists with doctoral degrees generally charge $200 to $300 per session. Psychiatrists may charge $250 to $450 for sessions including medication management. Seattle therapy costs are higher than national averages, reflecting the Pacific Northwest’s elevated cost of living.
State Licensing Requirements for Psychologists
To practice as a licensed psychologist in Washington, professionals must complete a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited or Board-approved institution. Candidates must accumulate supervised professional experience as required by the Washington State Department of Health. The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) with minimum passing score is required. The Washington State Examining Board of Psychology administers licensure. Continuing education requirements apply for license renewal.
Telehealth Regulations
Washington permits licensed psychologists to provide telehealth services to clients located within the state. Washington is a member of PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact), allowing psychologists with E.Passport credentials to practice telepsychology across member states. The state has progressive telehealth policies supporting remote mental health care access.
Mental Health Parity Laws
Washington has strong mental health parity laws requiring health insurers to provide coverage for mental health conditions equivalent to physical health conditions. The state’s parity laws exceed federal MHPAEA requirements in some areas. Washington requires coverage for mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
Professional Organizations
The Washington State Psychological Association (WSPA) represents psychologists statewide, offering continuing education, advocacy, and professional resources. The Puget Sound Adlerian Society and other local organizations provide specialized training and networking. The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies has active Washington members.
Workforce Availability and Wait Times
Seattle has a substantial mental health workforce with psychology programs at University of Washington, Seattle Pacific University, and other institutions. Despite high provider density, wait times for new patients typically range from two to six weeks due to strong demand. Specialized anxiety and OCD treatment may have longer wait times, with some specialists like Dr. David Kosins maintaining waitlists.
Common Mental Health Concerns
In Seattle, commonly treated conditions include anxiety disorders (particularly related to tech industry pressures), depression (including seasonal affective disorder given Pacific Northwest climate), OCD, trauma/PTSD, and relationship difficulties. The city’s tech industry concentration contributes to work-related stress and burnout concerns.
State-Funded Mental Health Resources
Washington State Health Care Authority oversees community mental health programs. King County Behavioral Health and Recovery Division provides crisis services and community mental health treatment for the Seattle area. Crisis Connections offers 24/7 support at 866-427-4747.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SPACE treatment approach offered by Seattle practices?
SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) is an evidence-based parent-focused treatment developed at the Yale Child Study Center. CAPSS in Seattle offers this approach, which helps parents learn to respond differently to their child’s anxiety without requiring the child to attend therapy sessions. It is effective for children ages 5-17 with anxiety disorders.
How does Seattle Anxiety Specialists differ from general therapy practices?
Seattle Anxiety Specialists is a specialized outpatient psychiatry and therapy practice focusing exclusively on anxiety and related conditions. Their recognition as “Best in The Pacific Northwest” and as a top 10 U.S. psychological services provider reflects specialized expertise. They offer comprehensive services including psychiatric medication, individual and group therapy, psychological testing, and clinical training.
Are there options for group therapy in Seattle?
Yes, several Seattle practices offer group therapy. Seattle Anxiety Specialists provides group psychotherapy. Dr. David Kosins facilitates six different ongoing monthly support groups designed to complement individual CBT. CAPSS offers specialized groups for tweens and parenting support groups.
What should I look for in a CBT therapist for OCD in Seattle?
Look for therapists with specific training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard behavioral treatment for OCD. Graduates of the International OCD Foundation’s Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), such as staff at Seattle Anxiety Specialists, have received intensive specialized training. Ask about ERP experience and whether the therapist conducts exposures during sessions.
Is seasonal affective disorder treatment available in Seattle?
Yes, Seattle therapists commonly treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) given the Pacific Northwest’s limited winter daylight. CBT for depression, light therapy, and medication management are available. Practices like Seattle Anxiety Specialists offer comprehensive treatment including CBT-I for related insomnia symptoms.