Finding the Right Therapist in Vancouver, WA

First, a little bit about me….

Hi, my name is David Cameron Hunter. I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist with clients residing in Vancouver, WA and other parts of Washington State. Please take time  to explore this website. 

I have experience with and enjoy supporting clients with the following issues:

• Dealing with feelings of past or present traumatic events/ trauma.

• Feeling like your brain is oriented differently than others and unsure how to handle it- potential symptoms of neurodiversity.

• Stress and burnout at work, home and school

• Family Conflict

• Relationship Issues

• Life Transitions

• Low Self Esteem

• Inattention, impulsivity, easy distractibility- possible symptoms of ADHD or other issues.

• Nervousness, worry, feelings of unease- possible symptoms of anxiety.

• Feeling low or generally unhappy- potential symptoms of depression.

One of the main reasons that I enjoy being a therapist is getting the opportunity to help clients navigate the challenges they are feeling in their lives. My intention in therapy is to create a partnership with you and assist you in creating the life you want. 

If you would like to speak with me further and see if I’d be the right fit for you, please reach out by email or give me a call and we can schedule a free consultation. If you’re still unsure and want advice on finding the right therapist for you, please look below.

Finding the Right Therapist in Vancouver, WA

Finding the right therapist  in Vancouver, WA can take some time, but a little work can pay off in helping you find the right fit. It is a process that can involve a few steps. Below are some things to think about.

1. Think about what kind of therapist are you looking for.

When it comes to finding a therapist, what preferences do you have? Do you have preferences related to gender, sexual orientation, culture, background, etc.? Most therapists are trained to be generalists, meaning that they can work with whatever issues you present with. You may, however, decide that finding a therapist with more a specialized treatment background/ expertise can better fit you needs.  Either way can work depending on your individual circumstances.

2. Think about how much you’re wanting to pay.

How much is a therapy session in Vancouver? How much does a therapist cost in Washington State? While I personally charge $155 per 50 minute session, the rate can vary based on level of credential, experience and expertise. According to TherayDen, the average rate in Washington state is 150 dollars per session. This cost can be offset by whether or not your insurance covers all or part of your therapy cost.

3. Do Google searches, check with Psychology Today and other directories.

If you’re here, chances are you may have tried those avenues already. Read any reviews on Google or endorsements on Psychology Today. While this won’t give you the whole story on a therapist, it will give you more data to inform your decision.

4. Speak with a therapist that will do a free consultation.

This way you can get a feel for the therapist before you make any sort of commitment. A particular therapist can sound pretty good on paper but might come across differently as you speak to them. Speaking with a therapist before you book with them can give you a better idea of how they would relate to you if you were to meet with them for therapy.

Sometimes it pays to have meetings or phone calls with several therapists to find the right fit. Most therapists are not “one size fits all”. You can think about it this way: In our personal lives, we aren’t friends with everyone we meet. We just feel more comfortable with and are attracted to some people more than others. This is also going to be true of the therapists we meet. Some people and some therapists are just not the right fit. If you work with a therapist that doesn’t seem like they are the right fit, just know that this is not a failure on you or the therapist’s part. Trying out more than one therapist can be the natural process for finding the right therapist that is going to fully understand you. All the best as you search. Please reach out if I could help you in this process!