Carissa Streich , LICSW

Carissa Streich is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Washington with nine years of clinical experience. She has supported people across the age spectrum through a broad range of concerns including depression, stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, career challenges, bullying, and both physical trauma and emotional abuse.

Her clinical focus spans many areas such as bipolar disorder, grief, addictions, eating concerns, anger, self-esteem, and compassion fatigue, and she also works with relationship and family issues including blended families, divorce and separation, and non-monogamous relationship dynamics. Additional concentrations include first responder and veteran issues, sexual assault and abuse, self-harm, sexuality, workplace stress, and challenges specific to young adults.

Streich’s therapeutic style is direct yet warm and strengths-based, grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Her approach weaves together cognitive behavioral techniques and psychodynamic perspectives within a trauma-informed framework, and she adapts pace, dialogue, and treatment planning to each person’s unique needs. The LICSW credential indicates she is a licensed clinical social worker qualified to provide psychotherapy in Washington.

She recognizes that reaching out for support can require courage and aims to empower people who are ready to take steps toward change, offering collaborative care tailored to individual goals and circumstances.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Carissa Streich integrates client-centered therapy into her work, which focuses on building a respectful, empathetic relationship and prioritizes the client’s perspective when setting goals and pacing sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another key element of her practice; CBT helps people identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and is commonly used for anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. Motivational Interviewing is employed when ambivalence about change is present - this collaborative, goal-oriented method supports clients in clarifying motivation and strengthening commitment to change.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Streich collaborates with each person to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences. She adjusts techniques and session pace to suit individual circumstances.

Online therapy offers practical benefits such as flexible scheduling and access from different locations. Sessions can take place via video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging, which can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, reduce travel time, and maintain continuity of care when in-person visits are not feasible.