Ian Mearns

EdD, MSW, MA, LICSWA
Accepting Clients

Helping individuals overcome challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful change through evidence-based therapy.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Seattke, WA
Supervised by Annie Perry - LW60793472

Services
  • Individual
  • Adolescent/Teen

About My Clients

I work with adolescents, adults, veterans, and families experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, substance use, relationship challenges, grief, and life transitions. Many of my clients have faced childhood trauma, military service-related stress, homelessness, or involvement with the criminal justice system. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where clients can build resilience, develop coping skills, and create meaningful change.

My Background and Approach

My upbringing was marked by domestic violence and trauma. After barely graduating from high school and seeing limited opportunities ahead, I joined the U.S. Marine Corps and completed two tours in Iraq. Following my military service, I used the GI Bill to pursue higher education, earning a BA in Urban Studies, a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, a Master of Social Work, and a Doctor of Education. Throughout most of my academic journey, I worked in mental health and social service settings, including corrections, foster care, hospitals, and community-based programs. These experiences have shaped my direct, supportive, and collaborative approach to therapy. Together, we will explore the thoughts, behaviors, and experiences that may be holding you back and develop practical tools to manage anxiety, improve communication, strengthen emotional regulation, and create meaningful change.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

I believe that every person has the capacity for growth, healing, and positive change when provided with the right support, tools, and environment. I view therapy as a collaborative partnership built on trust, respect, authenticity, and compassion. My role is not to tell clients what to do, but to help them better understand themselves, recognize their strengths, and develop the skills needed to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. I also believe that mental health is influenced by a combination of personal experiences, relationships, culture, and social systems. Because of this, I strive to provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive care that honors each client’s unique background and lived experience. I am committed to creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to make meaningful changes that support their well-being and quality of life.

Techniques I Use

Specialties
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Other Techniques
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Addiction Counseling
  • Anger Management Therapy
  • Attachment Theory
  • Exposure Therapy
  • Biofeedback
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Couples Counseling
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Existential Therapy
  • Family Systems
  • Family Therapy
  • Gestalt Therapy
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Nonviolent Communication
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Trauma Therapy
  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy
  • Schema Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Issues I Treat

Specialties
Anxiety Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Veterans/Military Service
Other Issues
  • Abuse
  • Addiction
  • ADHD Therapists
  • Adoption Issues
  • Anger Issues
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Bipolar
  • Burnout
  • Chronic Pain or Illness
  • Codependency
  • Domestic Violence or Intimate Partner Violence
  • Grief or Loss
  • Historical/ Intergenerational Trauma
  • Insomnia
  • Medication Management
  • Men's Issues
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
  • Parenting
  • Personality Disorders
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Psychosis and Schizophrenia
  • Relationship Issues
  • Self-Esteem
  • Self-Harm
  • Sexual Abuse or Assault
  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Systemic Oppression Therapy
  • Veterans/Military Service
Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Aetna
  • Cigna
  • Kaiser
  • First Choice Health
  • LifeWise
  • Premera
  • TRICARE
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • Regence Blue Shield
  • Premera Blue Cross
  • Evernorth
  • Healthcare Management Administrators
I offer online counseling in the following states:
I have experience with the following
  • Buddhism
  • Christianity
  • Islam
  • Jehovah's Witnesses
  • Judaism
  • Multifaith

At A Glance

  • Experience: 15 years of practice
  • Languages: Español
  • Rate: $150 - 200/session

Reach out to Ian