Carissa Streich , LICSW

Carissa Streich is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Washington with nine years of experience supporting people through a wide range of life challenges. She has worked with clients across the age spectrum on concerns such as depression, stress, anxiety, bullying, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and career challenges, and has extensive experience assisting individuals who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse.

Her therapeutic style is direct yet warm, grounded in a strengths-based perspective that emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion. She blends principles from cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approaches within a trauma-informed framework, and she adapts pace, dialogue, and treatment plans to fit each person’s unique needs and goals. Carissa emphasizes collaboration and practical strategies while also attending to deeper patterns that affect wellbeing.

Reaching out for support is a courageous step, and Carissa frames therapy as a process of empowerment and partnership. While she brings clinical experience and clear interventions to the work, she focuses on helping people identify their strengths and build sustainable skills to navigate change and heal from difficult experiences.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support

Carissa draws on client-centered therapy to create a supportive, collaborative space where the person’s goals and values guide the work. This approach focuses on building rapport, validating experience, and empowering clients to make meaningful changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is used to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors with practical strategies that target anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. Motivational Interviewing complements these methods by helping people explore ambivalence and strengthen their own motivation for change.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Carissa partners with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and she tailors techniques and pacing accordingly so the plan fits the individual. That collaborative process helps determine which combination of approaches will be most helpful.

Online therapy with Carissa can take place via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access regular support from licensed professionals and therapists without needing to travel, which can help maintain consistency and momentum in treatment.