12/29/2025
Immediate Therapy and Psychiatric Medication Management Availability
Balance Psychiatric Clinic is pleased to share that we currently have immediate therapy availability with several of our highly skilled clinicians: Carrie, Brittany, and Michael. As many clients have successfully completed their treatment plans and “graduated” from care, new openings are now available for individuals and families seeking support.
To ensure a strong therapeutic fit, we are happy to offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation. This brief, no-obligation conversation allows you to meet the therapist, discuss your goals, and determine whether the clinician and approach are right for you.
⚠️ Website Notice:
Our website, balancepsychiatric.org, is currently under maintenance and is expected to be fully operational by the end of this week. During this time, we remain available to assist with scheduling and inquiries by phone or email.
📞 To schedule a consultation, please contact Balance Psychiatric Clinic 360-358-3039 or request an appointment through email reception@balancepsychiatric.org
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Carrie Stringer, LMHCA
**Trauma-Informed Therapy for Adolescents, Adults, and Families**
Carrie brings more than 35 years of experience working with trauma-affected youth and families. Originally from the Midwest, she has called Washington home since 1994 and has dedicated her career to supporting individuals impacted by complex trauma, including youth orphaned by war in Lake Atitlán, Guatemala.
Carrie specializes in working with trauma and its many presentations, including:
* Anxiety and depression
* Dissociation
* Trauma reenactment behaviors (internalized and externalized)
* Eating disorders and body dysmorphia
* Avoidance of trauma reminders and emotional overwhelm
At the core of Carrie’s work is the belief that **all behavior is an attempt to meet a need**. Through this compassionate lens, she helps clients explore unmet needs while reducing shame and stigma. Her approach reframes behavior not as “right or wrong,” but as meaningful communication—opening the door to healing and self-understanding.
Carrie utilizes an eclectic, integrative approach, drawing from:
* Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
* Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
* Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
* Somatic and body-based practices
* Emotional literacy and expressive arts
* Exploration of dreams, symbolism, and unconscious processes
She works with clients ages 13 and older, as well as parents of younger children seeking guidance and support.
*“It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine.”* — Winnie-the-Pooh
**Insurance & Fees**
* In-network with many major commercial insurance plans (please contact us to verify coverage)
* Private pay options available
* Self-pay rates are competitive and discussed transparently prior to scheduling
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Brittany McConnell, LICSW
**Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker**
Brittany is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) known for her compassionate, grounded, and systems-informed approach to care. She has extensive experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including:
* Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
* Depression and anxiety
* Mood and trauma-related disorders
Her work is rooted in person-centered care, honoring each client as the expert of their own lived experience. Brittany recognizes that mental health is deeply influenced by family systems, social environments, medical factors, and broader societal structures.
She is trained in:
* Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
* Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
and is currently working toward certification in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to further support trauma recovery.
Brittany earned her Master of Social Work from Walden University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy and Administration, deepening her understanding of how systems, policy, and access impact mental health outcomes.
Her professional background includes serving as a lead therapist in an inpatient behavioral health hospital and working as a medical hospital case manager, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the intersection of mental and physical health.
Outside of work, Brittany enjoys life with her husband, daughter, and three large, lovable dogs. She finds joy in cooking, reading, and gardening.
**Insurance & Fees**
* Accepts many major insurance plans
* Private pay options available for clients without insurance or who prefer self-pay
* Fees are discussed in advance to ensure clarity and comfort
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Michael Marshall, LMHCA
**Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate**
Michael Marshall is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) with a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Bastyr University. With nearly a decade of experience in wilderness therapy, Michael brings a deeply relational, nature-informed, and body-centered perspective to counseling.
His work is shaped by rites of passage, somatic healing, and the belief that healing begins by turning inward with curiosity and compassion. Michael emphasizes presence, active listening, and intuition, meeting each client exactly where they are.
Once trust and connection are established, he integrates evidence-based modalities, including:
* Gestalt Therapy
* Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
* Person-Centered Therapy
* Somatic Experiencing
* Internal Family Systems (IFS)
* Psychodynamic and intergenerational approaches
Michael’s trauma-informed practice recognizes that pain often resides not only in the mind, but also within the body. He supports clients in gently witnessing painful, hidden, or shame-laden experiences so they can be released and transformed into resilience and self-compassion.
He believes therapy is not about forcing change, but about creating a safe and sacred container where transformation can naturally unfold.
Outside of counseling, Michael enjoys surfing, hiking, yoga, and tending his farm outside Olympia with his wife, two dogs, and a small herd of cattle.
**Insurance & Fees**
* Accepts select insurance plans (coverage varies by plan and credentialing status)
* Offers affordable self-pay rates for private clients
* Transparent pricing discussed prior to services
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Ready to Get Started?
Balance Psychiatric Clinic is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate, and accessible mental health care. Whether you are seeking trauma-informed therapy, support for mood disorders, or a holistic approach to healing, our clinicians are here to help.
✨ Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today and take the next step toward balance and well-being.
