The new look of
Seattle Counseling Service
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Looking for health services? Get started today.
We are here to help.
Begin by completing our
application for services.
We strictly adhere to all local, state, and federal privacy laws. We will never release any information about you nor even acknowledge that you are a client at SCS to anyone without your express written permission. Paper applications are also available to download.
After completing your application, we will contact you quickly to schedule your first appointment.
Scheduling your appointment
Once we've received your application, it will be reviewed by our Client Services Department. You will normally be contacted within 3 business days to arrange for your first appointment. Wait times for appointments vary and are subject to availability. Additionally, you may request that we not leave phone messages for you and/or you may indicate that only certain phone numbers are to be used for communication.
What to expect during your appointment
Your first appointment, called an assessment, will be focused on learning more about your needs and goals for treatment. This session generally takes about two hours. After the first session, you will be matched with an individual counselor best suited to your needs and goals. You will meet with this counselor for individual sessions and they will become your point of contact for all services at SCS.
Your insurance may qualify.
To help expedite your application please provide your insurance carrier information including your member ID and a company contact number. We request that you bring your insurance card to your initial appointment in addition to providing the information on your application. We are available to answer any questions you may have about our programs and services. Messages will be returned.
Need more information? Give us a call.
(206) 323-1768Payment & Fees
Payment of fees, co-pays, and co-insurance are expected at the time of service. We accept cash, debit, and VISA/MasterCard.
Fees vary according to the type of service you receive. If you qualify as low-income and do not have Medicaid or insurance coverage, discounts are available using our sliding scale to help you with costs. Unfortunately, even at the bottom of our sliding scale services are not completely free. Our agency has limited additional grant funds which are subject to availability and qualifying criteria.
We currently accept the following:
MH & SUD Services:
- Bridgespan
- Kaiser Permanente PPO/HMO
- Premera
- Regence
Other Services:
- 1st Choice Health
- Community Health Plan of Washington
- Lifewise
- Molina
What do I do if I am in crisis?
Call the crisis clinic's 24 hour hotline at (866) 427-4747 or (206) 461-3222. If you are already a client of SCS, you may call us at (206) 323-1768 during our business hours Monday throughThursday 8AM-8PM and Friday 8AM to 5PM. If you are looking for information or referrals for local low-income or homeless resources try crisisclinic.org or call toll-free 2-1-1.
What if I do not identify as LBGTQ?
We provide treatment without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, immigration status, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age or disability. However, since our mission is to meet the needs of the LGBTQ community and to provide a safe place for sexual minorities, it may be deemed by clinical staff that a referral to another agency may be more appropriate for you. We will not tolerate any actions, language, or attitudes that compromise this mission and the successful treatment of others.
What are your hours and where are you located?
Our office is open Monday through Thursday 8AM to 8PM and Friday 8AM to 5PM. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday. We are located on the corner of Pine Street and Melrose Avenue in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle at 1216 Pine Street.
What qualifications does your staff have?
Our agency is a state licensed community mental health agency and state licensed chemical dependency outpatient treatment facility. All clinical staff members hold Master's level degrees or higher and are credentialed Mental Health Professionals. All staff members have training and experience in providing culturally competent services to LGBTQ clients.
Do you have in-patient services?
SCS is outpatient only. If you need to go into an in-patient program we can help with a referral to another facility.
I'm concerned for my privacy. How do you protect that?
We strictly adhere to all local, state and federal privacy laws. We will never release any information about you nor even acknowledge that you are a client at SCS to anyone without your express written permission. Additionally, you may request that we not leave phone messages for you and/or you may indicate that only certain phone numbers are to be used for communication.
"When I walked in, I felt seen. They knew what to ask and were very considerate—pronouns, legal names, and chosen names. I was surprised by how queer the staff is and how they represented me. It made me feel comfortable."
KWSeattle Counseling Service Client
"I was walking down the hill and SCS popped up, so I walked in, and it was just night and day. It was so welcoming and so inviting that I just felt comfortable."
Tim N.Seattle Counseling Service Client
Mental Health Services
We provide an array of comprehensive outpatient mental health services. We help individuals and families with everything from single episode to mild and severe mental illness. We place a special emphasis on strengths-based counseling because we believe in the power and ability of each person to heal themselves.
Substance Use Disorder Services
We offer a complete substance use disorder outpatient treatment program specifically designed to meet the needs of LGBTQ individuals and their families. We can help individuals recover from addiction to alcohol and drugs in an atmosphere free from homophobia, prejudice, fear, shame, ignorance, and heterosexism.
Other Programs & Services
We provide many other services for our community, including monthly and weekly support groups, peer-led outreach programs, HIV prevention, PReP assistance, and compassionate harm-reduction programs for needle exchange and safe sex education.
SCS 2017 Digital Annual Report
News and upcoming events
50th Anniversary Gala
March 13, 2019Every five years, our annual ICON benefit turns into our Gala to celebrate each five-year milestone. This year’s Gala will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at the Westin Seattle. Ticket sales for our Gala will open on February 22nd with VIP and general admission tickets and tables available for purchase. All proceeds benefit...
Empower
Sexual Trauma Support Group
March 13, 2019
This is a psychoeducational group for folks of all gender and sexual identities who have experienced sexual trauma. We will be engaging in mindfulness and art-based activities alongside each other and as a group to build embodiment, self-trust, and connection with community. This group requires pre-approval, and you do not need to be a client...
Soul-Full
A Drop-in Nutrition Group
March 13, 2019
This nutrition group will cover basic nutrition for health and wellness with a whole foods emphasis which will include intuitive eating, mindful eating, critique of medical norms of what constitutes a “healthy” body shape and size, and nutrition and mental health. This group is free, and you do not need to be a client at...
The new looks of SCS
January 30, 2019After more than 20 years, Seattle Counseling Service is proud and excited to announce the launch of our new logo! We are altering our logo and overall appearance to better reflect who we are today while also symbolizing our future moving forward as a diverse, yet interwoven community. In addition to our new logo, our brand...
50th Anniversary
Anti-Stigma Initiative
January 28, 2019
The social stigma of mental health and discrimination of LGBTQ folks continue to hinder our community from enrolling in services. People of color, transgender individuals, immigrants, refugees, and undocumented populations experience even higher levels of bias, stigma, and discrimination. Coupled with the lack of culturally competent care, many avoid seeking services altogether. Approximately 43.8 million...
Smart Love
A Relationship Skills Class
January 6, 2019
Navigating relationships can be hard. If you’re a current SCS client and want to learn how to engage more deeply with your partner or partners, sign up for our free 6 week relationship skills class beginning March 25th. All relationship types are welcome.