Counseling & Addiction Services

We are not accepting counseling clients or requests for mental health educational offerings at this time. If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact King County’s local crisis clinic, Crisis Connection’s 24-Hr Crisis Line at (866) 427-4747. You can also call the new national 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If it is an emergency, please go to your nearest emergency room.

Counseling & Addiction Services at JFS provides individual therapy and group support for people seeking assistance around mental health and emotional well-being. Our focus areas include working with people impacted by trauma; people connected to Jewish community and identity; people navigating substance abuse and addiction; and teens and young adults. The team is collectively trained in evidence-based, trauma-focused modalities, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Individual counseling is the primary service of our program. Counselors are available to provide up to one year of one-on-one support. We offer weekly therapy sessions during regular business hours. We serve the Jewish community, and individuals that do not identify as being Jewish.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, at this time, our services have moved entirely to telehealth. We provide both individual and support groups over HIPAA-compliant Zoom. Clients can access this service either through a computer or smartphone.

FAQ

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    • Individual Counseling
      Individual counseling is the primary service of our program. Counselors are available to provide up to one year of one-on-one support. We offer weekly therapy sessions (remote during COVID-19) during regular business hours.

      Our approach is to engage at a human level, grounding our work in the relationship developed between a person and their therapist. We focus on helping a person develop insight and awareness around their patterns of thinking and behavior, as well as the world and relationships around them. This foundation offers people opportunities to build deeper understanding, develop emotional regulation and stress reduction skills, and move toward meaningful goals of improved mental health and emotional well-being.

      Therapists work together to build partnerships with those they are supporting, helping to identify these goals and move towards overall improvement.

      While our program can help to address a variety of concerns, we maintain four central (often overlapping) specializations:

      Trauma Therapy

      • Trauma therapy and healing are at the center of our program. As a clinical team, we hold to a ‘trauma-informed’ lens, working with people to understand the impact of their traumatic experiences, reduce trauma-related challenges with mental and emotional well-being, and ultimately build resilience and healing from trauma.
      • Therapists hold specific expertise in supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and adult survivors of child abuse. The team is collectively trained in evidence-based, trauma-focused modalities, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

       
      Jewish Community / Antisemitism / Historical Trauma

      • As a JFS program, we aim to provide culturally competent and sensitive support to individuals who identify as Jewish and / or are meaningfully connected to the Jewish community. Specifically, we recognize and respond to antisemitism, internalized antisemitism, and historical trauma connected to marginalization and systemic oppression. As therapists we acknowledge these challenges, intergenerational effects, influence on family systems, and specific impact to mental and emotional well-being.
      • We also work with individuals who are seeking to grow into and understand their own identity related to Jewish culture and community – who they are as individuals; their values; who they are in relationship to family, relationships, etc.

       
      Teen & Young Adult
      Our program aims to provide support to teens and young adults, as well as the parents and caregivers in their lives.

      • Individual Therapy
        Through our teen and young adult work, we serve individuals beginning in their teenage years (13+) through early 30s, addressing a variety of challenges that can arise in this period of life. Our therapists have expertise in navigating questions and exploration of identity (including sexuality and gender), challenges with transitions, struggles with launching into adulthood, relationships (with peers, family), as well as other issues impacting mental and emotional health.
      • Parent Coaching
        We recognize that parents themselves are often seeking assistance on how to best support a child navigating adolescence and young adulthood. In response to this need, we offer 1- 3 coaching and referrals sessions specifically for parents. These sessions are available with a therapist trained specifically in mental health issues related to teens and young adults. If you are interested in parent coaching, please begin the intake process by emailing cas@jfsseattle.org that you are interested in parent coaching.
      • Hillel
        One of our JFS therapists is based out of Hillel at the University of Washington campus in Seattle This partnership between the two organizations (JFS and Hillel UW) is in recognition of the value of having a therapist directly on-site available to college, graduate students, and young people connected (directly or indirectly) to the Hillel community. Teens and young people, 16 to early 30s (whether they are affiliated with UW or not) identifying as Jewish and / or connected to the Jewish community, can inquire about support with our Hillel therapist either through reaching out to the JFS team, or inquiring directly through Hillel at UW.
    • Support Group
      In addition to individual counseling, we recognize the value of peer support. Connecting with peers navigating similar struggles can be extremely helpful and brings a different kind of meaningful support than one-on-one work with a therapist.

      At this time our program hosts an ongoing weekly support group (co-facilitated by a JFS therapist and a DV advocate) for survivors of domestic violence.

      We also periodically provide short-term support groups (6 to 8 weeks) that often take on a different theme. Past groups have included art therapy, movement therapy, and parenting support.

    • Intake Process

      To inquire for individual therapy, please reach out through our Get Help form, or contact us at (206) 861-3152.

