A scenic view of a turquoise lake with snow-capped mountains in the background, and purple flowers in the foreground.

Clinical Services

Qualifications

PhD, University of Washington 2016

License #PY60728755 (WA)

Therapist taking notes during a therapy session with a woman sitting on a couch.

At this time, I only offer telehealth services to patients residing in Washington state. I maintain a limited therapy caseload and am rarely able to accept new clients. If you are seeking care, I would be glad to share resources and referrals.

I specialize in the intersection between trauma, mental health, and physical health. I provide treatment for individuals struggling with insomnia, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. 

I love to work with dreamers -- people with the passion and purpose to remake our society. I work with clients who seek therapy because they understand that justice in the world begins with healing ourselves from the inside out. 

Clients

Wooden blocks spelling out 'CBT' with other blurred wooden blocks in the background.

Approach to therapy

My approach to therapy emphasizes the importance of both change and self-acceptance, and the art of therapy is how we navigate this tension.

I provide evidence-based therapy, which means that I use techniques and approaches that research shows are most likely to be effective for your type of concern. I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a present-focused, skills-based therapy. Clients who benefit from CBT are ready to make changes in their thoughts and actions/behaviors. 

I also draw upon principles and skills from newer forms of CBT, which are called "third wave" behavioral therapies; these include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). A core feature of both of these treatment approaches is mindfulness, a powerful and effective practice that improves attention, anxiety, mood, and health. 

Ultimately, I believe that therapy is successful when clients are in touch with their inherent vitality and authenticity.

Woman sitting on a couch with a pillow on her lap, talking to a therapist or counselor in an office setting.

What to expect from therapy

In CBT, clients take an active role in treatment by practicing the skills that are taught in-session in daily life. While the therapist brings theoretical and technical expertise, you are the expert on yourself.  

In the intake, I work with you to understand your history (how you came to be who you are) and clarify your present-day concerns. Together, we identify concrete goals with measurable outcomes and track progress week-by-week.

In the following sessions, I teach you specific tools that support your growth and wellbeing. Sessions are typically structured at the beginning (i.e. follow an agenda) and may involve handouts and worksheets that you complete throughout the week. Over time, after we have a bedrock of shared understanding, sessions can become less structured and more client-driven. 

 Insurance & Fees

  • I am contracted with some plans under Aetna. To find out if I am in-network for you, please reach out to me directly for a free coverage check.

  • I work primarily with private pay clients, which means that you are responsible for payment at the time of service. Payments are made online by credit card via Stripe. Your insurance provider may reimburse you for a substantial portion of my fee as an out-of-network provider. To find out about out-of-network benefits, you will need to contact your insurance provider to inquire about your out-of-network coverage for individual mental health therapy. It is the client’s responsibility to understand their insurance benefits and the reimbursement process. 

  • To better understand your benefits for an out-of-network provider, here are some questions to ask your insurance company: 

    • Do I need a referral or prior authorization to see a provider out of network?

    • What is my annual deductible, and what amount has been met already this year? 

    • What percentage or dollar amount will I be reimbursed? 

    • Is telehealth covered? 

    • Is there a limit on the total number of sessions per year or the dollar amount per year?

    • What documentation do I need to submit for out-of-network reimbursement?

    It may be helpful to share with your insurance company these service (CPT) codes when inquiring about your plan's coverage:

    • Intake, 90871

    • Psychotherapy sessions, 90834 (50 minutes), 90837 (60 minutes), 90837+99354 (90 minutes)

  • View current session rates here

Land Acknowledgement

The land where I live and work (Seattle, Washington) is stolen Indigenous Land and home of the Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Duwamish, Muckleshoot, and Stillaguamish Tribes. This land acknowledgement is one small gesture in addition to supporting Land Back movements and efforts to interrupt ongoing exploitation, such as paying rent. 

Community Contribution

Each month 11% of net profits from this business are donated to one of the following efforts (Rebuilding Al-Shifa Hospital, Freedom Flotilla) or organizations: HEAL Palestine, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, and El Centro de la Raza.

Three wooden blocks with communication icons: phone, email, and at symbol, stacked on a light wooden surface against a plain background.

Inquire about availability and services

Prospective patients may send an inquiry using the encrypted Contact Form below, or by emailing jessica@doctorchen.us (HIPAA-compliant email for patients).