Alex Contrades, MSW, LICSW

Psychotherapy and Assessment

Welcome! I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in the state of Washington. I provide outpatient psychotherapy and assessment for individual adults via telehealth and in person in Puyallup, WA.

I love to help people live more authentic, fuller lives by celebrating the things that make you unique, and helping you identify what you need to live a more values-driven life. I often work with folks who want to feel less trapped in worry, sadness, anger, or feelings of worthlessness and loneliness. Many come to me with traumatic or painful past experiences, and they want to better navigate relationships with others or manage their emotions in healthier ways. They want to find meaning in their lives, and be more confident in who they are as an individual.

If this sounds like you, I would love the opportunity to chat and see if we are a good fit for each other.

About Me

I utilize a combination of cognitive (thought-based) therapies and somatic (body-based) therapies in order to address how trauma and emotional dysregulation affects both our brains and our bodies. This means that we may address your deeply held beliefs about yourself, while also exploring ways to identify where that tension lies in your body and how to release it. I am also trained to use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy with those who are interested.

I have experience not only with supporting others in their mental health journey, but navigating my own as well. I understand how nerve-wracking it can be to meet someone new and share such intimate information about yourself (heads up, therapists can get a little nervous about meeting new clients too, even those of us who have been working for many years!)

LICENSURE

Social Worker Independent Clinical License #LW61365902, Washington state

EDUCATION

  • Master of Social Work, Arizona State University, 2012
  • Bachelor of Social Work, Seattle University, 2008
  • BA in Humanities, Seattle University, 2008

CONTINUING EDUCATION AND TRAININGS

  • Autistic-Centered Therapy
  • ADHD Assessment
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • EMDR Trained Clinician
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy
  • Neurodiversity-Affirming Care
  • Certification in Traumatic Stress Studies, Trauma Research Foundation
  • Infant/Family Clinical Practice Certificate, Harris Institute

Please know that I welcome working with persons of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, neurotypes, religions, abilities, body types, and socioeconomic statuses. I try sincerely to recognize the dynamics of intersectionality in my work with clients.

When I’m not working, I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my husband and son; curling up with a good book and a cat (or two…or more!); listening to nerdy podcasts; and purchasing craft supplies that may or may not be used one day.

Fees and Services

Fees and Insurance

Private Pay- $150/50 min

Insurances Accepted:

BlueCross (Premera), BlueShield (Regence), First Choice Health, Kaiser HMO, Kaiser PPO, Lifewise, Premera, Regence

Please check with your insurance company to confirm the cost of any co-pays or deductibles

Billing

I currently contract with  Puget Sound Psychotherapy and Psychiatry for intake, billing, and scheduling our first appointment.

Psychotherapy

I provide one-on-one psychotherapy (mental health counseling) for individual adults. I do not see children, families, or couples as part of my practice (but I will gladly provide referrals!)

Assessment

Assessment is provided during the initial intake session, and ongoing as requested. Per state law, I am able to assess and diagnose all mental and emotional disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V-TR). However, due to complexity and specific training needing, I may refer out for further assessment if certain diagnoses are indicated

Good Faith Estimate

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, healthcare providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

Schedule Your Free 15 Minute Consultation

Interested in working together? I offer 15 minute phone consultations so we can discuss your needs, any logistics, and decide if we should schedule a session together.