Change is constant; employment can change, relationships begin and often end, and people move. Even during daily life challenges arise. Therapy can provide a safe environment to discuss your situation, explore your feelings and learn strategies to withstand change and the challenges of everyday life.
About Me
My name is Chris Paton and I am a psychotherapist in private practice. I moved to Seattle over 20 years ago with my partner from a small university town in Oregon where I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology at Oregon State University. Following a successful career as a Training & Development professional within the high tech industry I returned to my first passion, psychology, in 2010. I graduated from City University of Seattle in 2012 with a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology. As a life long learner I continue my education through seminars, conferences, and my membership in the following associations: the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA), the Washington Mental Health Counselors Association (WMHCA), the American Counseling Association (ACA), the Washington Counseling Association (WCA), the Seattle Counselors Association (SCA), and the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE).
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), a Mental Health Professional (MHP), and a Geriatric Mental Health Specialist (GMHS) in the State of Washington. I approach therapy from the theory known as Person Centered (or Client Centered) Therapy. I believe that the relationship we build during your therapy sessions is an important part of how our work together progresses. Further, it means that I treat all my clients with “Unconditional Positive Regard”; I do not approve of, disapprove of, or judge my clients or their actions. Instead I work from your current relational experiences. However, each relationship is individual and I will work with you utilizing the theory most appropriate for your situation.
I work with a wide variety of clients:
* male, female , gender-fluid, and non-binary * young and old *
married, single, polyamorous, "non-traditional", and kinky
relationships * straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, 
transgender,
asexual, and questioning clients.
Our work together can address a wide variety of issues including, but
not limited to:
* depression, anxiety, and personality disorders * how to navigate
the challenges of daily life * how to navigate developmental
transitions * adjusting to life changes * the challenges inherent
within the process of individuation * issues specific to the
geriatric population * issues specific to the LGBTQIA
population.
Rates & Insurance
My rate for an individual therapy session is $150 per 55 minute
session, initial sessions (intakes) are billed at $175 per 55 minute
session.
I am an in-network provider for Premera Blue Cross, Lifewise, First
Choice, and Kaiser Permanente PPO insurance plans.
Payment is due at the time of service and I accept cash or credit cards as forms of payment. I offer a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation to ensure that our fit is a good one. Sessions cancelled without 24 hour notice will result in a “no show” fee that is equal to your regular session rate.