LGBT therapists in Bellevue, WA

I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University in 2023, and I have had the privilege of working with a great variety of clients in an outpatient hospital setting over the last three years. Through a trauma informed and person-centered lens, I want to help clients explore concerns relating to shame, depression, anxiety, identity, and more.

Hello, and welcome! My name is Theresa McDowell, PhD and I’m a dedicated School Psychologist and licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) with over 20 years of experience in mental health and education. I specialize in supporting individuals across various stages of life, offering evidence-based interventions to address challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and grief.

I enjoy learning about ways we can change and understand our human existence. We are thinking, feeling and doing beings. Cognitive behavioral therapy provides a framework to identify ways to do it differently and better. Trauma treatment modalities like EMDR may support processing neurological and physiological reactions and being able to feel secure and safe while staying connected to others more fully. Our story is just that; we write it and edit it. We get to choose the chapters and path of our lives, through the unknowns, mysteries and celebrations.

Some people arrive feeling mentally exhausted—like their mind is running a marathon they never signed up for. Maybe anxiety keeps you on edge, depression has drained your motivation, or ADHD makes everyday tasks feel harder than they should. Whatever brought you here, my role is simple: help you sort through the noise and find a clearer path forward. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and life transitions, creating a space where you can talk openly, think clearly, and begin making meaningful changes.

I'm a compassionate mental health provider who believes healing is possible for everyone. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating anxiety, chronic illness and pain, and substance use and addiction. My work is rooted in the belief that you are the expert on your own life — and my role is to walk alongside you with evidence-based tools and unwavering support. I bring warmth and authenticity to every session, creating a space where you feel truly seen, heard, and valued. Whatever you're carrying, I'm here to help.

Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or worn down by the demands of life or work? Many of my clients seek therapy during times of transition, burnout, self-doubt, or when they’ve lost connection with their sense of balance and purpose. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Employee Assistance Professional, I’m here to provide a supportive space to explore challenges with honesty, resilience, and compassion. I help clients navigate stress, life transitions, and personal struggles while honoring their identities and cultural backgrounds to invite authenticity, balance, and self-discovery.

Many of my clients are students, young adults, and working professionals navigating the demands of school, careers, relationships, and life transitions. They’re often trying to balance everything while wondering why life feels harder than it should.

I believe treatment works best when you better understand yourself and your options. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, depression, psychosis, or another mental health concern, my approach is practical, collaborative, and tailored to your individual needs.

As a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my goal is to help you better understand what’s going on, feel confident in your treatment, and find an approach that fits your life.

I provide compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in the evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management of ADHD, anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, trauma-related conditions. My goal is to create a supportive, judgment-free environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered throughout your mental health journey.

I believe that every person's story is unique, so I take the time to understand your concerns, symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment goals before developing an individualized care plan. I incorporate medication management with supportive counseling and evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques and Motivational Interviewing, to help you build practical coping skills and achieve lasting improvement.

Whether you're struggling with difficulty focusing, persistent worry, overwhelming stress, low mood, emotional challenges, or life transitions, I work collaboratively with you to help you regain balance and improve your overall well-being. My focus is on delivering personalized, compassionate care that supports meaningful, long-term success in both your mental health and daily life.