Justin Washington, Ed.S, LMHCA
Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate
(253) 777-1997 | [email protected]
I am passionate about providing Christian counseling to teens, pastors and ministry leaders, couples, children, adult individuals, and families. As a pastor and counselor, I will collaborate with you and support you in your growth and success. I offer a calm, welcoming environment that aims to foster growth, resilience, and transformation for those who are ready to take the next step in their healing journey. With Jesus Christ as my foundation, I will honor your values as we partner together and seek God’s guidance and direction for your unique path in life.
Tacoma – Thu & Sun
Puyallup – Sat
Online (WA Only) – Thu, Sat & Sun
My Goal as a Christian Counselor
One of my aims as your counselor is for you to experience the peace of the Holy Spirit, even in the middle of tough life challenges. I will strive to balance listening, validating, and challenging you toward growth as you find your footing and increase your awareness. In our sessions, I will encourage you toward active behavioral change. Without positive steps forward, change does not happen. My hope is that you will feel loved and cared for as we take these steps forward together, with God’s help.
What I Offer in Christian Counseling
I offer a caring, peaceful, and nurturing environment where you can process the challenges and joys of life. As your counselor, I will listen to your story and offer guidance for your situation using proven therapeutic techniques combined with wisdom and direction from the Lord and His Word.
My Approach to Christian Counseling
My faith informs every element of my life. As an ambassador of Christ Jesus, my purpose on this earth is to align with His will on a daily basis. One of the benefits of a Christian approach is having the Holy Spirit involved in the conversation. During counseling sessions, I am always communicating with the Holy Spirit as my guide, and also the guide for those I am charged to care for. As a Christian counselor, I trust that the Holy Spirit will work through me, providing my clients with what they need.
Qualifications & Experience
I hold a B.A. in Psychology from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, an M.S. in Human Service from Capella University, and an Ed.S. in School Psychology from Seattle University. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA), a Board Certified Mental Health Coach (BCMHC), and a School Psychologist.
My Call to Christian Counseling
As I reflect on my current reasons for providing counseling services, I desire to help individuals find their voice of greatness. It is an honor for me to join in on the journey of another individual, helping them discover their WHY in life. It brings me joy to watch others shine. This is my reason for doing counseling today. Years ago, in my twenties, I enjoyed listening to people and helping them. I discovered more of my WHY as I journeyed as a counselor.
More About Me/On a Personal Note
When I am not working, I enjoy backpacking and taking individuals on their first backpacking trip. A couple of summers ago, I took four different families on their first backpacking trip. It brings me joy to see people explore the outdoors. I have a camper van and enjoy taking van trips and exploring the United States. I enjoy traveling. Last summer I went to Mexico and Thailand, which was amazing.
Areas of Expertise/Specialties
- ADHD
- Anger Management
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Bipolar Disorder
- Coaching
- Counseling for Children
- Counseling for Pastors and Ministry Leaders
- Counseling for Teens
- Couples Counseling
- Depression
- Family Counseling
- Grief and Loss
- Group Counseling
- Individual Counseling
- Infidelity and Affairs
- Lifespan Integration
- Marriage Counseling
- Men’s Issues
- OCD
- Online Counseling
- Personal Development
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Premarital Counseling
- Professional Development
- Relationship Issues
- Spiritual Development
- Trauma
Counseling for Teens
In today’s fast-paced world, teen conflict areas are on the rise. It’s important for teens to be well supported as they discover practical skills to cope with everyday stressors. I am passionate about working with teens and work hard to foster an environment of personal growth for my teenage clients.
Couples Counseling
Take the next step to foster growth within your relationship. In couples therapy, I will help you and your partner establish an environment of peace, restoration, and accountability. Relationships are work! As your couples therapist, I will support your journey and help you see how working hard can transform your relationship and result in lasting, positive change with God’s help.
Counseling for Pastors and Ministry Leaders
As an ordained pastor, I understand the complexities of the ministry assignment. As you care for your community, the constant giving of your time, energy, and resources can take a spiritual, relational, and physical toll. Pastors commonly experience burnout due to the lack of receiving care. Take the risk and establish a rhythm of self-care supporting the running of your race. Book your appointment and experience a deep understanding of your journey with a counselor who shares a common mission of service.
ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder does not have to adversely impact your engagement with life. In our counseling sessions, you can learn tools to support the unique way you engage the world around you. As your counselor, I will help you build skills to support your short-term memory, apply your attention, and improve self-regulation and impulse control.
Anger Management
Anger does not have to be a destructive force in your life. If you commit to a process of self-discovery, you can identify and eliminate factors contributing to an anger response. I have multiple years of experience teaching anger management, helping clients improve their impulse control and increase their ability to self-regulate. With God’s help through Christian counseling, you can find ways to effectively manage your anger.
Coaching
There are moments when you need support setting concrete goals and finding the accountability to reach them. As a Board Certified Mental Health Coach, I work with clients to help them learn supportive life strategies to decrease marginalization. After receiving a mental health diagnosis, many people ask the question, “Now what?” Together we will discover how you can continue finding success, even after receiving your mental health diagnosis.
Availability (by office location):
- Tacoma – Thursday and Sunday
- Puyallup – Saturday
- Online (WA Only) – Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals, couples, and groups looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment the full fee per session is required at the time of service.
Insurance: As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA), some insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover adolescents, individuals, and couples.
Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).
Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.