      To inquire about group availability or get on a wait list for group, please reach out through our Get Help form, or contact us at (206) 861-3152. If we have space available in a current or upcoming group (either our continuous DV Survivor support group, or one of our limited-time, thematic groups), the group facilitators will contact you for a brief screening to ensure fit.

      If you are interested in parent coaching, please begin the intake process by emailing cas@jfsseattle.org that you are interested in parent coaching.

      We do not provide therapy to those who perpetuate domestic violence or sexual assault. This treatment is a different skillset and a different type of care than what we offer. If, at intake or over the course of our work together, we assess that controlling or harmful behaviors are an issue we will provide an appropriate referral to programs or providers who focus on accountability.

    • Individual Therapy Intake Process
      The beginning step in the process of assessing one-on-one therapy at JFS is connecting with our intake clinician. In this initial conversation, we will inquire about your motivation for reaching out, goals for therapy, and overall concerns related to mental and emotional health. The intake clinician will then connect with the full clinical team to explore if our program is a match to your needs. This match relates to the competency / expertise / skillset of available clinicians, provider capacity, as well as acknowledging the structure of our program (weekly, outpatient support up to 1 year). Once the team has made a determination, the intake clinician will follow up with you – either connecting you directly to a JFS therapist or providing appropriate referral options.
    • Telehealth During COVID

      Due to COVID-19 pandemic, at this time, our services have moved entirely to telehealth. We provide both individual and support groups over HIPAA-compliant Zoom. Clients can access this service either through a computer or smartphone.

      With updated guidance from the local and national public health agencies, we are continuing to assess the situation – and will make a future determination on reintroducing in-person support as an option for people engaging in our services.

Meet the Clinical Team

If our team determines that our services are the best fit for your needs, you will be matched with a therapist based on a variety of factors, including scheduling, openings, skillset, and personality.

  • Daniela Baumgarthuber, Mental Health Counselor 

    I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Brown University in 2010, and completed my MSW from the University of Washington in 2016. Since then, I have worked as a Case Manager & Intake Specialist in the Supportive Living Services department at Jewish Family Service, serving clients living with persistent mental illnesses, traumatic brain injuries, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. I have also worked as a Mental Health Therapist in private practice since 2020, working with adults 18+ experiencing anxiety and mood disorders, trauma, grief and loss, body image and self-esteem issues, stress, relationship issues, life transitions, and more.
     
    I tailor my therapeutic interventions to meet each client’s needs and goals, and I often incorporate modalities such as Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Humanistic Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into our work together. I approach each therapy session with positive regard, open-mindedness, and humor (as appropriate), and we will work together as a team to overcome obstacles that come your way. I am committed to social justice and use person-in-environment, anti-oppression, and trauma-informed approaches in my work to help clients better understand how their lives are impacted by oppression as a result of their social identities, and help them to feel more empowered and connected.

    Daniela Baumgarthuber
  • Danica Bornstein, Lead Mental Health Counselor

    I began working with survivors of trauma in 1994 and completed my MSW in 1998. Since then, I’ve worked for many years as a domestic violence advocate, therapist, and somatic practitioner.

    Although I work with clients on many different goals, I have the most experience with and am the most passionate about healing from trauma—including sexual violence, other forms of interpersonal harm, and institutional and historical trauma such as racism and anti-Semitism. I have worked inside both Jewish and LGBTQIA+ communities, and often work with trans and non-binary folks.

    Therapy is a very particular kind of relationship that holds your healing and growth at its heart. In my own practice, I bring a variety of methods with me including: EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy and somatic approaches. I tend to be straightforward, intuitive and (as appropriate) humorous. I grew up in Brooklyn and although I’ve mostly lost my accent, I think it still shows! Supporting people to heal, build resilience and deepen their connections with others is an honor and a joy.

    Danica Bornstein, LICSW
  • Rebecca Coates-Finke, Teen and Young Adult Counselor

    I am honored to take on the role of Teen and Young Adult Counselor at Jewish Family Service. I have been working in peer support, community organizing, and social services since 2012 in many different communities. I graduated from Lesley University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program with a focus in Drama Therapy in May 2022. I have experience working with the Jewish community, the LGBTQ community, clients who self-identify with ADHD and Autism Spectrum communities, survivors of domestic and sexual violence, and those who have or are experiencing homelessness. I love to work with teens and young adults of all ages.

    I ground my therapy work on the understanding that the demands of our society are frequently incompatible with our body’s and our communities’ needs for growth and support. I bring curiosity, compassion, and deep respect to the ways you move through the world. Together, we will creatively work to identify possibilities and create choices in difficult situations. I bring training in Drama Therapy (providing playfulness, embodiment, and storytelling), Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and a Harm Reduction framework to our work. We will find our own mix of those modalities to move towards your goals.

