Therapy for teens and young adults whose emotions run big.
At Understory Therapy, we use DBT and other well-researched therapies with teens, young adults, and adults, in person in Ballard, Seattle and on Vashon Island, and by telehealth across Washington.
In network with Premera, Regence, LifeWise, and most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans.
No long waitlist. Most new clients have a first appointment within 5 business days, and urgent needs are usually seen within 48 hours.
Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911. We are not a crisis service and cannot respond to emergencies.
What we help with
Therapy that builds skills you can use the same week.
Big emotions
Going from fine to furious or in tears in seconds, then taking hours to come back down. DBT teaches skills for exactly that. How we offer DBT.
Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
DBT and CAMS, two of the best-researched approaches, plus a safety plan your family can use. What parents should know.
Anxiety
Exposure therapy to face fears in manageable steps, so worry stops running the day.
Depression
Behavioral activation to rebuild routines, connection, and a sense that things matter.
Trauma
EMDR and exposure therapy to process what happened and get unstuck. How we offer EMDR.
Teens and young adults
Our focus is early adolescence through the late twenties, and we see adults too. Our work with teens.
Two offices, plus telehealth anywhere in Washington.
Ballard, Seattle
5306 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107
Behavioral therapy (CBT, ACT, and DBT skills) for teens and young adults with Shivali Mashar, LMHCA. Accepting new clients.
Close to Fremont, Phinney Ridge, Greenwood, Crown Hill, Loyal Heights, Magnolia, and Queen Anne.
Vashon Island
17223 Vashon Hwy SW, Vashon, WA 98070
DBT and skills-based therapy for teens, young adults, and adults with Patrick Phelan, LMHC.
For Vashon Island families. Telehealth with Patrick is available anywhere in Washington, including Seattle.
Our therapists
Shivali Mashar, LMHCA
Associate therapist in Ballard. Accepting new clients.
Person-centered, trauma-informed therapy for teens and young adults, with a focus on identity, self-worth, and the systems that shape them. Read Shivali’s bio.
Patrick Phelan, LMHC
Founder and approved clinical supervisor, Vashon Island.
Intensively trained in DBT, with a clinical focus on teens, young adults, and high-risk presentations. Read Patrick’s bio.
How it works
You can begin where you are.
Most people go from first call to first session in about a week.
Book a free consultation
Request a 30-minute phone or video time on our calendar, or call or text us.
Talk it through
Tell us what’s going on, ask anything, and see whether we’re a good fit.
We check your insurance
We confirm your benefits so you know your cost before you start.
Start therapy
Most new clients have a first session within 5 business days.
Fees and insurance
In network with Premera, Regence, LifeWise, and most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans.
We bill your plan directly, so you pay your usual copay or coinsurance. We check your benefits before your first session.
- Premera Blue Cross
- Regence BlueShield
- LifeWise
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
$180 per session if you’re paying yourself
Get started
Start with a free 30-minute consultation.
Request a time on our calendar for a phone or video call, and we’ll confirm it. It’s a chance to ask questions and see whether we’re a good fit, with no commitment either way.
Most new clients have a first appointment within 5 business days. We reply to calls, texts, and emails within one business day.
Prefer email? hello@understorytherapygroup.com. Please leave symptoms and health history out of email; we’ll cover that on the call.