Therapist Merilee Richardson Photo

Merilee Richardson, LICSW

Stress, Anxiety Relationships Family conflicts Trauma, Abuse Depression
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About me

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) based in the Pacific Northwest, Washington State specifically. My experience comes from providing direct mental health and behavioral counseling as well as medical social work in a variety of different settings over the past 20 years. I am generally available evenings and weekends.

I approach therapeutic relationships with a lot of sensitivity and respect in a non-judgmental setting. Much of my clinical experience includes working with adults and the geriatric population as well as those in acute mental health crisis as well as Veterans.

I also have extensive experience working with trauma, a variety of traumas, and work hard to support survivors of trauma in finding the balance they need to live their most productive genuine lives.

My therapeutic approach draws from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and a structural symptoms systems. A top priority for me during any therapeutic approach or intervention is for me to meet you where you are and for us to collaborate on your treatment so that it will work best for you as we work together to meet your goals. Whether you’re working towards enlightenment and insight or symptom relief and improved function, my hope is that we can collaborate leave work together to achieve it!

It takes a tremendous amount of strength to take this first step towards working towards a more fulfilling and happier life if you’re ready to take that step I’m here to support and empower you.

Professional experience

13yrs in practice
Stress, Anxiety Relationships Family conflicts Trauma, Abuse Depression

Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Grief, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Aging and Geriatric Issues, Antisocial Personality, Attachment issues, Blended Family Issues, Body image, Chronic pain illness and disability, Dependent Personality, Divorce and separation, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Eating and Food-Related Issues, Fatherhood Issues, First Responder Issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Hearing Impaired, Hoarding, Hospice and End of Life Counseling, Midlife crisis, Military and Veterans Issues, Mood disorders , Multicultural Concerns, Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Paranoia, Personality Disorders, Polyamory / Nonmonogamous Relationships, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Smoking/Vaping Cessation, Social anxiety and phobia, Traumatic Brain Injury, Women's issues, Workplace issues

Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing

Services offered

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License information

WA LICSW LW 60089700

Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Merilee Richardson. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.

I have been meeting with Merilee regularly since the fall of 2022. I appreciate that she listens to me, really listens. She's the first therapist I have had that I have felt comfortable enough to completely open up.

Written on May 27, 2024 after therapy with Merilee for 1 year and 11 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, and adhd

Merilee has been amazing therapist. She is very supportive and accessible. I’ve had instances where I’ve needed to contact her last minute and she’s always made herself available. In addition, she lends an insightful ear and has helped me shift my thought pattern in a very positive way. Her skills have helped me a variety of areas such as professional life and imposter syndrome, family and partner relationships, and anxiety about future plans. She has really made a positive impact on my life and a highly recommend her!

Written on Jan 22, 2024 after therapy with Merilee for 1 year and 4 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and grief

Merilee is very good at listening and giving you suggestions on things to think about and or discuss that you would not have necessarily thought of on your on. I felt free to discuss anything with no judgment, thank you very much

Written on Oct 14, 2023 after therapy with Merilee for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues

Merilee shows she is actively listening & has skills to share for your consideration. Really enjoy my sessions w/her.

Written on Dec 27, 2022 after therapy with Merilee for 4 months on issues concerning grief, and coping with life changes

I really enjoyed working with Merilee. She listened without judgement, and understood my perspective, while still offering valuable feedback.

Written on Dec 16, 2022 after therapy with Merilee for 4 months on issues concerning relationship issues

I was matched with Merilee but her case load is full now. I never reach out for help so it being offered and then denied so swiftly really hurts.

Written on Apr 25, 2022 after therapy with Merilee for 2 days on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, and trauma and abuse