    Rebecca Coates-Finke
  • Kelsey Schulman, Mental Health Clinician / Clinical Intake Specialist

    I am delighted to serve as the Intake Specialist and a Mental Health Counselor on the team. I received my MSW from University of Washington in 2018 specializing in mental health and have worked in a variety of community mental health and non-profit settings since 2014. I use an eclectic approach that integrates modalities such as DBT, CBT, ACT, Somatics, and Mindfulness to address the various challenges that clients face throughout their lifespan. Also, I am trained in EMDR and CPT. I am most passionate about working with young adults and the LGBTQIA community, specifically with queer and trans folks.

    I believe that therapy is a co-created space where healing takes place. I use a clinical approach that is strengths-based, trauma-informed, and client-centered to support you in building the life you wish to live. I approach each client with warmth and positive regard as we work together to challenge patterns that are no longer serving you. Through an anti-racist lens, I offer a space to explore life’s up’s and downs through building on each person’s inherent resilience’s and resources to create lasting change. I work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, relationships issues, ADHD, and trauma. I am experienced in working with people from a diverse religious, ethnic, racial, socioeconomic backgrounds and clients from all sexual orientations and gender identities.

    Kelsey Schulman, MSW, LICSW-A

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I pick my therapist?

    If our team determines that our services are the best fit for your needs, you will be matched with a therapist based on a variety of factors, including scheduling, openings, skillset, and personality.

  • What ages do you work with?

    We have five clinicians on staff who provide individual therapy to patients ages 13+.

  • What insurance do you take? How does the sliding scale work?
    • We accept the following insurance: Regence, Kaiser Permanente PPO, Premera, Lifewise, First Choice PPO, and Molina (Medicaid).
    • We are able to offer sliding scale rates that ranges from $36-120 an hour. We accept payment only via credit card.
    • Once we determine our program is the right fit, we do the best to ensure that cost is not a barrier. You will have the opportunity to talk about fee options with our intake specialist.
  • What should I expect from a typical counseling session at JFS?

    Because of COVID-19, our 50-minute weekly counseling sessions are occurring online through a confidential and remote telehealth platform. Our counselors are available Monday through Friday. We look forward to providing in-person counseling services at our Capitol Hill office again, once it is deemed safe to do so.

  • I’m interested. How do I get started? 

    Thanks for your interest! The first step is our intake process, where our Intake Specialist will go over some initial questions with you. There are two ways to start the counseling intake process:

    • Filling out our online form.
    • Calling and leaving a message at (206) 861-3152.

    To leave a voicemail message:

    Call the intake line directly at (206) 861-3152, and include the following information: name, phone number, email address, age of prospective client, preferred method of contact, relationship to prospective client, preferred day/time for counseling, and if it is safe to leave a message. After you get in touch with us, our Intake Specialist will follow up with you directly within two business days to schedule an intake phone call. Please note that if you are calling about counseling for a person age 13+, our Intake Specialist will need to speak separately with that person during the intake process.

  • What services are included with treatment at JFS?

    You and your therapist will decide on the tools and techniques most appropriate to meet your needs. All of our services come from building a trusting relationship with the client, including but not limited to: Addiction, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Psychodynamic, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

  • What is the duration of treatment at JFS?

    Our counseling program (currently online only) typically operates on a time-limited model, with once-weekly sessions. If you have any questions about duration, you may discuss this with the Intake Specialist during the intake process.

  • Are you open on weekends?

    We are not open on weekends. We offer our services Monday through Friday, with later appointments available on occasion.

  • How do I connect a friend or family member to JFS counseling?

    We’re so glad you’re helping a loved one connect to us! This looks different depending on who you’d like to help connect with us:

    • If your loved one is an adult, you can give them our direct line (206-861-3152) or email so they can reach out to us directly.
    • If your loved one is a teen or young adult ages 13+, you can support them by discussing counseling with them and calling or emailing on their behalf. Teens are also always welcome to contact us themselves if they feel comfortable! Please do note that we cannot enroll a teen in therapy without their consent, and we do require a private intake session with your teen prior to enrolling them in therapy.
  • Can I see a therapist for a same-day/walk-in appointment?

    Unfortunately, we do not offer same-day or walk-in appointments since we have an intake process that we must adhere to. Once you get in touch with us through one of the methods above, we will do our best to see you as soon as we are able. Thank you for your understanding.

  • Do you work with people in crisis/emergency situations?

    Jewish Family Service is not equipped to respond to crisis situations. If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact King County’s local crisis clinic, Crisis Connection’s 24-Hr Crisis Line at (866) 427-4747. You can also call the new national 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If it is an emergency, please go to your nearest emergency room.

From the Blog

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